Rusty water

[Wolf]

Hi all,
Finally getting started on my GL1100 rebuild. It was stored outside under a cover for about 3 years with no exhausts fitted. I wasn`t sure if the engine would turn over. The good news is that it does, the bad news is that I had a small puddle of rusty water come out of each exhaust port.
I`m wondering if this is just condensation that has built up over the years, or could it have a blown head gasket?
Someof the valves would have been open so some of this water may have got into the cylinder head. I`ve popped off the rocker covers and the valve gear looks alright.
I suppose what I`m asking is, do I need to strip the engine. I`m gonna strip and respray the frame now after I saw all the rust behind the fuel tank.

Any advice much appreciated
Wolf

[Recycled Roadkill]

Since you stated "Any advice much appreciated" I'll comment.
Done right you'd remove the heads, inspect the cylinders and what you can see of the pistons, get a valve job for openers. OR, put on the exhaust and see what happens when you run it. Then do a compression test. Your choice.
I'd be worrying more about the condition of the idle circuits of the carbs. If there's rust in the gas tank I'd put my attention there first.
My opinion. Others may differ.
Best of luck with your project. You will get through it.

[terry_208]

One thing with the rusty water, It may have been laying on a closed intake and flowed into the cyclinder as you turned it over. There must not have been very much or it would have hydro locked. I bought a junkyard wing that when turned over, dumped a couple of
tablespoons of rusty water over my foot, like you no exhaust.

[rcmatt007]

try pouring some light weight oil into the spark plug openings and turn it over. but from there, you will just have to hope the cylinder walls aren't ruined

[Recycled Roadkill]

try pouring some light weight oil into the spark plug openings and turn it over. but from there, you will just have to hope the cylinder walls aren't ruined

That's a very good point Rodger. Usually prefered is Marvel Mystery Oil. I'm getting close to cranking my '77 for the first time in years and I'll be doing the same.
Thanks for that reminder, Rodger.

[rcmatt007]

I agree on the MMMO, but I doubt he has that in England. you can also pour in a little kerosene or diesel

[Recycled Roadkill]

I agree on the MMMO, but I doubt he has that in England. you can also pour in a little kerosene or diesel

I did not realize he was on the other side of the pond.

[rcmatt007]

very close to you in the south of France - LOL

[Wolf]

I`ve used a couple of squirts of clean engine oil in the plug holes. There was a bit of resistance to start with, then the rusty water came out, now it turns over freely. I think I will take the heads off anyway just for a look see.The carbs will be fully stripped and sonically cleaned.
Thanks for the help.
Not sure what Marvel Mystery oil is but I like the sound of it.

[Recycled Roadkill]

Not sure what Marvel Mystery oil is but I like the sound of it.

I'm sure that if you were to ask the manufacturer they'd tell you.
But then they'd have to shoot you.

[rcmatt007]

Not sure what Marvel Mystery oil is but I like the sound of it.

I'm sure that if you were to ask the manufacturer they'd tell you.
But then they'd have to shoot you.

It is the cure all for everything.... it even is good over ice

[Sagebrush]

I think you're taking the right approach by pulling the heads. You just can't be sure what you have until you can actually see it in front of you.