Compression issue - where to from here?

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EdK
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Compression issue - where to from here?

#1

Post by EdK »

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!
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gltriker
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#2

Post by gltriker »

Check both valve lash clearance dimension on cylinder#1, again.
Then ride it! tumb2

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. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
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RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
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'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
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previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
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ericheath
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#3

Post by ericheath »

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.
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Graham Cracker
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#4

Post by Graham Cracker »

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.
No better advice than riding it. Maybe try a shot of penetrating oil in the low cylinder letting it set overnight may help.
Mark

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Track T 2411
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#5

Post by Track T 2411 »

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.
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#6

Post by Rednaxs60 »

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.jpg
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Recommended as a maintenance item, or as a shock treatment.
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#7

Post by Track T 2411 »

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.
Interesting. Never heard it mentioned before. Something to file away for later!
"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.
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robin1731
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#8

Post by robin1731 »

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

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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#9

Post by Oldewing »

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.
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EdK
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#10

Post by EdK »

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.
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1987 Shadow VT700
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#11

Post by gltriker »

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. tumb2
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. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: 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.
EdK
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#12

Post by EdK »

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
EdK
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#13

Post by EdK »

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.
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There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow human beings. Real nobility is in being superior to your former self.
~Hemingway

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1987 Shadow VT700
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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#14

Post by Rat »

That's a good sign ....

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Re: Compression issue - where to from here?

#15

Post by EdK »

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.
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
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