'85 1200 won't turn over by hand.

[rcmatt007]

so sorry to hear, sometimes a break and a single malt scotch clears my mind

[CYBORG]

Don't give up. your almost there. Block the pistons with wood so they are both even and steady. I've done them without any type of ring compressor. Slowly allow the rings to slide into the cyl. Squeeze the rings in by hand until they are started, going side to side til they are all up and in. Remove the wood blocks, and the rest is all down hill. An extra set of hands is handy, but I have done it by myself. Be sure and oil every thing up good. Remember...."failure is not an option"

[rcmatt007]

and do not seize defeat from the jaws of victory

[John Schmidt]

so sorry to hear, sometimes a break and a single malt scotch clears my mind

Apparently that's what was needed. Took a break, my resident bed-warmer(wife) of many years fixed a nice meal, talked a bit about other projects I've had over the years and difficulties I've had but overcame them, then we sat and watched the evening news with a glass of cabernet. I told her I was going to give it one more shot this evening before I quit. I smeared some grease on the chamfered area of the cylinder, tried the blocks one more time but couldn't get them to stay put so tossed them. Readjusted the hose clamps, leveled the pistons and rolled the hydraulic table under the left case and started pumping the table up, using my hands to hold the pistons. From above it appeared they were both entering the cylinder so I removed my hands and gave the case a good downward push. Success! I removed the hose clamps and after making certain all was secure, I closed up shop. Figured I'd quit for the day while I was ahead and screwed something else up.

Guys, thanks for the words of encouragement, seems like the 13th hour was the lucky one this time. I really hate admitting defeat on something like this but I was on the edge of simply walking away from it. I've never given up on anything after just a couple trials and this was no exception. If I don't go on a lunch ride tomorrow, I'll be back out there and try to close up the cases. Wow....what a PITA!

[rcmatt007]

I must admit.... redwood is my muse, and dang she works hard at keeping me focused....

[ericheath]

So, when do you want me to pick it up? Lol... Glad you got it.

[gltriker]

All of us are smiling with you, John!

[CYBORG]

Good show John

[Roady]

Good on ya, John.

It's the measure of a man and the woman who supports him.

[Casper]

Perseverance always wins

[John Schmidt]

Roady, I know where Mulberry Grove is, have a daughter in Vandalia, she works for a HUD office in Greenville. Two other daughters graduated from Greenville College, sadly both lost their battles with breast cancer in the last 8 years. A fourth gal lives in Green Bay and has been rather graphic about how sick and tired she is of this winter weather.

Now a question re. sealer. I have some Permatex Ultra Grey "rigid high-torque" RTV silicone gasket maker. Seems that should do the trick but I'm open to suggestions. I know the RTV will skin up fairly fast, don't know if that will create a problem for me considering the time it will take to coat the entire contact surface of the two case halves.

[roncar]

If there's a buyer within driving distance that is interested in taking it all off my hands, fine....otherwise I'll toss it.

From above it appeared they were both entering the cylinder so I removed my hands and gave the case a good downward push. Success! I removed the hose clamps and after making certain all was secure, I closed up shop. Figured I'd quit for the day while I was ahead and screwed something else up.

DANG! Almost got me a 1200.

Now a question re. sealer. I have some Permatex Ultra Grey "rigid high-torque" RTV silicone gasket maker. Seems that should do the trick but I'm open to suggestions. I know the RTV will skin up fairly fast, don't know if that will create a problem for me considering the time it will take to coat the entire contact surface of the two case halves.

I wouldn't. Don't cheep out now that it's almost licked. The product I've most often seen mentioned is "Hondabond" or "Yamabond." Available at your dealership. No idea on cost, but those are made specifically for sealing the case halves.

[John Schmidt]

"Hondabond" or "Yamabond."

Thanks Ron, I have some Hondabond but not enough for the entire job. Do have a Yamaha dealer fairly close on the east side of Orlando so will pay them a visit. My wife has now asked me if I'm "cautiously optimistic"(family joke) on the outcome of the engine assembly.

[El_Taco]

I've never split a case, but I've used Permatex Ultra Black on pretty much everything else for years.

Well, I have split cases, just not on the GL yet. Yamabond is some strange stuff, black, with the consistency of phlegm.

I saw this thread last night, your pictures of the valve in the piston, and felt my heart in my own stomach at the possibility. Glad you're coming out on top now.

I've always made a point to turn an engine over at least one full turn before buying it, from now on, I'll go for two.

[Toehead]

+ 1 on the hondabond, or the threebond 1194.