Motorcycle Repair: Carb related info, v65 magna, compression pressure

Question
QUESTION: Hi Wayne.
My question is, Is it safe to jump power to the starter to Make Sure the engine is freely moving?

I recently acquired a '84 V65 Magna as my first project. I believe I can do the work, as long as I can get the info on what needs to be done.
 Prior owner said the engine was good. Over the last year his will gave out and now I have decided to have a go. Has NO carbs or a radiator. I'd hate to buy the carbs to end up with a seized motor.

ANSWER: Hi Leslie,

If the engine has not been running in awhile it might be better to
gently turn it over by hand on the end of the engine rotor or
remove the spark plugs and put a few drops of oil in each cylinder.

Then put the bike in gear and rock it forward gently to see if the engine turns.
If it sounds okay then you could put power to the starter terminal
and check the compression pressure in the cylinders.

If it has equal compression on all cylinders then it might be fixable.
About 150 psi would be okay.

WS
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was unable to get rotor to turn. I took the cover off the alternator and used a 2ft cheater on it, was able to break the bolt loose no problem without any assistance. tried rocking in gear w/o any luck. Also noticed some water had accumulated in my #4 cylinder where they previous owner failed to cover the intake. I'm starting to get a sinking feeling that the engine will need a full rebuild, even though I was told it had been completely reworked only a couple years ago.

 What are my options at this point? Also, is there a site you could recommend where I could find a reputable mechanic in my area (AL)?v3fq4

ANSWER: Hello,

It does sound like a major project since you would have
to take the top end of the engine apart to see
what is wrong. It sounds like the piston and rings
are likely rusted to the cylinder on number 4.

You could tear it apart and if the expense is too much you
could sell it for parts online.
The piston rings will be stuck in the piston and nothing
will work except a full rebuild at this point.

There may be other problems that would make it
too expensive to fix such as crankshaft damage from
rust etc.

If you get a shop manual and have a place to work you
could make it a winter project.

I am not familiar with any shops that work on older bikes in your area.


WS
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Wayne. I have gotten my engine rotating. Let some mystery oil soak in the cylinders and then hit it with an impact gun a few times :).  

I've been looking at an online auction site for my carb. I've noticed several that have a small piece chipped off under the flange that holds the piston/vacuum chamber slide. are they usable, able to 'Frankenstein' a couple together, and which other models are compatible? I'm assuming some models may need different jets and such. And also what other parts will comprise from the carbs up, and cooling system. I would hate to miss a small part and not even be able fire her up and let's face it, it's the right time of the season to be in the garage gettin greasy.

Answer
Hi.
the problem with using different carbs is that the mounting base plates
are all different. VF1000R carbs are similar but the base plates
won't work on the VF1100. Finding a set of carbs complete
at a motorcycle wrecker or such would be a better starting point.

You can start the bike briefly if you fill the block with coolant
but will need radiator etc for full running.

Smaller engines have smaller carbs and would not allow proper air
flow even if they were rejetted.

WS
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