Home | Forum | Contact   

Search this website

Web  goldwingworld

Starting a GL 1000 engine after a long period of rest!

Courtesy of Randall Washington (aka "Randakk") - owner of Randakk's Cycle Shakk: 

• Verify that the crankshaft will turn with the kickstarter...don't use the starter yet! (just make sure the engine will turn a bit).
• Remove dirt and debris from spark plug recesses with compressed air.
• Soak the area around the spark plugs with penetrating oil ((like PB Blaster) and leave overnight.
• Remove spark plugs (very carefully!).
• Squirt about 2 tablespoons of penetrating oil into each cylinder... (this will help free up your rings and lube the cylinder walls).
• Replace plugs.
• Check fuses, main fuse, battery cables, starter cable and wiring to/from starter relay for integrity.
• Install fresh, fully charged battery.
• Address coolant status. Drain and re-fill as necessary for initial startup
• With kill switch "off," spin the engine on the starter (or kickstarter) for a few seconds...this will distribute the oil in each cylinder.
• Let the bike sit overnight.
• Drain the old oil.
• Replace oil filter and replace oil with the cheapest 30W you can buy.
• Clean / replace air filter.
• Rectify ALL problems with fuel tank. There should be no rust whatsoever in tank!
• Install new fuel filter.
• Do whatever carb, ignition work, etc. is required to start the engine and verify that it will run correctly. Now would be a good time to try the "In Situ" carb cleaning method (follow the link).
• Start the engine, allow the engine to warm up, but DO NOT RIDE!
• While the engine is warm, drain the oil.
• Replace oil filter (again).
• Fill crankcase with a 50/50 mix of cheap 30W and Dextron auto transmission fluid.
• Start engine and run for 20 minutes at 3500 - 4000 rpms on the center stand...DO NOT RIDE with this mixture in crankcase...any loading might damage your engine. This will clean your engine internals and free-up rings. Don't be alarmed...your engine may SMOKE quite a bit with this mixture!
• While the engine is warm, drain this oil mixture.
• Replace oil filter (again).
• Refill crankcase with high quality, motorcycle-spec 10W-40 oil.
• Address roadworthiness issues like coolant, fork oil, etc.
• Address safety issues: brakes, tires, lights, etc.
• Road test and evaluate deficiencies. Obviously, do this first ride with GREAT CARE for your own personal safety.
• Address deficiencies as required.
• Adjust valves.
• Re-visit tune-up issues as required for smooth running and full power.
• Do a benchmark compression test.
• After you put 100+ miles on the bike, do another compression test (the values often rise as the rings free-up).
• Change out fluids again at 100 mile mark.

Courtesy of Randakk's Cycle Shakk who made this tips possible for this website, thank you, Randakk

© Goldwingworld