Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > Skidlids Desmo Due Diary

[skidlids]

Mon jan 10th
Started the day by removing the tank from the bike and getting the Hoover out.
Cleaned up inside of tank as it was starting to rust a bit.

Removed the fuel pump and checked it out across a good battery, firstly it was a bit reluctant to go but it soon freed off.
Refit fuel pump in position and add some petrol to the tank
Turn on ignition and hey presto before long the pump is pushing out clean petrol.
Find some rubber pipe to connect fuel pump to tank outlet
Connect tank flow and returns and open fuel tap.
Crank engine over several times and it eventually coughs into life.

Not sounding to healthy though, sounds like horizontal cylinder is suffering a lot of piston slap, its noisey enough to make me think that the piston skirt maybe broken.

And on top of that both cylinder heads are spewing oil out.
So it looks like I'll be stripping both top ends before long

Still it runs and it gave me a chance to hear what the Micron can sounded like, certainly sounded better with a race can on it, certainly helped drown out the noise from the front cylinder.

Now for some pics, first two are how the bike was when I got it, the 3rd is with the Micron slipped on for a better sound.

[skidlids]

[skidlids]

[Rattler]

How much clearance will you get with that can?

Or is it out with a blow torch and crow bar!!!!!

[Iconic944ss]

Looks OK Kev,

Glad to see you got a 'proper one' with gold frame

Oil dripping looks to be a concern - but I'm sure after a look-see and a head tightening session (on the bike as well), things will be good.

Hmmm..the can does look a bit low - is it possible to go to an SL type high level pipe I wonder?

Keep up the good work marra.

Frank

[Edited on 10-1-2005 by Iconic944ss]

[skidlids]

I'm sure I'll get enough clearance Tim, by the time its pushed fully home on the pipeworrk and the rear passenger footrest hanger is replaced with a more basic bracket I should be able to swivel the can a bit futher upwards and inwards.

[ChrisBushell]

You may well find that the feed o ring on the barrel to head joint has hardend and split, it went on my 900, easy fix.

Chris

[skidlids]

Cheers Chris,
Had a look at a Haynes manual earlier when around Senna3's and I spotted two likely candidates in the way of O rings.

So it will certainly be a heads off job, may as well lap the valves in while at it, as this doesn't infringe the rules.

If Piston/bore wear is really bad then I will have to consider the next step, maybe a 675cc kit or maybe another engine, seen engines go for £275 before and I know the where abouts of one but would need to persuade the owner to part with it.
So what was the best deal we could get on a 675cc kit ?

[chicken]

Originally posted by skidlids

So what was the best deal we could get on a 675cc kit ?

Dear small engineering shop, how much for 25 big-bore kits!!

Well done Kev, look forward to meeting you on the track.

cheers, Chi

[ChrisBushell]

Kev,

I should have an answer on the over bore kit on Thursday after a meeting with Ducati.

Chris