Maintenance tips

[Team_Flash]

I've had my bike for three years.
Before that it had been sold alot of times so I doubt it gotten any maintenance.
So this fall I'm gonna get it some well deserved love.

And I wonder what things I should focus on?
So far I'm planing on changing motor oil.
Should I also change the filters?

[Millietant]

I've had my bike for three years.
Before that it had been sold alot of times so I doubt it gotten any maintenance.
So this fall I'm gonna get it some well deserved love.

And I wonder what things I should focus on?
So far I'm planing on changing motor oil.
Should I also change the filters?

Yes, always the change the oil and filter at the same time. As the bike has not been used for so long and you don't know it's history, you should also check (and replace if necessary) the air filter and fuel filter. You should also change Brake and clutch fluid and I would change the fork oil too. When changing the fluid, also check the brake pads, piston condition and make sure that they don't stick on.

Assuming you've got a good battery, check that so the electrical work before you even think of firing the bike up.

It's highly likely, if the bike has been standing, that you will need to overhaul your carburettors, as any fuel sitting in them for that amount of time will have gone off and will have left varnish/gel deposits inside the carbs/jets. Additionally, drain all of the old form from the petrol tank, make sure it's clean inside and refill with fresh (ethanol free, if you can get it) fuel.

If it was my bike, I would also change the spark plugs and check the valve clearances. Then I'd clean and lubricate the chain and check its tension.

You should also check the age of your tyres, their tread and pressure levels. If the tyres are over (or even approaching) 10 years old, change them - they're the only things that are in contact with the road !!

That's the main things I would start with, there are more that might become apparent after you first shakedown rides, but make sure you really check the bike well after each ride, just in case any potential failures become apparent - front fork seals, rear shock seals, clutch slave cylinder seal and brake and clutch master cylinder seals can ask Go hard/brittle with age and if standing a long time, so keep an eye on them "just in case"

[86FJNJ]

What year/model do you have?

[Team_Flash]

What year/model do you have?

1988, 3cw

[Team_Flash]

I've had my bike for three years.
Before that it had been sold alot of times so I doubt it gotten any maintenance.
So this fall I'm gonna get it some well deserved love.

And I wonder what things I should focus on?
So far I'm planing on changing motor oil.
Should I also change the filters?

Yes, always the change the oil and filter at the same time. As the bike has not been used for so long and you don't know it's history, you should also check (and replace if necessary) the air filter and fuel filter. You should also change Brake and clutch fluid and I would change the fork oil too. When changing the fluid, also check the brake pads, piston condition and make sure that they don't stick on.

Assuming you've got a good battery, check that so the electrical work before you even think of firing the bike up.

It's highly likely, if the bike has been standing, that you will need to overhaul your carburettors, as any fuel sitting in them for that amount of time will have gone off and will have left varnish/gel deposits inside the carbs/jets. Additionally, drain all of the old form from the petrol tank, make sure it's clean inside and refill with fresh (ethanol free, if you can get it) fuel.

If it was my bike, I would also change the spark plugs and check the valve clearances. Then I'd clean and lubricate the chain and check its tension.

You should also check the age of your tyres, their tread and pressure levels. If the tyres are over (or even approaching) 10 years old, change them - they're the only things that are in contact with the road !!

That's the main things I would start with, there are more that might become apparent after you first shakedown rides, but make sure you really check the bike well after each ride, just in case any potential failures become apparent - front fork seals, rear shock seals, clutch slave cylinder seal and brake and clutch master cylinder seals can ask Go hard/brittle with age and if standing a long time, so keep an eye on them "just in case"

Thank you for the tips.
I will add spark plug, air filter and fuel filter to the list.

The battery is 2 years old.
I changed the master slave cylinder a few moths ago. And I have orderd new plates, spring and gasket for the clutch.
I've changed the clutch fluid and tried with the break fluid but a screw is busted so it needs more work.


The front tyre got changed by the former owner.

[Pat Conlon]

The front tyre got changed by the former owner.

You want to bet your life on that? Maybe the PO put on an old tire?

Check the date codes, don't assume.

[86FJNJ]

This is the filter you need from your gas tank fuel value to your fuel pump
https://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A1FK-24560-10&cat=34

I run this filter between my fuel pump and my carbs, it has 10 micron filtering which is excellent for keeping your carbs clean. It's servicable so you just clean the filter element on the inside rather than throw it out and buy a new one like the cheapo plastic ones.
https://golanproducts.com/product/super-mini-fuel-filter-1-4-barb-fitting-2/

For engine oil, Valvoline VR-1 Conventional 20w-50 works well. A lot of people with FJ engines run this oil, it can be purchased at any autoparts store. It has high zinc content which is helpful for the flat tappet cams in the FJ.

I just did a write up of my bike here if you're interested, I listed all the parts I used.
https://fjowners.com/index.php?topic=21474.0

[Team_Flash]

The front tyre got changed by the former owner.

You want to bet your life on that? Maybe the PO put on an old tire?

Check the date codes, don't assume.

You have a great point.
I will check the date.