Compression issue - where to from here?
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- Cast Iron Member
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Compression issue - where to from here?
Hi, new member here. I just picked up a 78 GL 1000 that has not run in a year or two. Spedo says 27K miles, and PO says legit. I've changed timing belts and adjusted valves. I ran a compression check, and I find that cylinders 2, 3, 4 are reading 120. Cylinder 1 began at 65, and after put a bit of oil in it, it went up to 90. I don't have a strong battery but I have it on a tender. The throttle was wide open. From what I've read, this could be a ring problem? However, since the bike has not run in a couple of years, my thought was to try to get it running and ride-able if I can, in the hopes of a working engine running itself back into shape somewhat. Does that sound reasonable? Does anyone have any better advice?
Thanks!
Thanks!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow human beings. Real nobility is in being superior to your former self.
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5053
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Check both valve lash clearance dimension on cylinder#1, again.
Then ride it!
If you feel you need to know more, perform a cylinder leakdown test, too.
oh yeah, get a new battery!
Then ride it!
If you feel you need to know more, perform a cylinder leakdown test, too.
oh yeah, get a new battery!
Last edited by gltriker on Wed Mar 22, 2017 10:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cliff (74yrs )
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
- ericheath
- Honored Life Member
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- Location: Winnipeg, Manituba
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Lots of sitting Goldwings here have had low compression after sitting. Some theorise that the rings get stuck. Warm them up run them a few hundred miles and they often equalise. The other item to remind you of is that compression is checked with throttles wide open. If yours weren't, you might be in real good shape.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
- Graham Cracker
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- Location: Bradford, PA
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
No better advice than riding it. Maybe try a shot of penetrating oil in the low cylinder letting it set overnight may help.ericheath wrote:Lots of sitting Goldwings here have had low compression after sitting. Some theorise that the rings get stuck. Warm them up run them a few hundred miles and they often equalise.
Mark
1975 GL 1000 Candy Antares Red
1976 GL 1000 Sulfur Yellow
1977 GL 1000 Pearl White
1978 GL 1000 Candy Limited Maroon
1975 GL 1000 Candy Antares Red
1976 GL 1000 Sulfur Yellow
1977 GL 1000 Pearl White
1978 GL 1000 Candy Limited Maroon
- Track T 2411
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
All good advice above. The 1100 I just got on the road had very similar readings and has shown marked improvement in the first 150 miles I've put on.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- Rednaxs60
- Silver Member
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:14 pm
- Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
My parts guy here recommended using Yamaha Ring Free fuel additive. He mentioned it is by far the best for issues like this. Haven't used it myself as I have a lot of other product to use first. Here's a picture:
Recommended as a maintenance item, or as a shock treatment."When writing the Story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."
Ernest
1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
Ernest
1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
- Track T 2411
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Interesting. Never heard it mentioned before. Something to file away for later!Rednaxs60 wrote:My parts guy here recommended using Yamaha Ring Free fuel additive. He mentioned it is by far the best for issues like this. Haven't used it myself as I have a lot of other product to use first. Here's a picture:Yamalube Ring Free.jpgRecommended as a maintenance item, or as a shock treatment.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
- Posts: 21724
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
- Location: Decatur, Indiana
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Usually just 200-300 miles of riding will loosen up the rings on an engine that sat for several years. And once loose and regularly ridden they don't stick again. That seems like something you don't really need. IMO
.
.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
- Oldewing
- Secretary
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- Location: Gahanna Ohio
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Just as an info nugget....
On the NOS motor I just "found"... Compression reading on a New motor are 175..
I have never seen anything north of 160 on any of these motors. but they are all used, cept this one...for now anyways.
On the NOS motor I just "found"... Compression reading on a New motor are 175..
I have never seen anything north of 160 on any of these motors. but they are all used, cept this one...for now anyways.
82 GL1100 Interstate-Oldewing October 23 BOTM
06 GL1800 Road bike, as in Rode alot...
Sometimes I wrestle with my inner demons.........
Other times we just hug.......
Team 898
Team LTD 993
Team 76 R2B3
And always remember: beer has some food value--but food has NO beer value...
06 GL1800 Road bike, as in Rode alot...
Sometimes I wrestle with my inner demons.........
Other times we just hug.......
Team 898
Team LTD 993
Team 76 R2B3
And always remember: beer has some food value--but food has NO beer value...
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- Cast Iron Member
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- Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 8:27 pm
- Location: Chicago
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Wow thanks for the replies! I am going to get a battery and try to fire it up this weekend. I thought I would follow the advice on Randakk's blog for starting after a long layoff. I feel better about the purchase now, thanks.
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow human beings. Real nobility is in being superior to your former self.
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5053
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Be sure to fully prepare the new battery before you place it under a work load.
