Forum

[Jools]

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

[Bullet Whisperer]

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.

[Anders F. R.]

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.

[Alan 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..

[Jools]

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

[Alan R]

------- 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.

[Jools]

Just seen your reply Alan - Thanks

[Norm]

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

[John R]

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.

[Mickey]

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.