1987 FJ1200 - new project

[MarioR]

Hi Guys,

Another beautiful day, just got another Fj1200. This one is 87 US model.
A few goodies that came on the bike:
1. Full supertrap exhaust
2. Upgraded oil cooler kit
3. Front forks brace
4. Corbin solo seat
5. Rear wheel custom fender
6. Lockhart front fairing
7. Braided brake and clutch lines
8. Custom front and back foot pegs that moved pegs to the back. This is first thing that will go back to stock. Very uncomfortable to ride like this, kind of racing set up.
9. New battery
10 Gas tank new cap

Rest is pretty much stock and will require some kind of restoration.


So far there is a long list of fixing stuff:
1.  Carbs completely disaster, dirty and not set up properly every possible way - took it apart, cleaned up and adjusted. Probably will need proper main and pilot jets. Someone installed 135 main jetting....... so since I have KN filters and supertrap, will go with 42.5/117.5-120 jetting. This should be fine set up.
2.  Engine leaking I am assuming from oil filter and drain plug - to be fixed. I may install spin oil adapter.
3.  Try to run it when picked up but it has some issues like carbs and smoking from the pipe. So I did compression test and this is the result:
#1 - 120, #2 - 90, #3 - 110, #4 - 115
Not the greatest news but will work it out. That being said high possibility that rings are seized up. Will do leak down test later on and make a decision, what to do next. May try seafoam and Yama lube ring free to see if anything is changing.
4. Chain and sprockets are old and rusted so they will need to go and replaced with 17/41 - 530 ZVM-X Chain.
5. Tires are old so new to be ordered. Depending on what set I will keep.
6. Clutch slave is okay, working and not leaking condition.
7. Battery is new so this is bonus.
8. New plugs picked up, old one just old but they burned pretty even across. So this is the reason I think bike was sitting long time and rings are stuck. Will see.
9. Bar grips will need to be purchased - what you guys recommend?
10. Gas tank is disaster - it will need to be cleaned up. Will do vinegar and acid back and forth with some small nuts to clean most of the build up. Gas tank paint is good so I will try to recover it. If you guys have any better idea, please let me know 
11. Front forks seals are good and they have bracing. So no leaks, springs works okay.
12. Back shock is okay if I can say that.

Regarding wheels and suspension, here are my options:
1. Keep it stock and change bearing and tires, call it a day
2. Collecting parts for 92 USD front swap with back Thunderace full arm suspension. This will be very tempting....

Some cracks on the upper black plastic fairings that have to be fixed. Have two additional gauges - one temp gauge that doesn't work, other one unknown since doesn't work and blacked out. Will need to find some replacement or eliminated and changes or fix plastics.

Here is bike condition:
https://fjowners.com/gallery/12/6885-080925102603.jpeg

Cheers

[Pat Conlon]

Check your valve clearances. You might have a tight valve.

[MarioR]

Check your valve clearances. You might have a tight valve.

Yes Pat. This is on the list for the next step to check. Thank you 

[MarioR]

Update:

I did a bit of work on the engine and trying to restore compression first.
Soaking in Seafoam and other specifics, clean all up, fresh oil, than over again.

So far compression on cold improved after a couple cycles:
#1 - 135, #2 - 130, #3 - 135, #4 - 130

I will keep doing it until no changes. Still need to rebuild carbs so no driving/testing yet....

Check valves - next step....

Thanks

[axiom-r]

Update:

I did a bit of work on the engine and trying to restore compression first.
Soaking in Seafoam and other specifics, clean all up, fresh oil, than over again.

So far compression on cold improved after a couple cycles:
#1 - 135, #2 - 130, #3 - 135, #4 - 130

I will keep doing it until no changes. Still need to rebuild carbs so no driving/testing yet....

Check valves - next step....

Thanks

Hi MarioR - I am curious about the soaking process and what you are doing to restore compression.  Can you provide some details on how you are doing this? Are you just adding to the oil?

Your compression values have bumped up considerably - especially #2.

Cheers!

tim

[86FJNJ]

I've been running "Yamalube Ring Free Plus Fuel Stabilizer" in my fuel for several hundred miles and it did help clean up my pilot circuit on my carbs, the bike starts a bit easier now without as much choke. After reading many positive reviews about it from others that run it in their bikes and outboards I plan to keep using it with every fill up. It's expensive but goes a long way using only 1/2 and ounce per tank full (5 gallons) of gas. Also in NJ I can only get E10 so this will help keep my carbs cleaner than if I wasn't using a fuel stabilizer. Although a local guy told me the local airport sells leaded fuel without E10 so I was thinking of getting 5 gallons of that to put in my tank for when it sits over winter.

[MarioR]

Update:

I did a bit of work on the engine and trying to restore compression first.
Soaking in Seafoam and other specifics, clean all up, fresh oil, than over again.

So far compression on cold improved after a couple cycles:
#1 - 135, #2 - 130, #3 - 135, #4 - 130

I will keep doing it until no changes. Still need to rebuild carbs so no driving/testing yet....

Check valves - next step....

Thanks

Hi MarioR - I am curious about the soaking process and what you are doing to restore compression.  Can you provide some details on how you are doing this? Are you just adding to the oil?

Your compression values have bumped up considerably - especially #2.

Cheers!

tim

Hi Tim,

Basically I use cocktails of solvents and lubricants, than gradually working the engine back into service.

So, trying to line up all pistons. Injecting all stuff directly to the cylinder through spark plug.

I use Regular Seafoam + Marine Seafoam + WD40 and soak it for 24 hours.

Than I use Liquid Moly diesel injector cleaner (since it is strong and aggressive) + Wurth rust off spray directly to cylinder + a bit off diesel. Same thing, I leave it for 48 hours to soak it.

Toping up all penetrators if I see that all is gone. I make sure I spray directly around piston rings (small plastic extension). Since engine is a bit tilt forward you want to penetrate rings from the carb site (at least this is my theory).

So 2 days later, when all liquids are gone, I add a bit off oil to each cylinder and turn engine over a few times (without ignition) so it doesn't turn dry.

Next I drain oil, install new filter and fresh oil. Start the engine and let it work for 10 minutes. Than I let it cool and start again...... Repeat starting and cooling process a few times. Best to ride it a bit with WOT and clean all liquid from exhaust. It will smoke heavy in the beginning but it will go away with time.

I repeat soaking process again if needed. On this engine millage is low I have a hope that compression can be restored. There is high possibility that rings were stuck based on the soaking process and results.

Did not check valve yet like Pat suggested. Next on the list.

I will be repeating this process again and see if compression goes any higher. Also I like to add a bit Liquid Moly Ceratec to the oil and Lucas stabilizer for short time.

Thanks