Precautions before starting engine for the 1st time in years

While I'm waiting on picking up shorter rear shocks for my xj, I decided to try and get the thing running and find out if I need to replace the motor...

I've bought all the bits and bobs that were missing but I'm hesitent to hook everything up and start it as it has been sitting for years and years.

I figure I'll change the oil/filter and throw in some new plugs but is there anything else I need to check out before firing? I haven't checked the valves yet but was hoping to put that off until I get a gasket set though it's no biggie if it must be done before starting.

Also, I'm sure the carbs are likely gunked up but I recall reading that I shouldn't use carb-cleaner on them. Is this true?

So in summary, what would y'all do before starting a bike that's been sitting for years on end?

Thanks for any anyput you can offer,
~Rev

 

i just remove the plugs shoot some oil in and turn it over by hand a few times before i try the start...90% of the bike i've ran across needed carbs cleaned before they would run at all...theirs alot of info on this site worth reading and doing good luck

 

Yes, turn by hand first! Also, check the airbox and intake boots to make sure there's no crud that can get sucked into the carbs before you start it up. If you don't know the history of the bike, a compression test would be a good idea before you do a lot of other stuff.
And if you are talking about the spray-can carb cleaner, it probably won't hurt anything but it won't give the carbs the deep down interior cleaning that they will need. You probably will need to take them apart.

 

Remove all the fuel in the carbs and tank as well. And put in fresh fuel with a stabilizer or upper cylinder lube. If it sat all that while with gas in the carbs your bowls will be goopy. I would use Kroil or PB in the plug holes and turn it by hand quite a bit before firing it. Fresh charge on the battery as well. I wish you luck as engines are like people in that sitting for a long time is bad-but you can bring it back.

 

I it has beed sitting for a few years some of the valves are probably stuck and you won't get accurate measurments. I would wait till you can run it and make sure its all free.
Steps I take when starting a motor that has been sitting.Just the highlights.
-Throughly clean carbs, make sure all jets and passages are clean. Set float levels and bench sync. Basicly do a full clean rebuild.
-Change oil and filter
- Remove plugs and oil cylinders
-Turn engine by hand at least 4 complete revolutions.
-Check fuses and wiring connections
-Install fresh battery and hook up 4 new plugs to the wires and let them lay on the head.
-Power on and spin engine, look for spark. Run long enough to prine oil system.
-Install carbs and auxilary fuel tank
-After all that it should start. Run it for 10 to 20 minutes and shut it down
- If it runs good then let it cool and check the valves
-After valve adjustment do a final sync on the carbs.

The clutch is most likley stuck also, Do a clutch and brake inspection before riding.

 

Thanks for all the helpful input guys. I'm really stoked to have a nice, long to-do list this weekend. Can't wait! :-D

One more question though. How do I go about inspecting the clutch? What should I be looking for? Is it just excessive wear?

 

Inspecting the clutch requires removal of the side cover. Take the clutch apart and inspect the friction plates , there is a thickness wear limit on them. If they are original to the bike it is recommended to replace them. Look at the steel plates do they show signs of scoring/overheating or rusting? If so replace them also.
If you don't have a manual, get one. It will be your best friend to answer questions on how do I do this. You can search the forums for specifics and find pics if the manual is a little unclear on a subject.

 

Stuck rings are a common problem on engines that sit for a long time. Squirt some ATF in the cylinders and let sit for a few days after you turn it over several times. The ATF is a real good cleaner since it has a lot of detergent in it.
MN