Hitchcocks Forum

Hardly suprising but my 2006 350 Bullet has little compression after a 3 year rest. Everything worked fine when I put it in the garage, but now I've finally found local work, it's time to start riding again. I'm guessing something like a sticking valve would be favorite?.
Before I start working on it, any ideas as to what I should be looking at doing after a long break like this?
Thanks
Jools

Hi Jools, I would try bump starting it [after making sure there is enough oil in the engine, allowing for wet sumping while stood idle], if kickstarting won't get it going. If it fires up, keep it going and get it nice and hot, maybe go for a spin on it to make it work a bit, then, if all is well drop the oil etc and make her ready for regular use again. Cheers, Paul.

From my experience the compression usually is poor every time the bike has been standing for a long time like over the winter. I guess the oil film between the piston and cylinder walls is gone or something. How about squirting a little CRC or WD40 down the plug hole and kick it over some times. Maybe that will help? anyway, each year when I inally get it going, the compression is always back to normal again after a ride. Hope uoy sort it out! Regards, Anders F. R.

Hi JOOLS--- it might just be the start of our old friend Valve Seat Recession?? Take the tappet cover off (mind the oil dripping from the slot in the gasket at the bottom)------ operate the decompression lever so the engine rotates---- and set the piston at Top Dead Centre (Compression stroke)------ at this point BOTH push rods should be free to rotate.. If not , then adjust the particular rod until you have rotation but NO LIFT... try for compression again.. If still not there then listen for "hissing" from either the inlet (carb.--open the throttle fully) or exhaust. This will tell you that the particular valve is not fully seating.....if still no compression then it's a sticking piston ring.. Try some penetrating oil squirted down the plug hole---allow to rest for 10 to 15 mins, followed by some vigorous cranking of the engine with the plug still removed...Replace plug, try for compression---try for a start..

Sounds like it might not be anything too serious then :0)
Thanks for replying.

------- sorry, forgot to add}--- as per Bullet Whisperer re:- Change the oil and filter !! In fact it would have been wise to have done that BEFORE laying-up, so the engine was covered internally with clean oil rather than used--- ALSO, those tyres will need to be VERY CAREFULLY checked over for cracks etc. and give the suspension a good work-out BEFORE going on the road, again so that the oil can circulate and have the units ready for use.-------- 3 years is a L-----O------N-------G time for a piece of machinery to be doing nothing.

Just seen your reply Alan - Thanks

Jools, squirt a bit of oil through the plug hole and try, if not pull the rocker covers off and see what is happening, if a valve is sticking, squirt a bit of oil arond the valve and spring, and if a valve is stuck a gentle tap with a hammer should free it up

Another possible culprit is a stuck- open decompressor valve.
As others have said, this lack of compression is usually not too serious. While endorsing what they have said, I have also found that using "Easy Start" will often give that initial "bang" which somehow sorts everything out.

Hi Jools,
Always look for the simple solution first.
I suspect John R may be exactly right. If you operated the de-compressor before you tried to start the bike after its lay-up it has probably stuck.
After several years of use, both my 350 & 535 Bullet de-comps. stick if I've not used the bikes for a few months.
A couple of vigorous kicks & the first 'Bang' normally sorts the problem for the rest of the year.
REgards,
Mick.