what are the "must do's" after being in storage for 10 yrs?

What are some of the "must do's" and things to check on a bike that has been sitting for years? I have an '82 XJ550 and she definately needs a little TLC. Its not horrible, but it has been sitting in a buddys storage building for 10yrs. The chain is VERY dry and rusty so I am just going purchase a new one and new sprockets. Naturally the carbs will need some work. But what are some things that i should really check and spend some time on?

Thanks again!
William

 

Re: what are the "must do's" after being in storage for 10 y

From Fitz, a resident expert, on my exact same Q from 2 months ago

 

Replace the tires....dry rot......
Check the rear brake for delamination,
Flush the brake fluid, replace brake line. May need caliper/MC rebuilds....
Replace the fusebox.....
Check the tank for rust, install in-line filter....
Carbs will need a thorough cleaning, search out Rick's carb cleaning guide, an Carbs need to go Clunk
Check valve clearances


There's more, but that should get you started

 

Re: what are the "must do's" after being in storage for 10 y

ooooh I like this question!!!

I've restored a few old bikes now, So I'll tell you what I do.

first, to get 'er up and running. If you are really (and I mean really) lucky the previous owner would have shut off the gas and drained the float bowls. Chances are though they are full of old goo.

Do not start the bike yet.

Start by draining the tank, if there is anything in it, and checking the underside for rust...you don't want it leaking like a sieve. quarter fill the tank with gas swirl it around in the tank and then drain it from the filler.

Assuming it's not full of rust this should give you piece of mind that all the gunk is out the tank.

next if you can, drain the float bowls.

drain the engine oil. refill with cheap oil (don't worry about using cheap oil, your gonna ditch this way before your first ride)

change the air filter, regardless off what it looks like. if it's a paper element it could have gone brittle, you don't want that getting sucked in through your carbs.

right, cleaned tank? fresh Fuel? changed oil? changed filter?

go ahead and see if she'll fire up.

does she fire up? if she runs reasonably smoothly it's time to move on to making her safe.

not firing up? running like a pile of spanners? get the carbs off and get 'em cleaned out as per other guides in this here forum.

got a spark? if not, thats a whole other kettle of fish check all wiring and connections. If you still don't get a spark, we can cover that later.

o.k.
assuming she is running, get her nice and warm and ditch that cheep oil.
let her cool down and change the oil filter and refill with quality oil.

balance the carbs. Never hurts to do this.

Right now go round the bike and systematically check every chassis bearing. Thats wheel bearings steering head bearings and swing arm bearings. If in even the slightest doubt, replace 'em.

Brakes. DO NOT CHEEP OUT HERE replace the pads and/or shoes regardless of how good they look.

Strip calipers and replace seals (and possibly the piston if it's pitted)

clean up the drum brake (if it has one) clean up all pivots and smear with a little copper grease. Do not let any grease get inside the drum.

check condition of hoses and replace if necessary. replace brake fluid.

Remember your life is worth way more than the cost of these parts.

Replace the tyres.

replace the chain and sprockets

go round and check every nut and bolt.



now go around and check the electrics and the function of all components

congrats you should have a running safe bike.

 

Re: what are the "must do's" after being in storage for 10 y

Hey I got beaten to it :cry:

funny thing is we all came up with more or less the same answers

 

If you come across a Bike that has been sitting for more than 10 Years, ... the first thing to do is to Pull the Plugs and the Crankcase Side Cover and see it the Engine Turns-over.

If it's not seized ... Get a Compression Test. The results of the Compression Test will indicate the condition of the Cylinders and Valves ... and help determine if the Bike is a candidate for purchase, restoration or sinking any money into a project to get it returned to service.

 

We did this already. great reminder though! all 4 cyclinder have about 160 psi

 

WOW!! great stuff everyone! thanks. I just have to say, so far this is one great site! i like people who have a passion for such unique things!