Motorcycle Repair: Yamaha Fj1100, brake calipers, plug holes

Question
QUESTION: Just picked up the FJ, it hasn't been run in 3 yrs and very little in the last 5. When stared it taps around the top of the right side of the engine. I'm told by the previous owner this has been normal for a number of years after taken out of storage in the spring. It goes away after the first ride. Also, I noticed oil coming from the exhaust at the union of the down pipe and muffler. The bike is not roadable at this point - but I did notice the noise and oil lessened after a few minutes of runing. I think it is a sticky valve and dry oil seal. What do you think - and any tricks to try.

Thanks,
John

ANSWER: John,

-a bike sitting this long could have
alot of sticky parts. A compression check
would likely tell you if a valve is sticking.

-There may be some valve noise on this
engine, may not be anything to worry about.
The valves are set by removing and installing
shims of different thickness. Usually
dealers do this kind of work.

-It is possible for the rings to be stuck
after sitting so long, some fresh gas, oil
and some running may help.

-The carbs may need cleaning as well.
The gas tank, fuel petcock and filters
may need cleaning or replacement.
The oil coming from the pipe could
just be condensation mixing with
the carbon in the pipe and leaking out.
Was oil put in the spark plug holes
before it was started the first time?

-make sure the tires and brakes look okay
before you ride. The brake calipers
can get sticky from sitting unused.

-these are tough bikes,
hopefully it will be okay with some
running.








---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the response. I started the bike last night and tonight. The noise is a little less and the oil is a lot less. This is oil definitely coming out of the exhaust. I think it was being sucked thru the exhaust valve. I bled the clutch and the rear brakes are stuck -the master is stuck  - so it looks like a rebuild.

Thanks again.


John

Answer
John,

-it may be possible that the valve seals
are dried out and leaking oil into the
engine.
-You can get seal kits online
for master cylinder rebuilds.
The calipers can be rebuilt or cleaned up
as needed.

Some Notes:
-Some of theses bikes rust out the
double wall exhaust and you may get
rattles if this happens.
-Also, http://factorypro.com makes shift kits to
prevent second gear faults. These heavy
gears sometimes don't like to shift
all the way in and if they start to slip
it can wear them out.
Still good bikes though.