Startup after respite

[Guest]

Hi, laid up w/ knee replacement since fall, bike was last ridden mid Oct 2016. Been sitting on side stand in the shed (not me, the bike!) w/battery kept inside on a Tender, fuel tank filled w/extra Startron. Knew I should have done much more & wish I had but physically I fell apart too soon.

Want to begin prep for some riding when weather allows here in north central Maryland. Worried that I should have oiled up the engine in some way(fogging oil??? extra oil in the cylinders???) too late now but want to do the least damage when I start up.

I can get some 5W40 T6 or 0W20 Mobil 1 into the cylinders or get some fogging oil sprayed in. I figure I could crank over w/plugs out to minimize wear inside the barrels as they get coated.

Not much I can do for the valve train now. Heard you can winter prep by spraying fogging oil into carb throats while cranking over. Would this be good for next year if I don't ride in the chill? Usually I ride through the winter unless brutal but this year re-learning to walk was my concern and focus.

Any tips appreciated. Holding off on anything till I get sage advice.

Thanks,
DH

[Big T]

While it shouldn't be a problem in the 6 months since you rode it, there are 2 simple ways:

1. Remove spark plugs, use starter to turn the motor over for 15-20 seconds, replace plugs and ride
2. Remove spark plugs, spray some lube like Deep Creep into the spark plug holes, turn the motor over with a wrench from the ignition side

Actually, I'd be more concerned about crud in the carbs than whether the cylinders are oiled

[suzukizone]

While it shouldn't be a problem in the 6 months since you rode it, there are 2 simple ways:

1. Remove spark plugs, use starter to turn the motor over for 15-20 seconds, replace plugs and ride
2. Remove spark plugs, spray some lube like Deep Creep into the spark plug holes, turn the motor over with a wrench from the ignition side

Actually, I'd be more concerned about crud in the carbs than whether the cylinders are oiled

Thanks Big T. I like the tip on turning engine w/wrench rather than using starter motor. I wonder if I can sray some fogging lube in through the top of the valve cover by pulling the part that the breather hose hooks up to so I don't have to pull the actual valve cover to get some lube onto the cam shaft.

As for carbs, I have a lot of faith in Startron having used it religiously over the years and from experience in the shop I worked at. Most excellent product and never has let me down on any engine I used it. I did put an extra heavy dose in the tank and ran it into the carbs before laying the bike up. Every engine I have used it with or dealt with have started up like they were only idle for a few days.

Letcha know though. With this knee & rest of my aging body I really am working slow. Can't get the old girl up on the center stand so gotta get my son to com over for a boost. Next time I'll park it on the lift so I can clamp it upright.

Thanks again,

Any other tips on fogging oil appreciated. Anyone ever use one of the brands? Seems Sta-bil is the most readily available. Most reviews were pretty positive except for the guy who bashed it when he dropped the red spray tube into his engine.

DH