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Advice on starting a bike that's been sitting a couple years

Started by Bminder, May 17, 2013, 09:51:35 PM

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Bminder

So I just bought a 92 FJ1200. The PO drained the gas tank but not the carbs when he parked it a couple years ago. He hasn't tried to start it. It's been garaged the whole time.
It'll need a new battery, but what advice would you all have for trying to get it running?
Should I put some fresh gas and carb cleaner in, fresh oil, clean and gap the plugs and try to start it or what?
(I did try to search the threads before i posted this, couldn't find anything)
Thanks,

Billy
Billy Minder
92 FJ1200 ABS

FJmonkey

The idle jets are likely clogged, it should start with the choke but won't idle when warm and off the choke. I would get Randy's carb fastener kit (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=carbkit) and give the carbs a reall good cleaning and the fastener upgrade. If your lazy and don't mind the frustration you can try fresh gas and additives to see if the carbs will clean out that way. If they are not too gummed up it might work.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

movenon

Quote from: FJmonkey on May 18, 2013, 07:14:46 AM
The idle jets are likely clogged, it should start with the choke but won't idle when warm and off the choke. I would get Randy's carb fastener kit (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=carbkit) and give the carbs a reall good cleaning and the fastener upgrade. If your lazy and don't mind the frustration you can try fresh gas and additives to see if the carbs will clean out that way. If they are not too gummed up it might work.

+1  I agree. It The carbs sitting that long probably need to be cleaned. But I would put a gallon or two of fresh fuel in her and try to start her anyhow.
IF it runs badly then look into cleaning the carbs. If you do it yourself I would encourage you to read about removing and cleaning them first. Trust me it will save you time in the end if you read first. There are some tips and tricks that make it a lot easier. There are some nice write ups here in the forum.  Ask questions first. :good2:
And congratulations on the FJ  ! Another tip is to link up with another forum member in your area that possably has cleaned or rebuilt his (or her) carbs.
George
Life isn't about having the best, but about making the best of what you have...

1990 FJ 1200

Bminder

I'll definitely try the lazy way first but I'll start reading up on rebuilding the carbs. Thanks guys.
Billy Minder
92 FJ1200 ABS

Pat Conlon

Hey Billy, to be safe, I would pull the plugs and squirt some penetrating oil down into the cylinders, (JB Blaster) let it sit for a hour then, squirt some more, then with the left side ignition cover off, put a socket and rachet on the rotor nut, an rotate the engine counterclockwise by hand.

It would be a shame to break a frozen piston ring cranking the pistons in the dry cylinders with the electric starter.

+1 on the carb cleaning and rebuild.... Read up and do it yourself or Just send them to Randy @ RPM for a ultrasound bubble bath.

Cheers
1) Free Owners Manual download: https://tinyurl.com/fmsz7hk9
2) Don't store your FJ with E10 fuel https://tinyurl.com/3cjrfct5
3) Replace your old stock rubber brake lines.
4) Important items for the '84-87 FJ's:
Safety wire: https://tinyurl.com/99zp8ufh
Fuel line: https://tinyurl.com/bdff9bf3