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Posted

I may be purchasing a bike that has sat for 3 years. I am sure I should do something before trying to crank it. I was thinking of poping out the plugs and spraying some type of oil in the cylinders. And of course cleaning out the carbs and all the normal crap. but I am worried about the rings after sitting so long..

 

BTW, its not a venture, I will be keeping my venture, this is just a toy!

 

Thanks

Posted

Of course, things vary bike to bike, engine to engine... but after 3 years, if you are very gentle turning over the engine for the first time, there shouldn't be any issue.

 

Marvel Mystery Oil seems to be a highly recommended "voodoo-in-a-can" for potentially seized engines. I would put a little of that (or a similar fogging oil) in each cylinder, and let it sit for a couple of days. On day 3 or 4, don't crank it right away : leave the plugs out, put the bike on its center stand in 3rd or 4th gear, then turn the back wheel by hand. This should roll the engine over gradually. If it is still seized, try rocking it gently. If there is still no joy, put more oil in each hole and let'er sit again. Repeat.

 

If it helps at all, I recently pulled a 750 Maxim out of storage where it had sat for 12 years. It wasn't seized, so after new plugs and a thorough cleaning of all 4 carbs, it fired on the second try.

Posted

I agree that even if it's not siezed (which strikes me as unlikely that it would be), some oil in the plug holes would help it be gentle on the cylinder walls and rings for the initial start. Also, if you don't fully clean the carbs, at least open the drains up and spray carb cleaner up the drain, catching it with a rag as it drains back out. You might get the crud out of the bowl before it finds its way into the jets.

 

Jeremy

Posted

Check the inside of the gas tank. If it has been sitting for a long time, it may be rusted. Rust in the carbs = no worky.

 

There are a variety of ways to clean out a rusty tank. Recently heard someone filling it with Coke and letting it sit.

 

Good luck with it.

 

And ..... the suspense is killing me ... WHAT IS IT?

 

RR

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