She’s Alive!

My YFZ450 started for the first time today after I rebuilt the engine! So exciting! Turned out what was causing the engine to backfire and not start was a mis-aligned shim under the cam buckets which was causing the valve to be held open. Fixed that and she started up like a charm. Need to put the chassis back together and get out to the track for breakin now.

Shim shifter off center

Properly timed

Video of it running

Powerful song

Today I was sitting waiting for another class to start and decided I would check out some of the band Puscifer’s (Maynard James Keenan) music. Came across the song “Momma Sed” and was really moved by it. Powerful lyrics, simple folk/country style guitar and wonderful bass support. An excellent package, I wish they would play it on the radio. Enjoy

Track day!

After a rough Spring Break Ian and I decided we would try out one of Austin’s motocross tracks for the first time. Since the Honda 400ex was the only quad running we loaded it up and headed out toward Giddings where Cross Creek track was near.

The quads are only allowed on one track, but it was fun as hell! Excellent full body workout! We were the last ones to leave. Got too good helmet-cam videos of my runs.

Troubles

Now that Spring Break is over my YFZ’s engine still is not running. Between having troubles with the piston’s second compression ring getting bent and electical problems its quite depressing. Had a nice member of the YFZ forums overnight me one for only the cost of shipping. Got the engine together the day the ring came in and installed the engine the following day. Unfortunately still having issues with the spark system and am down waiting for a multi-meter to figure out what is wrong.

Pressure washed the chassis

Transmission installed

Cases together with crank and tranny!

Clutch basket issues. Was recommended the wrong basket which didnt fit. Fortunately someone is trading me for the correct one.

Bent ring

Piston in the cylinder

Head all cleaned up

All assembled

Closer view of the chassis

Goodies

My YFZ450 engine rebuild saga continues. Over the last couple weeks I’ve been removing bearings, cleaning surfaces, and ordering parts. Should be a pretty awesome engine when its finished.

Decided to go with the best, a modified CP piston by Venom. 12.25:1 compression ratio.

Only some of the OEM parts

Tools

Removing one of the odd bearings from the case with a pilot bearing remover

Cases with removed bearings

Cometic gasket kit

J&T oil upgrade and oil pump

Relaxing weekend?

For the first time in…well…since I can’t remember I didn’t have to travel 50 million places. But does that equal a relaxing weekend? Nope, still had to do 50 million things. Managed to finish three big school projects/papers due next week, clean the house, take out all the trash, wash the hedgehog’s bedding, bathe the hedgehog, setup my next car photo shoot, sell some parts online, and work with some vinyl customers. Oh and update my blog. Whew…

Snow in Austin

Ok, so I’m a week or two late posting this to the blog, but it was so exciting to see some real snow in Texas! Big flakes!

New camera

I like to get my point and shoot cameras on clearance, and the new one is no exception. For me it makes them more ‘disposable’ and I am not afraid to take them where I would not take other cameras. My old Canon camera is on its last leg, the lens has to be helped open, its been dropped countless times, and eats AA batteries like they’re going out of style!

While at work the other day I found a nice Olympus X-915 camera. Also while at Fry’s the I picked up a cute little carrying case. Looking forward to having a rechargeable camera again!

The new Olympus and it's case

Whippin’ Ass

Had to do a project for a class in After Effects and decided it would be more fun to include some music and a video. Edited in some drifting, offroad jumps, helicopter, and RC footage from the hundreds of hours I’ve gotten over the years…its been a lot of fun! Edited to the tune of the Ray’s ‘Whipass’, remixed by Goose…my theme song : )