QuestionAfter some problems caused mostly by neglect, I allowed my bike to sit indoors untouched for a very long time. Specifically, although I mostly took good care of my bike, I allowed the chain to become loose so that even after extending the rear tire as far as it could it would still come off while riding. I used it in this condition out of necessity for a short daily commute placing it in neutral and manually putting the chain back on. Sometimes I would need to put it back on several times on this short trip. After the chain would not stay on at all the bike was stored indoors with some gas in the tank and left as it stood for about five years. I now want to repair the bike. I am not good with mechanics, but I would like to do what I can before taking it to a shop. I know that I'll need to access what damage the old gas has done and remove it from all parts of the engine. I imagine it may have frozen and bunged up many parts through which it flows. carb etc? If I can somehow access the damage, clean out the parts, etc, than I would like to work on gettting help with replacing the chain, sprockets if excess, and to repair if there is any damage to the crank case.
this is everything in a nutshell. The bike looks great and, having very few miles, I would love to put it back in use.I need to figure if the investment is worthwile or if I let it all go to far, for to long, and must try to sell it sor parts.
Answer
Hi Bo,
You are right about old gas making a mess of things.
If the bike was running okay when parked then it
might be possible to restore it.
The first thing is to make sure the engine is able
to turn and is not seized. Second a compression
check might tell you if all the pressures are equal
in the spark plug holes.
It might be a good idea to pull the spark plugs,
put a few squirts of oil in the holes and turn the
engine slowly to distribute the oil.
Next, the tank has to be totally cleaned out.
Drain any old fuel from the tank.
The carbs will likely need to be cleaned but
you can try opening the drains on them
and flush them with some yamaha carb cleaner which
is non damaging to seals.
If you could fill the carbs and let them sit awhile with
carb cleaner in them and then drain and flush them
they might work depending how bad they are.
The tank can be rinsed with ordinary hydrochloric
acid type toilet cleaner and a few round pebbles
to knock any rust off.
Shake it around and let it sit awhile and shake it again.
After a hour or so wash the tank out really well
with water. Dry it and check if the fuel valve is working
or needs service too.
Watch your paint and eyes if you use that cleaner though.
The chain should be replaced along with the sprockets if
they are worn. Better to get a chain shortened to fit
so you can adjust it properly.
The chain should run straight if you look down it
and should not curve between the sprockets.
You will need a new battery and should check the tires
carefully.
Change the engine oil and filter when the bike is warm.
Most of your problems will be with plugged jets inside the carbs.
You may have to pull the jets out and clean them
with something like a small smooth guitar string.
Check the floats and float needle and needle valve seat.
So if the engine is sound, lubricate it, check for compression,
clean tank and carbs, new battery, new oil, check coolant and brake fluids.
Check tires, chain, sprockets, spark plugs.
You may need new fuel lines or other things that can be changed
after you get it going.
Good luck on it,
WS
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