If you purchase the battery from a salesperson that tells you it is already charged from the factory, in spite of that statement, place it on a full charge cycle, anyway. Doing so may also provide several extra years of good service, as well.
Expecting the bike's charging system to provide its initial preparation will almost guarantee the battery will never deliver more than ~85% of its rated performance from that point and going forward.
You probably already know about the 3 yellow wires connectors inspection and proactive correction steps, too?
After soldering the wires as detailed in the NGW Club Shop Talk section, or elsewhere, check the engine running charging voltage on the battery terminals.
If it exceeds ~14.5 vdc above 3,000 rpm, it needs some prompt attention to correct that issue.
done for now
If you purchase the battery from a salesperson that tells you it is already charged from the factory, in spite of that statement, place it on a full charge cycle, anyway. Doing so may also provide several extra years of good service, as well.
Expecting the bike's charging system to provide its initial preparation will almost guarantee the battery will never deliver more than ~85% of its rated performance from that point and going forward.
You probably already know about the 3 yellow wires connectors inspection and proactive correction steps, too?
After soldering the wires as detailed in the NGW Club Shop Talk section, or elsewhere, check the engine running charging voltage on the battery terminals.
If it exceeds ~14.5 vdc above 3,000 rpm, it needs some prompt attention to correct that issue.
done for now
Cliff (74yrs )
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
-
- Cast Iron Member
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 8:27 pm
- Location: Chicago
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Thanks Cliff, I did not know about the 3 yellow wires inspection and proactive correction steps. I will look it up and atend to it!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow human beings. Real nobility is in being superior to your former self.
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
-
- Cast Iron Member
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 8:27 pm
- Location: Chicago
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
Looks like a PO got to this before I could. ( I removed some loose electrical tape on two connections.) I will clean up and re-wrap.
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow human beings. Real nobility is in being superior to your former self.
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
- Rat
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
That's a good sign ....
Gord
Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
-
- Cast Iron Member
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- Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2017 8:27 pm
- Location: Chicago
Re: Compression issue - where to from here?
A follow up:
To recap:
Timing belts changed
Oil and filter changed
New battery fully charged before use
Valves adjusted
New plugs
New radiator hoses and thermostat
Compression in 2, 3, 4 -120
Compression in 1 - 90
Put some PB Blaster in cylinders and let sit
Bike sat for 2 years or so.
Started her up without too much trouble but had some symptoms:
Carbs leaking at bowl, plan on getting Randakk's kit
Valve clanking from right side - thinking number one because of low compression there.
-this noise quieted somewhat when I revved the engine.
Looks like oil/gas in right exhaust. There is a pinhole in pipe, and underneath was thin black liquid looked like oil and
gas to me. I just changed the oil, and this looked like old, black oil.
Exhaust was very smoky but I didn't let it idle too long because of gas/oil leaks, and I probably didn't even burn the PB
out of the cylinders.
I'm asking for more help. I don't know exactly what the oil/gas leak at exhaust is. I'm thinking a stuck ring could let oil through, and that would make sense given the compression in cylinder one. Also, I may not have a spark and that would let gas through, am I thinking correctly on this?
So, going forward and assuming engine is salvageable, I'm planning on checking for spark, re-checking valve adjust, rebuilding carbs, and seeing where I'm at . Does that sound like a sensible plan?
Thanks, could not do this without you guys.
To recap:
Timing belts changed
Oil and filter changed
New battery fully charged before use
Valves adjusted
New plugs
New radiator hoses and thermostat
Compression in 2, 3, 4 -120
Compression in 1 - 90
Put some PB Blaster in cylinders and let sit
Bike sat for 2 years or so.
Started her up without too much trouble but had some symptoms:
Carbs leaking at bowl, plan on getting Randakk's kit
Valve clanking from right side - thinking number one because of low compression there.
-this noise quieted somewhat when I revved the engine.
Looks like oil/gas in right exhaust. There is a pinhole in pipe, and underneath was thin black liquid looked like oil and
gas to me. I just changed the oil, and this looked like old, black oil.
Exhaust was very smoky but I didn't let it idle too long because of gas/oil leaks, and I probably didn't even burn the PB
out of the cylinders.
I'm asking for more help. I don't know exactly what the oil/gas leak at exhaust is. I'm thinking a stuck ring could let oil through, and that would make sense given the compression in cylinder one. Also, I may not have a spark and that would let gas through, am I thinking correctly on this?
So, going forward and assuming engine is salvageable, I'm planning on checking for spark, re-checking valve adjust, rebuilding carbs, and seeing where I'm at . Does that sound like a sensible plan?
Thanks, could not do this without you guys.
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow human beings. Real nobility is in being superior to your former self.
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
~Hemingway
1978 GL1000
1987 Shadow VT700
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