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[Gmac]

Hi Everyone,
I have an issue with my beloved 350 bullet (1991 model)which I have recent taken out of storage for the last 2 years and replaced many parts to make her beautiful again.
With everything in place I then went to kick her over and nothing, seems to be no compression what so ever as there wasn't even any noise or wheeze and the kick starter became so hard to kick down that if felt like it was seized. Couple of possible things-
1) was told by a mechanic a few years back that the clutch was on the way out - could this cause such a massive resistance in the kick start to the point it barely moves?
2)took apart the gearbox and the kickstart pawl looked ok, would a broken pawl cause this massive resistance to kick?
3) any help would be appreciated, im starting to wonder if this could be a seized piston but my mind is working overtime so would really appreciate you help. This project has went on for the last 3 years, bought the bike from my dad with the intention of returning her to her former glory and have spend double what the bike is worth in parts so I am so far into the bike financially that I have to go ahead and see this through now!

thanks in advance!

[Gmac]

Sorry, forgot to mention that when clutch is engaged the kickstart turns no problem at all. and when in gear the bike seems to lurch forward.
Not sure if this makes any odds but thought I should mention it incase as I am at a loss.
thanks again

[simon]

Could be you have a combination of a partially seized piston and a propped valve. If it's been sitting in storage for a while you might want to pull out the spark plug and squirt a bit of lubricant down the plug hole and kick it over a number of times. Then check to see if it has any compression by putting your thumb over the plug hole. If not you might need to take the rocker covers off to free up one of the valves. Good luck S:)

[Gmac]

Thanks for your advice Simon, much appreciated.

[John L]

Gmac - Not sure how you could determine there's no compression if you are unable to kick it over.....If the kickstart moves through its full stroke with the clutch lever pulled in to the bars (clutch DISengaged) then there shouldn't be a problem with the kickstart mechanism. Bike will move forward when kicking in gear as k/start operates via the layshaft (i.e. not primary k/start). Other than that....+one to what simon says...

[Gmac]

Thanks for your explanations guys, now that I have the kickstart pawl out I will fit the hitchcocks gearbox kit whilst im in there and get to work getting the head off for a look.
If I remove the head will I have to fit new bolts etc?
thanks,

[Vespa66]

Hello Gmac could be the piston rings have temporarily stuck themselves to the bore which can be the case if laid up for a while and there's moisture in the barrel. If you remove the primary cover you can get a spanner on the rotor nut and very gently turn back and forth but don't use excessive force. If the rings completely solid and won't budge , pour some oil down spark plug hole and let it work its way past the piston then try back and forth on rotor but again ( people also use diesel as the lubricant but your going to have to flush out the engine oil then and don't know if diesel would affect oil seals). This would save you having to strip down head initially at least.
Good luck

[Gmac]

Thanks for the replies, looks like I have a date with the enfield and a can of WD40 tonight then. Sounds dubious! thanks again.

[Gmac]

Had a look at the valves last night, everything still in its place so will go a little further and investigate the piston next.
Have to wait for my gearbox overhaul before I can kick it over but have put lube down as suggested in the meantime to see if that frees up anything.
I moved the nut on the alternator in the primary, it moved right but not left? don't suppose that's a clue is it?
thanks again gents.

[simon]

If by that you mean the alternator nut would undo but not turn the engine over then you have clearly got a seizure and it might be wise to take the head off so you can gently drift the piston down with a wooden drift and a lump hammer. If the bore is badly pitted you might need a hone and a new set of rings but if not a thorough clean and reassembly will suffice.