Diya turns four

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Greasy Sunday

My Bullet had not been running well lately. Valve train clatter, flat battery, starting issues etc. Replaced the battery two days ago. Fellow there managed to break the lock on the box. Needed to replace it ASAP to protect new battery worth 1600/-. Got the replacement lock. Realized, it was just a psychological deterrent. Thankfully not many bullet thieves around! Also, suspecting they were bent and needed replacement, bought a spare push-rod kit. At ~10400 kilometers and over two and half years it was about time to replace the air filter too. Dark (oil damped ?) spots on paper element plus it is not very expensive (130/-).

Job-list:
1. Replace lock
2. Replace push-rods
3. Replace air filter
4. Replace inlet manifold
5. Replace Carburetor hose
6. Clean oil-catch can
7. Clean Carb

Item #1 looked easy. But, turned out most difficult. Broke the +ve lead clamp which was corroded and needed to buy a new one. Lost more than half an hour to find a simple crimp-able clamp. Found one made for Pulsar. Too rickety and fragile for Bullet. Probably I will have to replace this before summer again. I had estimated two hours work and would be ready for badminton session at noon. But, it was about 4pm when I was done with all these. Missed badminton session. Too bad.

Now bike is starting fine. Firing and idling also well. Push-rods were not as much bent as I had imagined. Anyways new pair feels good and 'freer' to turn. Old would be retained for emergency. Still need to fix petrol overflow from float bowl. Probably some dirt during reassembly causing needle to stay loose? Was too tired and hungry. May be I will fix this tomorrow and oil change is due soon... recipe for another busy Sunday.