Stuck starter or frozen engine?

[TCBeard]

I just picked up an '81 GS450L. It supposedly ran last year but then the starter button broke and it was parked till I just bought it. I jumped across the 2 terminals on the starter relay and heard the starter make a brief noise and then nothing. No spark at the terminals, no nuttin'. I pulled the spark plugs, put the bike in 1st gear and tried to turn the engine with the rear tire but the engine refuses to turn over.
Could the starter be stuck in the "engaged" position?
I don't want to believe that the engine is frozen!
I don't have a manual yet. Where is the starter and how might I check it?
Thank you for any advice you can provide!

[tkent02]

I just picked up an '81 GS450L. It supposedly ran last year but then the starter button broke and it was parked till I just bought it. I jumped across the 2 terminals on the starter relay and heard the starter make a brief noise and then nothing. No spark at the terminals, no nuttin'. I pulled the spark plugs, put the bike in 1st gear and tried to turn the engine with the rear tire but the engine refuses to turn over.
Could the starter be stuck in the "engaged" position?
I don't want to believe that the engine is frozen!
I don't have a manual yet. Where is the starter and how might I check it?
Thank you for any advice you can provide!

It can't be stuck, they don't work that way. Pull the cover off the right end of the crank, turn it with a 19mm wrench. Does it move at all?
If not put some Marvel Mystery Oil into each spark plug hole and wait a few days, try to turn it again.
Welcome to the GSR.

[kparkfan]

Hmmm very interesting. the starter is located under the little plate that is directly under the carbs. should be held on by 2 screws. good luck in your search for the problem. hope all comes out well and its just the starter. also where are you located. some members on here might be right close and willing to come lend a hand.

[Billy Ricks]

The starter is up under the carbs. There is a cover over it. If you can't turn the engine over by hand then pull the plugs and shoot some PB Blaster into the cylinders. Use plenty of it and let it sit overnight or longer then try turning the engine over by hand. If you can free up the engine then change the oil. You're going to need to go through the electrical system and clean the carbs and replace the o-rings in them. Try third gear or so for turning the engine over with the rear wheel, it might help.