9. Yosemite Valley
Misadventure followed by Yosemite ValleyPorterville to Merced
Merced to Yosemite Valley
In 3D
Since Flagstaff I had been hearing a loud ticking from the top of the Bike's engine so I decide to check it out at Merced.
The Inlet Valve clearances had opened up to about 1mm, should be 0.15mm, I knew then that there was wear in the Rocker Arm and/or shaft, it is a known problem with this model.
I rang KTM dealers all over the country for the parts but they all said backordered to the 26 June 2008. Next I called SOMMER KTM in Germany, they had the parts in stock and shipped them out within 4 hours of my calling them, delivery time 6 days.
The temperature was +40c, a heatwave, everyday right until the parts arrived, I spent my time watching repeats on TV.
The day the parts arrived it started blowing a gale 50kph winds all day and night for 3 days, the gusts were strong enough to set off my bike alarm. I pulled the Rocker Cover off with dust flying everywhere, the problem was a worn Roller Bearing on the Inlet Rocker Arm, I replaced the Arm and the Shaft and reassembled everything. Now the fun part, I had to wait 72 hours for the Silicon Sealant I used to seal the Rocker Cover to cure.
The Offending Part
While waiting I took the bus to Yosemite Valley the most picturesque part of the National Park.
All the Big Rocks, Waterfalls, Rivers and Tree's have names, I don't remember them so you can make your own up.
There is a road under there
The Bus