Engine frozen up?

[skrap1r0n]

OK so here's the deal. My '91 GS has not bee run since it was stolen in '94. I would venture to say that since '94 it has probably only been inside a garage for maybe 6 of those years, the rest of the time it was out in the weather, uncovered. I have it in my head that I want to turn it into a track bike, so I went out and started tinkering with it. I pulled the plugs, dropped it into forst and tried to turn the back whel and it seems to be stuck.

I was advised to drop some penetrating oil down the plug holes, let it sit for a few weeks and try it in a taller gear. Thats where I am now...waiting for the oil. I did try to get it out of first, but the thing doesn't want to change gears.

Any advice on how to proceed from here? I know the worst case scenario (and probably the best course of action) is a complete rebuild of the engine. Has anyone here done a complete rebuild, replacing all bearings, new rings, etc? If so, what kind of cost are we talking about for parts in doing this?

[speedyts49]

 I would probably pull it apart if I had the space.  It would be a learning experience.
The carbs need rebulding or at least the tarnish removed.  Rings may be rusty.  If there is water in the crankcase that's a problem.
If your looking for a hobby this could be it, if not sell it as is explaining how it got how it got to be that way and move on to something else.

[gsmetal]

The oil down the plug holes is the easy way to go.

This trick worked for me on a 79 KZ650 with a frozen motor. My brother-in-law now owns the bike and it still runs great.

I used Marvel's Miracle Oil. You can get it at any auto parts store. It's a little more fluid then regular oil and penitraits past the rings. You might also want to spray some Liquid Wrench in there as well.

This isn't a quick process but it does work 

[starwalt]

What gsmetal said +1.

You will also have to drain the ancient oil out of the case and once running, change it after a few hours of "on" time.

Don't forget the oil filter. The oil pump may be gooped up also.

Fuel system absolutely has to be disassembled and flushed. The tank is bad for rust, especially when out in the weather.

This is a project. I hope you have some space.
If not, sell it to someone who has the space and time.

The GS is a tough bike, but neglect will kill anything with fluids left in it. Add the weather and that will push it toward the grave quicker.

But then, you might just get lucky. I hear being lucky is better than being good. The only problem is that luck doesn't come along that often. 

[skrap1r0n]

Yeah we just used the Marvel's Miracle Oil 2 weeks before christmas in my dads old 64 lincoln continintal convertable and it worked just fine. Here's the deal, for starters I want to turn the GS into a track bike. To do this, I am pretty sure I will have to make it a complete frankenbike. I wonder if the cost of turning this into a track-bitc.. I mean..err... track-beater will be worth it. I could concievably just get me a gixxer 600 or an R6. I really just don't know at this point. I am thinking about things like clip ons, new forks, new rear suspension etc. I really wanted to get this bike very track capable and use it to try and at least get low 2:00's at the track. I just wonder if I can do enough to it to it will handle like the newer bikes. I do not mean handle as in speed, I mean handle as in being able to flick it around and keep the tires where they ought ot be.

[skrap1r0n]

oh I didn't mention, this...the tank, fairing and rear side plastics were all out of the weather, except for the 18 months the cops had it.

[GeeP]

Take it apart, inspect it, replace required parts, reinstall.  Lightly hone cylinders if bore is marginal and install new rings.  Hone LIGHTLY to stay within tolerance.  Inspect the top end carefully,  it generally fares the worst when left for long periods of time. 

DO NOT just "free it up" and ride off.  Compression will drop through the floor soon after.  Then you'll be rebuilding anyhow.

To remove seized pistons, remove the head and fill the bores with Diesel.  Several weeks of soaking should be sufficient.  DO NOT pound them out.  Wait until they will come out with slight persuasion from the butt of a hammer.  If they still won't come out, gently heat the cylinders with a propane torch until it's just too hot to touch while keeping ice on the piston.  It's very important that you heat the cylinders evenly.  Then try to push it out.

[sledge]

Heres a good tip for freeing off siezed pistons, I have seen it work twice with almost instant results. Its dangerous and needs to be done with care. Get an old pan, fill it half full with clean engine oil, place it on a gas burner  and let it boil. Then pour it into the cylinders onto the pistons. I guess the heat plays a part by causing some expansion. Dangerous but effective.

[Jake D]

"64 lincoln continintal convertable"

<whistles>

I'm freakin' jealous!  That thing is probably worth a pretty penny.

[3imo]

If you decide to sell, let me know. I am driving to killeen sometime soon.

Definitely interested in another GS500E. 

**GEEP is right, though "DO NOT just "free it up" and ride off. "

Do her right and she'll love ya forever.

[Blueknyt]

if your that concerned, get another engine and drop it in.   but hell, i did like other shade tree hacks have done, with an old RD400, some PB blaster down the sparkplug holes for few days,  when that didnt work, i poped the head off and beat hell outa the pistons with 2x4 and a hammer.  put the head back on and it ran fine except for the bent reed valves. still, its hard to know for sure how bad things are untill you get it apart. 

[skrap1r0n]

Nah, I have time and a place to work on it. I have 2 other bikes that are running, so it's not critical. I was just hoping to have it running for this trackday season. As it turns out, it doesn't really matter right now because I will be missing trackdays until at least April. I have no problem rebuilding the whole thing, I just have to get moved first before I crack it open.