The Resurrection and Rebirth of Geraldine - Chapter Two

Yesterday 5/19 -

  • tried to replace the brake master cylinder sight glass. Cleaned out the remains of the old one, then discovered the new one is too large. Weird. The master cylinder looks much newer than the rest of the bike; I have no idea what the original used, but this is the size spec'd.
  • Jump started her again just for shits and giggles. Started up pretty quickly, idled pretty nicely.
  • Cost of sight glass (bought two, that's how they came) roughly eight bucks.
  • Total expenditure so far (not including the price of the bike) $135.59
Today 5/20 -
  • New battery arrived. Installed, discovered that, yes, it's the same size, group 12, but it's 90 degrees out. In other words, it's as tall as the old one is wide, and vice-versa. So, I've got to make some insulation and mount the battery sideways.
  • With the new battery, she started right up, idled *beautifully*. All lights nice and bright, although the taillight warning light is still on. Maybe that's because the taillight is now an LED?
  • Pulled a couple of spark plugs to see how they looked. First one didn't look worn, but was thoroughly black. Next one I pulled, it dropped out of the socket, and is down in the head where I can't reach it. Fortunately I have a spark plug wire puller I bought for Gertrude, and tomorrow will try to dig it out.
  • I'm just going to use clear JB Weld to plug the sight glass hole. I'm not going to spend a lot on this motorcycle!
  • Ordered spark plug from Amazon - $10.33.
  • Total expenditure so far: $145.59
Looks like the Gertrude germ infected Geraldine: every time I fix one thing I break another LOL.
Tomorrow: riding Gertrude! Put an air-ride seat cover on her, can't wait to see if it helps.

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