Lessons in OIL PRESSURE (or how to weld camshaft to head)
Another lesson in mechanics, brought to you by XT GIRL 
Some pictures of why I'm stuck in Maroc at the moment, waiting for the friendly fedex guy, to deliver me some spare parts.
As part of my trip prep, I installed an oil temperature guage, thinking I'm safe if I keep an eye on that - knowing that the 1VJ has issues with overheating.
I rode a couple of hundred kms in searing heat, as high as 43°C - but my oil temperature stayed at a happy running level.
Then, suddenly, bike started running ratty. Then ground to a halt.
I opened the valve covers first, and immediately saw that it was HORRIFYINGLY dry and sticky in there.
Picture shows what I found, when I opened it up.
REASON:
Oil pressure / temperture was enough to lubricate engine and keep it cool, but just not enough to push oil up into head cover for cam shaft lubrication.
LESSONS LEARNT:
1. Change oil to higher temperature grade when you're doing hot riding... (duh!)
2. In very hot riding CHECK OIL PRESSURE periodically!
>>PICTURE: There were lots and lots of sparkly bits... mixed with sticky bits and pretty little grooves and ridges where once, a smooth camshaft laid<<
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