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1980 GS1100E start-up question (bike has been in storage)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
A

Anonymous

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Bike: 1980 GS1100E

How long in storage: 1.5 years


I have heard that you should take all the spark-plugs out and put a bit of oil down there.....when it comes to starting up a bike which has been in storage. Is this true? Are there any other considerations I should make note of before trying to start the bike?

Thanks!

Rudi
 
If it was stored with gas in the system, you are probable looking at some really gummed up carbs. You might want to get them cleaned to save headaches later. Once started, check all fluids, chain (if applicable), and all rubber parts (tires included).
 
Thanks for the info, Dallyr

Thanks for the info, Dallyr

I looked in the gas tank and didn't see any gas. However, just to be safe..I should do what you suggested.

Question: is that something I can do myself (cleaning of the carbs)? I do have the original shop manual to the bike. Or is this better left to a professional.
 
ha ha...ok, so I spelled Ted Nugent wrong

ha ha...ok, so I spelled Ted Nugent wrong

my bad....
 
The gas could have completely evaporated over 1 1/2 years, but that depends on how much was in it to start with. You might want to take the tank off and see if any gas drains out. If not, I'd just try starting her up. Check out this site for carb rebuild tips, they are pretty damn good and you have the shop manual to boot. There is also a section on storing a bike for the winter, you could follow the startup procedures. Now I've heard of Ted Nugent, isn't he Ted Nudgent's evil twin :lol: .
 
I am not sure putting oil in the cylinders would help much at this point. That is something that should be done prior to storage to help prevent corrosion in the combustion chamber. If the walls are already rusted, a shot of oil isn't going to save your rings.

What I would do is this:

Change the oil with whatever cheap car oil (lighter weight would be a better choice) you have lying around. Then, pull all four plugs (don't mix up the wires) and crank the engine for a short time to build up some oil pressure. The engine will turn much more easily without the plugs. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, pull the cam cover off and inspect the cams. If you see no corrosion, pour a little motor oil on all the contact areas and replace the cover.

Replace the plugs and fire away. Cleaning the carbs is a good idea, but she may start up just fine without it. I prefer not to crank the engine in greater than 5 second bursts. If you overheat the starter with excessive cranking, you could damage it or at least cause yourself a long wait while it cools down. Don't be afraid to use a little starting fluid. If she starts briefly with a quick spay of ether then dies, you know the ignition is functional and you can focus on fuel delivery. Once she starts, let her get warm then drain the oil again and fill with whatever oil suits your preference.

Has is been stored indoors in a dry area? If so, 18 months really isn't very long. I once got a Datsun 510 to start after 8 years under a tarp in an old lady's garage. 2 gallons of fresh gas, fresh oil and battery, and 2 squirts of starting fluid and she lit right up. It was carburated and ran rough for about a minute before settling into a reasonable idle.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.
 
starting bike

starting bike

Hi

I would remove plugs and put a shot of oil in each cylinder and spin the engine over to ensure engine oil is circulating through the engine.

Next I would prime carbs to make sure gas was available to the carbs (check by loosening float drains to check for gas). Without gas in the carbs, the engine will be very difficult to start.

If the tank was empty and clean, the previous owner probably drained the tank and carb before putting the bike in storage (hope for the best).

Your battery may need a charge before it will start the engine. Starter fluid in moderation will take a lot of strain off your starter system.

Patrick
 
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