Houston, we have compression!

[ChumbiWumba]

I broke down and bought a used Snap-on compression tester to start checking my recent acquisitions. I got about 165 psi per cylinder. Does anybody know what the spec is for a new or reasonably tight engine?

Because it won't start this was on a cold engine. So it may go up once it is up to operating temperature. The carbs are full of Kaka I'm sure. Will get to those shortly.

This at least makes me feel optimistic,

[Dougal]

This seems to be reasonable, I think the standard specified by Honda is 165-185 psi

Dougal

[Try]

I broke down and bought a used Snap-on compression tester to start checking my recent acquisitions. I got about 165 psi per cylinder. Does anybody know what the spec is for a new or reasonably tight engine?,

The spec for a new one from Honda is 185 psi, 165 psi is quite good.

[ChumbiWumba]

Thanks for the info. Tested the other bike I bought for parts and it has a healthy set of lungs too (170 PSI). Though what was curious I found was that the engine had no oil. It had been in storage for several years. I did an oil change before testing.

As I suspected the parts bike (the Interstate) had gummed up carbs. The gas has turned into varnish. Just yanked the assembly and plan to clean and rebuild this week.

Is it ok to use agressive solvents on the carbs as long as I avoid rubber and plastic components? Most cleaners are Mineral spirits which is pretty mild but the so called "Carb cleaners" have acetone, methyl chloride and other very agressive solvents that break down anything.


The saga continues....

[Bandanna]

the aggressive solvents will do the job ok chumbi,but if you are going to the trouble of a total stripdown,then why bother about the condition of the rubber seals,etc...youre halfway to going back to factory originals.

personally,i would replace all seals etc.. with new ones,so wouldnt be that bothered using harsh cleaners.......

but if the budget is not allowing for the use of new rubbers,etc..
then i would go for a lesser aggressive method of cleaning...

i think if you go to the trouble of taking the time+patience to dismantle+clean,then to do justice to all your hard work,replace all with new...


you will find that your patience+time will be more rewarded,and you will know that the task you have just done will be 100% ok

hope this is of some help my friend..........

[muser3]

hi,
the varnish is just gasoline which has lost its moisture. I use gasoline to remove it. Just soak and brush lightly and it will be gone soon. In Fact the easiest method I've found is to fill the bowls and leave them full of fresh gasoline for a few days prior to teardown. Just remember to hav adequate ventilation whatever the solvent!
Good luck and enjoy making it come to life!