1978 GS 750 Indiana Barn Bike rescue

[Ledyard]

Thanks for the help guys - love this forum!

Here's the plan through the weekend -- more PB Blaster tonight (Thursday) and tomorrow, and keep trying to turn it by hand. (So far it is locked up tighter than a face lift); Saturday - change the oil and filter just for good measure; clean out the air box of any critters, living or dead; if I can get the engine to turn by hand, I'll blow out the PB Blaster with the plug holes covered with a rag, then put new plugs in. If it still won't budge, I'll keep at it. If it can turn by hand, then, and only then, would I put the fuel tank back on, put in new gas, put in a new battery and see if she starts.

If it does start, then I'll resume tear-down.

[Larry D]

Have you pulled the valve cover and had a look ? Since the engine won't turn over, it would be a good idea just to make sure everything seems "normal" in there.

[rustybronco]

Don't worry much about the oil. It doesn't deteriorate with time.

Actually it does. The temp changes over time will break down the viscosity index improvers.

Probably best to change it any ways especially if the oil has any acids in it.

Put the engine in a higher gear and rock it back and forth every so often.

[Ledyard]

Critters! (pic)

I removed the air box cover last night. It appears the Barn Bike has been well-used as a mouse motel for awhile.



I reattached the kick start lever last night and have been trying to get the engine to move by hand. No dice. Yet. The gear shift lever is also non-responsive -- any tips on getting the bike into different gears?

[Flyboy]

Holy Kamolee there is a whole eco system going on in there.
Try rocking the bike back and forth while applying pressure to the gearshift lever.
If you can get it to click into gear, then, like Dale says, the best way to get the motor loose is to rock her back and forth in gear.

[Ledyard]

Got the engine to turn with the kick starter. Progress!

[londonboards]

A great project

Welcome to the rebuild thread. You have a project which is very similar to mine. I would love to know what you intend to do to clean up the engine. Soda blasting, vapour blasting or whatever?

Greetings

[Ledyard]

Thanks for the welcome, Londonboards. I haven't begun to think of the outside of the engine yet -- a little preoccupied with the inside, and a million other things. After I get the bike dismantled, I want to focus on the carburetors first, then... everything else. I'll check out your project.

[wedoo2]

Looking through this thread I got a bit of satisfaction that you got the thing to turn over. There was one post that a member had no problem after getting a stuck motor turning again, but I hope that you understand Ledyard that you may still have to get into that motor and change a head gasket or even rings. You'll know when it starts and the blue smoke cometh.

I would also open up the oil pan and make sure that the pick up is clean in addition to the good suggestions you have already got.

[Ledyard]

I hope that you understand Ledyard that you may still have to get into that motor and change a head gasket or even rings. You'll know when it starts and the blue smoke cometh...

Indeed, I will need to get into the motor. I realize I've got a long, long way to go. Just starting, really. But, I have the right attitude, no deadlines, interest, a workable budget. I think I've got a motorcycle that deserves to be rescued.

It's going to be a beautiful bike.

[Ledyard]

Just an update on the rebuild, with no pictures -- sorry, haven't figured out Photobucket quite yet.

I disassembled, cleaned, rebuilt, and bench-synched the carbs. They look great. I have the swing arm, rear wheel and brakes off. I stripped the head on one screw on a side panel which is keeping me from removing the engine. I have exhausted my abilities in getting it out, and am going to have a machine shop take it out.

I patched one small hole in the seat and it looks good.

I rebuilt and sealed the airbox.

As soon as I re-learn how to load photos on Photobucket I'll get some posted.

[Ledyard]

Here are the cleaned up carbs.

http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/Ledyard61/media/null_zps162f8c78.jpg.html

And here is where I'm stuck until I get a stripped screw out.

http://s1340.photobucket.com/user/Ledyard61/media/null_zpseda71aa7.jpg.html

It's coming.

[nvr2old]

Got the engine to turn with the kick starter. Progress!

Did you get it to turn freely? How did the valve train look, what about the oil, did you figure to just go ahead and rebuild it w/o running it..? I was going through your thread and then the next thing I know, you're pulling the engine. Inquiring minds need to know..

[Ledyard]

I got the engine to turn after dousing it with PB Blaster. I drained the oil (dark, but not a bad consistency), filled it up again, and drained it, just for good measure. I am going to rebuild the engine without ever having run it -- we'll see how that works out I have not opened the engine up yet.

I really took this on as a learning project. I'm trying to do it right, but am in no hurry.

[nvr2old]

Thanks for the update. It would probably drive me crazy wondering if it ran or not, just for fun, before tearing it down. You sound like you have a solid plan. Best of luck on it.