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Compression issue on 83 GS1100E

glib

glib

Forum Mentor
Past Site Supporter
I was hoping that I might have some stuck rings that would break loose with time and Sea Foam. Dry test was really low in three of four cylinders--one barely registers but comes right up on wet test. Oddly, it idles smoothly and on a couple of short rides in the neighborhood it felt smooth through the rpm range but the tires are old and on the last ride I could feel them vibrate even at low speed so it's parked until they are replaced. Today I put a fan in front of the bike and let it idle for about 20 minutes or so with Sea Foam in the fuel and oil hoping it might show some sign of healing but by the end it was still puffing a little smoke.

How long should I expect to run it to see the rings un-stick or just resolve to rebuild?

If I do rebuild, what improvements should I make or is it good as original?
 
You might consider a leak down to pinpoint exactly where the issue is..
 
you might just ride it and way your options in a few weeks.
low #'s and run fine don't go together...
 
Started the engine just now with the compression gauge connected to #2. With the engine running the compression went to 120 then down to 50 and stayed there.
 
I don't see how five seconds (50 to 100 revolutions since it was barely kicking over without the choke on) would matter enough be concerned. Why is this the focus of the responses rather than the compression issue?
 
glib said:
I don't see how five seconds (50 to 100 revolutions since it was barely kicking over without the choke on) would matter enough be concerned. Why is this the focus of the responses rather than the compression issue?
Click to expand...

I suspect the manufacturer of the compression tester would void any warranty for running an engine with the testor installed, and I suspect most around here would avoid a diagnosis based on results from that type of test.

If it were me I'd try and figure out if the gauge is damaged or get another.
 
blowerbike said:
you might just ride it and way your options in a few weeks.
low #'s and run fine don't go together...
Click to expand...

my point from yesterday was....
an engine takes 70-80lbs ish to pop.
you said it seemed to run fine...well then then ride it and see how things go.
IMO you are testing the compression wrong or you have faulty equipment.
 
Fair enough. I'll get another gauge.

That said, I don't see how doing 20 tests of five compression strokes would be significantly different on the gauge that one test of 100 strokes. But no doubt I could be wrong. I'd just like to know why instead of getting "seriously????"
 
glib said:
Fair enough. I'll get another gauge.

That said, I don't see how doing 20 tests of five compression strokes would be significantly different on the gauge that one test of 100 strokes. But no doubt I could be wrong. I'd just like to know why instead of getting "seriously????"
Click to expand...

I also hate when people don't read or appear to respond to what is posted, but I just learn to deal with it :(.
 
Run the engine with the tester installed? That is a first. Did you open the throttle when you did the test?
Have you even adjusted the valve clearances yet?

You don't have a compression issue, you have a maintenance issue.
 
Last edited:
glib said:
Fair enough. I'll get another gauge.

That said, I don't see how doing 20 tests of five compression strokes would be significantly different on the gauge that one test of 100 strokes. But no doubt I could be wrong. I'd just like to know why instead of getting "seriously????"
Click to expand...


When preforming a proper compression test on your model bike with C/V carbs you must remove the carbs to do the test correctly. Never run a motor when preforming a compression test. And the valves must be adjusted properly to preform an accurate compression test. Do you have a repair manual for your bike.
 
Well, I hadn't adjusted the valves on this bike yet and of course that could affect compression so I did it today. Afterwards I checked the compression.




Oddest part is, #2 did not need adjustment and it was the one that was so low. Oh well, I'm going to appreciate the blessing and move on.
Oh and one more thing--gluing the valve cover gasket is a mean thing to do to the next guy who opens it up.:mad:
 
Congradulations..................

Now do the Quick Test (see my signature) and report the results before you have more problems.
 
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