QuestionI'm rebuilding a 1985 Honda Rebel, this is the first time I have attempted this type of project, and hopfully will be wrapping it up soon. This bike has not been started or ran in approx 5-6 years and I would like to know if there are/is anything specific I should do to get this engine running again? Again this is the first timme I have ever attempted the rebuild and the bike having not been ran for such an extended period. Would appreciate and advice you can offer.
AnswerRandall,
I am not sure exactly what parts of the
bike have been rebuilt but
since it has not run in a long time
you will need to check the fuel
valve function and clean the carbs
very thoroughly.
If you had the engine apart I would
imagine all the internal parts
were oiled or greased on reassembly?
The oil pump has a screen that
should be clean and there is an
o-ring under the oil pump that
may or may not be ok.
The oil level should be checked with
the bike sitting level.
Check the level without screwing
the dipstick in.
It should hold about 1.5 qts of oil.
10W40 motorcycle oil.
You may need things like gas lines
or fuel filter and air filter replaced.
You may want to turn the engine over
slowly with a small bit of oil
in the spark plug holes unless
you have previously oiled the cylinders.
Do this with the spark plugs out.
If you have spark and fuel to the carbs
plus compression it should start.
You will need a fully charged battery
as well for a good spark.
Valve clearance should be set at .002"
If you get it started you may want
to check if the top end is getting
oil. If the oil is getting to
the top end of the engine you
should be safe in warming up
the engine slowly.
It may take awhile for the carb
bowls to fill with fuel if they
are empty.
If you have other questions let me know.
