Let’s see, latest update? Parts were taking too long to arrive so I installed 69 motor in 71. Runs great but have an oil drip from a gasket at the head. Got that ordered. Meanwhile, yesterday the final gasket for the 71 engine came in. I plan on assembling it today (this evening) and swapping the two motors around. Then, tomorrow, possibly going to a see a guy who has a bunch of parts bikes, and see if I can get more pieces for the 69. The 71 is all together and once the engines are swapped will be pretty much original and rideable.
2.0 saga: got the 71 engine in bike and completely hooked up and runs like a top. Buuuuuuuutttt... transmission issue of some sort. Weird clunky noise when engaged and spinning. Engine will come back out and I’ll tear into it... After I pull right side cover and just verify it’s not something I can get to easily.
Disassembled and had broken gear tooth. Ordered one, and a gasket. And put back together. Buut...
2.1 part of the saga: went to the old guys house and talked parts for the 1969. It’s such a weird year, with nothing really completely matching the later years. Turns out, this guy has about 7 of the 1969 specifically. He has probably, 40 bikes total decaying away in his back yard. It’s pretty cool ‘collection’. We talked a while, and have decided (but could change as nothing was exchanged) that I will trade the 1969 bike I have, with the running engine, for a 1972 bike he has, which is complete but not running. He wants to use mine to complete a good one for himself based on all the 1969 parts bikes he has. Seems like a good option!
Third part: traded for the 1972 Orange!
2.2 saga revisited: Reassembled the 1971, totally together, runs and shifts great. Unfortunately I think I either let the kickstart spring slip or I didn’t clock it right because it doesn’t engage correctly... sigh... gotta disassemble...
Here’s a great site for anyone wanting to rebuild a CT90 or, Trail 90 as it’s also called.
https://ct90restoration.blogspot.com...eassembly.html
It shows the kickstart spring (not the recoil, but a second one which moves a gear into another gear) for them going into a slot but I am positive I let the shaft slip downward, and then rotate the spring out... very annoyed with myself but will tackle it later today. About 1.5 hours to disassemble and maybe 2-3 hours to reassemble?
Update: came apart easily and I didn’t destroy the gaskets! Got the aligning spring problem corrected (yes, I did have it in the wrong spot) and am taking a break to get torque specs and get a drink. Had it torn down in less than an hour. Will add an update in a bit...
Second update: runs well! shifts well, starts well. Drove around block. Battery was low and also, carb seems to be leaking... charging battery tonight and will see what’s with the carb tomorrow.
Third update, Saturday: wasn’t charging. Traced it to the pink wire on the rectifier/regulator. Had another used one in a box, swapped it out and is charging like it’s supposed to. Still haven’t messed with carb but I think I’ll order a rebuild kit.
Ok, so 1971 red is mostly sorted and looking good. 1972 orange is waiting patiently. Should be a runner, since it turns over and has compression. I figure that one will go out to Bandon and be a run around bike in the salt air as it’s got pretty bad paint. The red one will stay at my house.