Motorcycle Repair: frozen rear tire, e mail address, engine parts piston

Question
Thank you very much for this information.
By the way, I did include my e-mail address.
Anwyay, may I ask another question?
This may sound a bit stupid, but, for the same bike,
is the engine oil and transmission oil the same thing?
If so, what is the oil capacity (how much do I need to
fill the bike if empty), and also, what grade oil should
I use (5W-30, 10W-40, etc.)?
Thanks again for your help.

~Arthur
asweeney@nucryst.com


Followup To
Question -
Hello.
I just bought a cheap 1982 Yamaha Maxim 400,
and I plan to try to restore it to good use.
Anyway, the first problem that I need to fix
is the rear wheel. It will not roll at all.
Any ideas what may be causing this?
Thanks.

Answer -
Hi Arthur,

Remove the wheel and inspect wheel bearings and rear brake. Bearings or brakes may be rusted or corroded and locking the wheel. Remove brake linkage or caliper, and see if wheel rotates. (While with transmission in neutral, try to rotate the counter shaft sprocket or shaft by hand.)

If these parts check ok, move on.

The problem may be the transmission or drive chain. Place the transmission into neutral and try to rotate the rear wheel with MC on center stand.

The problem may be seized pistons or other internal engine parts. Piston rings and valves can rust to their mating parts and may cause such problem. Remove plugs and add a teaspoon of oil to the cylinders.

I return tech information by email. There was no email address with your question as requested. Email makes my volunteer service possible.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively  

Answer
Arthur,

I see your questions as they appear below. You did provide an email addy to AllExperts when you asked a question. However, AllExperts does not provide us with the email addy and I wish they would.


Q:  "...is the engine oil and transmission oil the same thing?"

A:  Yes, it is.


Q:  "...If so, what is the oil capacity (how much do I need to fill the bike if empty), and also, what grade oil should
I use (5W-30, 10W-40, etc.)?"

A:  The capacity is stamped on the engine case near the oil filler cap. The capacity can be found in the owner's and service manuals, too.

Use a premium brand oil. Read the oil container's label climate chart. Select the appropriate weight (viscosity) oil that suits your environmental temperatures. 10W30 and 10W40 oils work well for most of the United States.

I sent a couple of tech files to your email.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively