First look under seca 550 seat

Finally got around to opening up the seat on my new project....I was pleasantly surprised to find both the tool kit pouch and tools and the snap in storage pouch that tucks under tail section...
Pulled them both out and cleaned and treated both pouches and dropped the tools into a nice Evapo-Rust bath.
Anybody know what the thin metal caliper type tool is that has its own little storage sleeve on back of tool pouch? I'm guessing valve clearance?

 

That's always nice to find 8) makes you feel at least *somebody* cared for the bike previously.

Any chance of a picture of said tools (including caliper thingy) please?

 

Here ( I hope) is pic of tool bag contents... See the caliper device on bag... It I very thin metal that opens with a scissor action. See the small slide-in sheath on back of tool bag, so I know its original. It seems distantly familiar but can't place what is the use. maybe to set the points? I used to work on VW's and had point tool like that... Not sure... been 30 yrs. Really would like to know if anyone can confirm
Also a great testament to EvapoRust. These tools were pretty rusty... Now shiney!
Kit is missing breaker bar for the large wrench which I assume is for axle nuts?...and plug wrench which I can sub in. The needle nose pliers though not original, are made in Japan so I'll keep in there for authenticity :-/
Will try to send pic of bike too.

 

IS there any chance one of the blade is 0.11 mm thick (minimum intake valve clearance) and the other one is 0.16 mm thick (minimum exhaust valve clearance)?

 

Just a rough guess as I have no reference for it, but the "caliper thing" looks to be a go/no go feeler gauge for setting the valve clearances.

Ghost

 

Secatherapy's bike. The day I got it and after initial "once-over".
Much cleaner now. When I got her front and rear wheels barely moved. Everything was just so seized up.
Pic may not show up... The device definitely is different thickness ... I can make out a faint "M" only... But I have my trusty micrometer. It reads 6 on thin one and 8 on thicker

 

Here we go: 6 and 8 thousands inch equal respectively 0.15 and 0.20 mm, maximum clearances for intake and exhaust.

 

Perfect....thanks .... I'll learn how to use this device soon enough I'm sure

 

This device isn't very useful, would have been a bit more if the thicknesses were the minimum clearances, then if they don't go in, as least you would have known your valves are too tight.

It's a bit of a stupid tool, lol!

 

No not stupid just inadequate, it was Yamaha's PR way of saying 'see we gave you every tool you might need,' yea right.

An intact tool kit is actually an amazing find, as the majority of classic bikes, like say 99% either don't have those anymore or they are seriously missing stuff. But I would buy quality tools to replace most of those since they are barely good enough. A well stocked tool box is priority #1.

 

At least he can do the exhaust side with those!

Still better off getting a proper set of feeler gauges to do the job properly.

Ghost

 

Good find (tools). And a nice bike. Welcome! However the prescence of an original tool kit somehow doesn't point to a well looked after bike though...unless he took it to a bike shop to get all the work done....

 

That's right...All I know at this point is I have a well looked over tool kit...but we'll soon see... Carbs get their rude awakening this weekend.

I read maybe here on this forum that a guy was brining his bike back to life and popped out the plugs and dropped a bit of oil and WD 40 in each cylinder and let sit overnite before trying to slowly turn the engine over by hand. Is this a good idea?

My plan is to complete in following order ..

1) carb cleaning, including new main jets and bowl gaskets
2) remove and thoroughly clean tank
3) Install new plugs, air cleaner, battery
4) oil change then the above before attempting first start.

 

No, but it is well "cared for", as in loved, is what I meant (who else would make sure the tools stayed with the bike for 30 years?)

Is it one owner at all 'therapy? Looks good, nice find. Yes the WD40 idea is a good one if it's been sat a long time which it sounds like it has, and pretty good order for bringing life back to the motor (perhaps I'd leave the original jets though as they don't wear just get dirty & focus on new float valves & seats which can wear/fail)

DO NOT forget your brakes/tires before you ride though (sounds like the seized brakes made you look at them anyhow lol but do change the rear shoes please)

 

For starters, nobody ever uses the on-board tool kit for maintenance, it's supposedly for "breakdowns" which rarely occur. Good thing, because the original, stamped wrenches and hokey screwdrivers are a joke. The RARE bit is the zippered, snap-down tool pouch in the tail.

Leave the WD40 in the kitchen. It has no place around the garage, except maybe for drying wet parts. As a lubricant, it's dangerous-- it gums up quickly under heat. Give the cylinders a shot of Kroil, fogging spray, or a teaspoon of Marvel Mystery oil or even good old motor oil (NOT a lot) beforehand.

Since the tank will be off, and you're going to clean, service and adjust the carbs, add "get the valve clearances in spec" to your list. It's got to be done before you try to vacuum sync anyway.

 

Wow I never knew that :? (mind you I don't use actual WD40 anymore as morrisons own brand worked better for what I wanted) best not use it then & use one of the other suggestions fitz offered up...

 

The only useful tool in the toolkit is the wrench for the rear-spring adjustment

 

WD-40 is useful for cleaning dirty wiring, but it doesn't have persistent lubricating qualities that is for sure. Spray a squeky hinge with it and it will be back at it very soon. I would use the Marvel Mystery Oil or the Kroil in your pots.

 

I agree Big Fitz, tool bag is for nostalgia or dire roadside emergency
..and yes I was surprised most that this snap in storage bag was still there and still snapped in...too bad the zipper is shot. Otherwise it is mint. Maybe I'll sew in a new one some day...

 

Don't feel bad. BOTH of mine have "zipper issues" either missing teeth or spots where the teeth corroded away.

Just try to find one.

 

WD40:

According to U.S. Materials Safety Data Sheet, the ingredients of WD-40 are: 50% mineral spirits, mostly hexane (which is similar to kerosene and a neurotoxin); 25% carbon dioxide (propellant); 15%+ mineral oil; and 10% inert ingredients.