Cleaning out an engine

[Schweisshund]

What is MMO?

The bike I am working on is an 81 GL 1100, the parts bike for sale is an 83 GL 1100 (same bike) and the only thing wrong with the parts bike is a blown head gasket (or so the seller says). Its also supposed to be a complete bike.

I am gonna see if I can talk him down from $500 or if he would be willing to trade for something. I have a Bassett Armoire (retails for $2,000) that is just sitting in my garage being used as a bookshelf. I already tried selling it.

I actually see this whole thing as a "learning opportunity" more than a set back.

Also, I noticed one cam cover has a bolt missing, so perhaps the PO took it off to close the intake valves? Not sure if that's the case at this point.

[Junkie]

Marvel Mystery Oil

[uudfourty]

I actually see this whole thing as a "learning opportunity" more than a set back.

That's a great way to look at it! After this you'll be a engine cleaning guru.

I'd second the MMO suggestion. That stuff... really is a mystery. It's about the only mechanic-in-a-can the old timers can all agree about. Good stuff.

[Schweisshund]

Great advice guys. I really appreciate it. I cannot take the pictures tonight because on my way home, something dislodged in my Camry and my engine sounded like I was racing in a NASCAR rally. It actually was louder that a diesel truck.

I came to discover that the exhaust somehow loosened and came apart from the catalytic converter. I parked the car and lady friend came to the rescue. I will be going to napa in the morning and probably gonna use flex tube and some bands for a temporary fix since no one knows what the part is that connected the exhaust to the cat

No, it wasn't welded, looks to be a band of some sort.,

[Jon Burke]

Is it still recommended to shut the door to the house from the garage when firing up from soaking with MMO? :twisted:

[Schweisshund]

went ahead and took pictures







appears to be rust free

[SqDancerLynn1]

Maybe they tried to steal your converter, big problem here especially on SUV's - easy to get under.

[Schweisshund]

Maybe they tried to steal your converter, big problem here especially on SUV's - easy to get under.

Yeah ... luckily for me, the converter is still there.



For a second there I was thinkling you meant the catalytic converter on the GL 1100 :-D Was searching the web for GL 1100 Converter to see where it was located on the bike lol.

ahhhhh ... I am back to earth now.

[Schweisshund]

I just couldn't stay away - gonna go ahead and remove the heads. which means I have to dissassemble the radiator and timing cover.


happy happy joy joy



edited: removed radiator (note to self for future reference, if radiator hoses are dry rotted just cut the dang things off instead of wasting time trying to take them off).

[uudfourty]

Is it still recommended to shut the door to the house from the garage when firing up from soaking with MMO? :twisted:

Yes, those last three brain cells recommended it. :-D

[Schweisshund]

Yep - valves were open. Instead of MMO, I used Lucas oil. Will spray clean with Deep Creep.


P.S. Not too much damage, there was oil in the engine

[Schweisshund]

http://www.seafoamsales.com/deepCreepConsumer.htm

[TheCafeKid]

THAT sir, is a MAJOR undertaking. I dont envy the task ahead of you. However, as said, it would be a hell of a learning experience. I would suggest if at all possible, picking up that other 'Wing. At least you will have a motor that, if what the seller says is true, once the head gasket is replaced, runs, and would be a good point of reference for you. Having 3 or 4 spare motors laying around myself, I can say that it certainly helps the learning curve out quite a bit, and its NEVER a bad idea to have spares available if the price is right.

[Schweisshund]

How can you tell if a motor is seized?

I have the timing belt covers off now and has some rusty tension pulleys. I tried turning the center pulley (don't know what I am doing) and it won't budge. Is that a good thing that I can't turn it?

I have to get the entire timing belt assembly apart to pull the heads. I can do it, just want to make sure the manual gets here first otherwise I wont get it synced right when putting it back together.

[Schweisshund]

THAT sir, is a MAJOR undertaking. I dont envy the task ahead of you. However, as said, it would be a hell of a learning experience. I would suggest if at all possible, picking up that other 'Wing. At least you will have a motor that, if what the seller says is true, once the head gasket is replaced, runs, and would be a good point of reference for you. Having 3 or 4 spare motors laying around myself, I can say that it certainly helps the learning curve out quite a bit, and its NEVER a bad idea to have spares available if the price is right.

yep, I think I have enough to keep me out of the streets and out of trouble for a while :-D