Motorcycle Repair: Honda Magna starting/timing, honda magna, winter thaw

Question
Hi,
Before winter came around I was riding my 82 magna v45 allot
until about Oct I noticed a small puddle on the left side of my
tire. After investigating, it turned out to be a blown fork seal.
This is my first bike and I unfortunately let it sit for about 3
weeks until I got the new seals. When I went out to the garage of
course the bike would not start up. It wouldn't fire up so I un
patiently opened the throttle. It back fired once and that was it.
After I talked to a few people. they said I probably fllooded it.
Since the fuel had been sitting in it I did  the following
replaced the fuel filter and new fuel hose
drained the carbs and gas from tank
change oil and filter
charged the battey
I live in chicago and by this point it was so cold that I couldn't do  
any more work. I guy told me that I should put fogging oil in the
cylinders because I was letting it sit for so long. I put the
fogging oil in and had cranked the nut in the middle of the
alternator. I saw there was a T mark on the alternator and after
letting the cylinders get lubed, I put it back. But to my ignorant
horror I saw there were other t marks. Did I just totaly scroe my
timing up? I'm afraid to put gas in it. what will happen to the
bike if I fire it up? What do you suggest to do?  

Answer
Hi John.

No, you did not screw up the timing by turning that nut.  You need to get the repair manual for the bike.  I have had one for every bike that I have owned and they are more valuable than gold (or a really good hot dog at Wrigley Field in June).

You have time till winter thaw, so get that manual and follow the instructions for doing the timing and valve adjustment.

In addition to that, tear the carbs apart and do a proper cleaning, but do not change or remove the mixture screws.

When you store a bike over long periods (longer than a couple of weeks), you need to remove all of the fuel from the bike and you can do the fogging oil in the cylinders or you can put a teaspoon of Marvel Mystery oil in each cylinder instead.

The fuel that was left to sit in the bike turned to what we call varnish.  It will prevent the bike from running and it will infect the entire fuel system, including the tank.  Reseal the tank and use fresh fuel to test the engine.

Check all of that and let me know what you find.

Good luck.
FALCON

P.S. I grew up ner Chi-town, so I know how bad winter up there can be. :)