Author Topic: 1970 Ambassador Project (Read 165024 times)

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #60 on:** July 15, 2026, 05:32:55 PM »

Got to put it in reverse for a day or so.

I filled the engine with 3 quarts of oil. I like to do this early on instead of just before first fire to check for any oil leaks. In all of my prior motors this was just a precaution as there haven't been leaks. BUT this time there was a small puddle of engine oil that had been dripping from the bell housing weep hole. I will be tearing down to the point to check for leaks, which means the flywheel must come out. The engine will stay in the frame as my highest hopes is that the leak is coming from the hollow return oil pipe/bolt area. I have always had good luck using 2 new aluminum sealing washers at this junction, but I am hoping these were insufficient this time instead of the rear bearing flange.

More to come.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #61 on:** July 17, 2026, 02:39:39 PM »

Once I got around to going backwards, I had it apart in an hour. The culprit was the sealing washers not doing their job. Hondabond 4 will be going in!

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #62 on:** July 19, 2026, 01:49:00 PM »

Dry as a bone with the oil filled overnight. Not a hint of leakage.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #63 on:** July 24, 2026, 02:23:48 PM »

Wiring is in process. Using one of Greg Bender's harnesses is a rare treat to be savored. Unapproachable craftsmanship and attention to detail!

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #64 on:** July 26, 2026, 11:40:40 AM »

It is always a good day when both wheels are back on.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #65 on:** July 26, 2026, 03:17:51 PM »

The exhaust system is a perfect match for this bike.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #66 on:** July 28, 2026, 01:00:36 PM »

I received my stencil from Callie Graphics and performed my first stencil job, after very carefully locating the stencil according to my 1974 Eldo's seat.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #67 on:** July 29, 2026, 07:48:43 PM »

There are only a few things to finish up and I couldn't resist jumping ahead a little for a photo shoot.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #68 on:** August 02, 2026, 09:33:54 AM »

Gregory Bender 's wiring harness installation is complete, and went off without a hitch. When an electrically challenged person like myself can complete this without the slightest drama, it is a testament to Greg's attention to detail.

A short video of the smoke test. 😀

https://youtube.com/shorts/-_ULb1mTg2s?si=HAZXLltyWRefZ1vg

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #69 on:** August 02, 2026, 06:47:32 PM »

This video was taken after setting the timing with a strobe light and initial carburetor adjustments.
First time running in 40 years.

https://youtube.com/shorts/JBNtjW6k2-I?si=8G4WGo2QJWzQ31Ro

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #70 on:** August 03, 2026, 02:08:59 PM »

Its ready for the maiden voyage. Will happen this evening.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #71 on:** August 03, 2026, 10:14:21 PM »

The first test rides went very well tonight. It is a sweet running bike.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #72 on:** August 04, 2026, 02:16:43 PM »

Re-torqued the heads this morning after the short ride last night. They needed it! Will do this again in 30 miles or so.

Pescatore · « **Reply #73 on:** August 04, 2026, 03:29:20 PM »

How does the seat feel?
I'm wondering if the batting improves the comfort.

Anomaly · « **Reply #74 on:** August 05, 2026, 02:20:26 AM »

Quote from: Dave Swanson on August 03, 2026, 10:14:21 PM

The first test rides went very well tonight. It is a sweet running bike.

(you're an inspiration Dave)

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #75 on:** August 05, 2026, 08:31:00 AM »

Quote from: Pescatore on August 04, 2026, 03:29:20 PM

How does the seat feel?
I'm wondering if the batting improves the comfort.

The seat feels good. The batting is fairly thin, so no difference in comfort that I can tell

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #76 on:** August 12, 2026, 02:07:44 PM »

A bit of a backup! The transmission started rattling in neutral quite a bit. It wasn't going to get better by itself, so in I went.

I found the snap ring in this area of the layshaft had dislodged from home. I have new snap rings coming today from McMaster Carr.

I was very relieved it caused no damage other than to my ego. As a side benefit I am quite efficient crabbing a loop now.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #77 on:** August 17, 2026, 07:21:33 AM »

4 speed back together and working like it should. I think I can call it done now. It was a very fun project.

Pescatore · « **Reply #78 on:** August 17, 2026, 12:05:39 PM »

Is it a keeper?

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #79 on:** August 17, 2026, 12:53:22 PM »

Yes, it is a keeper. It is extremely original right down to almost every nut, bolt and hose clamp. A true time capsule.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #80 on:** September 07, 2026, 05:20:00 PM »

A great project and a great bike. A good 75 mile ride in the country did not show any faults. Very rewarding to have it back on the road after 41 years.

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Author Topic: 1970 Ambassador Project (Read 165024 times)