Waking Donna; a '75 GL1000

[desertrefugee]

I'm not convinced you're yet to the point that you've conclusively demonstrated that engine needs to be torn down. Did you drain the crankcase? If so, what did the stuff that came out of it look like? If it was black oil, keep working that engine until it frees up a bit more. If it was mud or chocolate milk, then you start seriously thinking about tearing it down.

[Chainman]

The oil was black, super black, I've never seen oil that black. The coolant was a beautiful clear blue.

I've managed to move the pistons with a wrench, but not all the way around so more soaking and more patience. Also, I've freed up the stuck right side cam.

I'm optimistic that soon, with a bit more elbow grease, she'll be worth what I paid for her.

[pidjones]

Please make sure you have backed the valve adjusters ALL the way off! Without belts timing the cams to the pistons, you risk bending a valve if the belt is not there. There is always a valve open.

[Chainman]

^^^Thank you pidjones.
To be clear, the valve trains are on the bench.

[Chainman]

The pistons seem to move freely now, but there is a sound that I don't know if is normal. Have a listen and tell me what you think.

[desertrefugee]

All I hear is the ratchet.

[Chainman]

Good, normal.

[robin1731]

Which way are turning the engine? If you are turning with the crank bolt at the front and turning the bolt counter clockwise it sounds like it may be the starter being turned by the starter clutch. Same if you are turning it with the stator bolt. Try turning it the other way and see what it does.

.

[Chainman]

I was turning the front crank bolt counter-clockwise. I'll try the other way.

I'm not convinced you're yet to the point that you've conclusively demonstrated that engine needs to be torn down.

Yeah, I think your right. Thanks for your input.

[Chainman]

Is there a trick to removing the fuel tank on a '75 GL?

And, when I go to put it back, should it go before the wires, cables , and tubing. You know, set the tank then fish all the components through the appropriate passages?

[rcmatt007]

well look at that, a Prestolite ignition....

prestolite.jpg (127.49 KiB) Viewed 133 times

[pidjones]

Removing wiring doesn't hurt. From your photo, you still need to remove shocks and rear brake system (all of it).

[rcmatt007]

on removing the tank.... the petcock must be removed.... then just imagine birthing a baby.... all the road gunk is the same as meconium

[Chainman]

well look at that, a Prestolite ignition....

prestolite.jpg

Thanks for the ID.

Removing wiring doesn't hurt. From your photo, you still need to remove shocks and rear brake system (all of it).

Will do.

on removing the tank.... the petcock must be removed.... then just imagine birthing a baby.... all the road gunk is the same as meconium

Great, when it's ready, I'll get my wife to push and of course, breathe.

[rcmatt007]

on the tank. the back of the tank must be pushed downward and then it is sort of wiggeling it out. getting it back in is a lot like trying to put a baby back..... don't tell the wife that