robertrankin.org

What started as fuel delivery problem ended as an electrical problem. Go figure.

The problems began with fuel draining directly into my air box. Fuel would fill the air box until it was high enough to flow into the carbs From there the gas would flow further down into the cylinders and around the pistons, finally collecting in the crankcase.

I replaced the petcock. On inspection the old one was letting gas right through the diaphragm, and into a vacuum line which led into the top of carb #4.

With the new petcock in place, and the bike back together, I hit the starter and nothing. No juice was going to the starter. Frustrated, I covered the bike and let it sit on the street for a week before I had the inclination and time to mess with it again. I inspected as many wires as I could get my hand on, and finally found the culprit - a loose ground wire coming from the fuse box. Pushed the wire back in place, and the bike started right up!

Woot!

WOW. I can’t believe it! The sun is actually shining after a week and a half of rain.

What about my travel blog?
It’s still here.

But my life is different now, and I feel like leaving that blog up as a reminder of my trip and not tainting it with day to day stuff.

This blog is will be a space for me to write about blog-worthy happenings, like the girl I fall in love with on the subway when our schedules match (i.e. when I’m running late for work.)

Like travel. I am passionate about travel and will write about that. I am planning on a short vacation to Honduras in February or March.

My 5 year plan involves moving abroad, perhaps semi-permanently. Most likely Asia or SE Asia (I really, really like Asian food). So expect some conversation about how to make a living overseas.

I will also write about my job, web designer and project leader, but probably not too much. It’s a handful right now. I’ve stepped into a train wreck of sorts, and we’re supposed to change the tracks right underneath the train. Fun stuff.. but it pays the bills. And I like my boss, however annoying he is. Same for my coworkers… mostly.

I am into motorcycles and motorcycle-touring. I’m learning the mechanics of the bike, too, thanks to a lemon of a bike I bought a few months ago. I’m far from a gear head, but I’m learning thanks to smart friends. I also participate in motorcycle land-speed racing and even hold a few records on the monster mile at Maxton, NC.

Other topics may include Brooklyn, food, beer, music, politics, sex, technology, design, fitness or maybe not.

Welcome.