Low Compression

[little wagon]

Looks like I will be setting the valves then, on the wet compression test can I put in hydraulic valve lifter treatment in the cylinder to loosen the rings or just stick with oil
Will be sorting the points once I fix the Black and White wire as it has about 10 breaks in it, rock hard and the White end to points has come off!
More joy lol

[Nessism]

I'd put gunked up carbs as the number one reason bikes hit long term storage, but the valves are probably the number one reason they hit the scrap heap (or become bobber/cafe fodder).

[tkent02]

I'd put gunked up carbs as the number one reason bikes hit long term storage, but the valves are probably the number one reason they hit the scrap heap (or become bobber/cafe fodder).

Will be sorting the points once I fix the Black and White wire as it has about 10 breaks in it, rock hard and the White end to points has come off!
More joy lol

Broken ignition wires is likely another valid reason, although it's a new one on me.

[bwringer]

Let's not forget lost titles. Missing papers are probably the #1 killer of neat old bikes in states where obtaining a replacement title is impossible or nearly impossible.

[little wagon]

Did a wet compression test today
Dry results: Were 1: 75psi 2: 55 psi 3: 65 psi 4: 53 psi
Wet results: Are 1: 82 psi 2: 62 psi 3: 80 psi 4: 65 psi
Not sure how much extra psi they are supposed to go up by? But seems a bit better

Little Wagon

[Nessism]

Did a wet compression test today
Dry results: Were 1: 75psi 2: 55 psi 3: 65 psi 4: 53 psi
Wet results: Are 1: 82 psi 2: 62 psi 3: 80 psi 4: 65 psi
Not sure how much extra psi they are supposed to go up by? But seems a bit better

Little Wagon

The fact that the compression didn't increase with the oil suggests the valves are leaking. How did that valve adjustment check go?

Also, as already mentioned, performing a compression test on an engine that hasn't run in 20 years is inconclusive anyway.

[little wagon]

Not got around to valve adjustment as of yet, managed to sort the starter solenoid out so the engine turns over every time I press the starter button
Would like to get spark next, but the old saying comes in to play, all work and no time to do bike!
Good job it is a long term project lol

[Nessism]

Not got around to valve adjustment as of yet, managed to sort the starter solenoid out so the engine turns over every time I press the starter button
Would like to get spark next, but the old saying comes in to play, all work and no time to do bike!
Good job it is a long term project lol

So everyone told you to adjust the valves and you ignored us.

[little wagon]

You know lol
Bit wary with doing the valves, do some of the things I can do first and build up the confidence
Last time I did the valves on a Honda Super dream I managed to drop a valve (Oh dear)

[JRHemmen]

I've got a GS450 that had some pretty awful compression numbers until I did a valve adjustment and lapping. I had never worked inside an engine before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy valve adjustment is. Pick up the Suzuki Valve bucket compressor tool at http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-08-.../dp/B000UKIN8Q and rent a valve spring compressor from your local auto parts store. If you manage to get your hands on a valve spring compressor meant for motorcycles/small engines, it won't take any time at all. BaltimoreGS has a series on Youtube where she rebuilds a GS500 engine, I'll link the segment where she goes over the cylinder head. Its a 4 part segment, even though you have a 4 cylinder I'd recommend watching the series, it was really helpful, to me anyway. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

GS500 Top End Rebuild (Part 2 of 4)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpLOZOhclSY

[tkent02]

Just adjusting the valves will probably work wonders. There can't be much compression if the valves are not closing.

[tkent02]

Or just run it and burn them all up.

[JRHemmen]

I should probably add that I had bad compression even after changing shims. Lapping the valves is what worked wonders for me. I swapped my valves to a new head though so it may be different in your case.