Picture: The REB at rest. Sure hope the sleeve of my jacket didn't get melted.
After consulting with Classic Motorworks and Broadway Street Bikes in Wichita I have decided to haul the REB to Wichita (Haysville actually) and let them take a crack at the ailing engine.
Yesterday, Thursday, I readjusted the exhaust valve and it seemed to be running OK so I went for a seven mile ride to warm things up. After shuting it down for a few minutes and then restarting it didn't sound right. Checked the push rod and damned if it wasn't tight. To compound things there is now no compression, a first for the REB. Hey, no problem, the valve is too tight so it isn't closing all the way, just loosen the push rod and problem solved. Not happening today. Still no compression. It starts and runs, how I don't know, a tribute to the toughness of this little thumper I guess. Anyway Pat is coming over this morning and we are going to load up the REB in my truck and haul it to the new dealer in Wichita. I hope they are as good as they look.
Here is my diagnosis: as to the push rod adjustment problem I think the tappet is worn down. CMW said 5/16 lift was withing spec but I think that is the problem. No compression, I hope it is just a carboned up valve. When I rode it and the push rod tightened up not allowing the valve to close completely carbon must have gotten in there (at least I hope that is the case). This bike has always used more oil than I thought normal so I suppose rings can't be ruled out, although it is odd that it would show up so suddenly.
I have no clue how long it will take for David at Broadway SB to get things sorted out, just hope I have it back for the RE Rally on the River the first of October.
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