new member

[bad luck]

Hey everyone,
I just bought a 73 rd350, and joined the forum.
Are there any posts suggesting what to check on an old bike like this? This starts and seems to run o.k. But should I do a compression test, and change the trans oil? If so what oil to use.
Or can someone suggest where to buy a service manual?
I had a Yamaha 350 two cylinder 2 stroke that I rode from california to miami florida, and back in 1968. And I just like 2 strokes and wanted another one.
By the way I ordered some amsoil 2 stroke injector oil, is that a good choice? And should I service or rebuild the oil injection pump?
Thanks to anyone for any advise you can give me.

[m in sc]

Hey,

and welcome. Its funny you mention it, i was going to do a 'what to look for' post at some point.  But haven't yet.

that being said:

compression check (anything under 110 psi, prob rebuild time)

check operation of everything. oil pump had a procedure.

tank condition, petcock, does it run?

crank seals: how old are they? if unkown.. might be a time bomb.

biggest issue ive seen come up again and again, wiring and charging issues.

where exactly are you located?

the tech library has a LOT of really good info as well.

[SoCal250]

Welcome   and congrats on your new (old) bike.

For trans oil you'll get as many opinions as there are oil brands, but it's definitely worth changing on a new acquired bike. FWIW, I've been running BelRay Gear Saver 80W in all my bikes for years (this was a recommendation I got 10-15 years ago from a 2-stroke engine builder and tuner with 40-years experience).

I'll add to Mark's list of things to check and suggest that you verify ignition timing is set correctly. Stock for an RD350 is 2.0 mm BTDC, but with today's fuel it is best to run at about 1.8~1.9mm with a unmodified engine. Set point gap first, then check/adjust timing. You'll need a dial gauge and spark plug hole adapter to do this.

[85RZwade]

How exciting, fresh meat, er, a New Member! What they said, and good tires; don't scrimp on the rubber.

[Evans Ward]

Welcome and where are you located bad luck? 

[bad luck]

Hi m in sc, (Mark)
I just got back from work, so I didn't have a chance to reply earlier, I live in Moab, Utah.
Yes the bike starts and runs.
I haven't done a compression test yet, I guess that should be the first thing to check.
The fuel tank and petcock seem okay. I do live in the desert so there isn't too much rust.
As for the crank seals, I haven't any idea what condition they are, but I'll look in the tech library to try and find the procedure for checking them.
The wiring doesn't seem to be butchered too bad.
Thanks for the advice, I really do appreciate it.

[bad luck]

Good day SoCal250,
I will order some BelRay gear saver 80 weight in the morning.
To verify the timing I still have my old Yamaha dial gauge I bought more than 50 years ago.
As you can tell I'm an old fart now.
Wow, you have quite the stable of old Yamaha bikes! But being a yamaholic is a good thing right?

[bad luck]

Hey 85RZwade,
You're right, I know I'll need new rubber.
I have ridden around the block, but I won't go much more than that until I can replace the tires.
What tires do you like?

[bad luck]

Hello Evans Ward,
Thanks for the welcome, I know I will learn a lot here.
It's so nice to be able to ask advice from experienced riders such as you.
I'm in south east Utah, in the desert.

[Kawtriplefreak]

Welcome to our forum.

[85RZwade]

I've had great service from Bridgestone BT45s

[bad luck]

Welcome to our forum.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[bad luck]

I've had great service from Bridgestone BT45s
[/quote

I'll certainly check on those after I get everything else sorted out.
Thanks for the recommendation.]

[m in sc]

BT45s are great as are avons.

If you are going to do tires sooner than later, i would def look at wheel bearings while you are in there. its cheap preventative maintenance.

whenever i get a 'new' project, what i usually plan on changing out out of preventative are:

• trans fluid
  tires
  wheel bearings
  possibly swingarm bushings
  chain (unless its obviously good)
  clutch frictions of the clutch is sticky or drags or its obvious the clutch cover has never been off
  clean the carbs even if it runs well
  synch the carbs
  verify timing and inspect alternator brushes
  coils if stock/original
  flush brake fluid out.
  rear brake shoes, inspect when wheel is off for tire.
  left hand motor seals, minimally. they will leak. all easy to change (pushrod/shift shaft/sprocket under LH cover)

ive had all of these burn me in the past if i ignored them. Im not saying they need to be done the 1st day or weekend, but plan on it.

[Milan]

Welcome.

Please make sure your gear shift & kickstart lever bolts are tight as well.

Almost all of the bikes I have gotten had these both loose.

M