Barn find "quick start" advice

[bbdoc]

I recently bought a non-running 1986 G2. Apparently, the previous owner got it as part of a home purchase a couple years ago. It supposedly ran well for a year, but then "stopped going". He tried to work on the carb/airbox, and eventually it stopped running all together. I like projects and figured I would dig into it.

2 of the 3 clutch weights had exploded, which probably accounts for it "stopping going". I rebuilt the clutch, and tried to crank it but nothing happened.

My large assumption (hope) is that the previous owner, not realizing the clutch was blown, just messed with everything else until it wasn't running; theoretically some minor tuning should get it running again at some level.

It needs new tires, a thorough cleaning, cosmetic work, etc, but I'm trying to avoid putting any more money into it until I have proof it will run.

Here's what I have done so far:
-drained gas tank, removed disintegrating cap filter (will replace with inline at some point)
-drained and replaced oil (1qt)- it was overfilled by about 1/2 quart
-rebuilt clutch
-charged battery (essentially new)
-reset valves to 0.004 (they were at 0.009, not sure how much difference this would make)
-removed engine cover - at some point in history the valve cover was removed and RTV'd back to the plastic engine cover rather than sealed to the head.... There is oil and dirt coating everything, so I'm working on cleaning the engine
and fins while I have it apart.

Since it theoretically ran at some point before the clutch blew and someone went on a misadventure, I hope to reassemble things just to see if I can get it started.

The reverse alarm will sound. With the plug removed, the starter cranks well. But it struggles to crank when plug is in (this was before I removed valve cover). The starter brushes look good, the commutator looks a little worn.

Before I throw it back together and try to crank it with new gas, is there anything else I should look into while its open?
Long first intro post, I apologize, I'll keep the other posts shorter!

[Mooncarter]

I would:

1) Forget everything the previous owner told you it "used to do."

2) Find out why it won't turn over while under compression.

3) Once you get it to turn over check for spark.

4) Hit it with a shot of starting fluid and see if it fires.

5) Go from there.

[jclark138]

Mooncarter knows of what he speaks - forget what is said, and deal with what’s in front of you!
I just need to remember it more often . .
Welcome !

[mikeasis]

The best thing to do is put a compression gauge on it.

[CP241]

Originally Posted by Mooncarter

I would:

1) Forget everything the previous owner told you it "used to do."

2) Find out why it won't turn over while under compression.

3) Once you get it to turn over check for spark.

4) Hit it with a shot of starting fluid and see if it fires.

5) Go from there.

Do what he said. Start from scratch with a fresh look. If the previous owner was on the right path it would be running right now and not abandoned.....

[slonomo]

Remove and thoroughly clean the carb with carb spray. Spray out all the jets backwards and forwards with the carb spray only. If it's gummed up, you can also soak it in hot soapy water with degreaser in it, then spray it out.

If you have:

1) fuel
2) air
3) compression
4) spark

It should fire.

Sounds like maybe the battery or cables aren't giving the starter/gen enough juice. Check all your cables and clean the connections really well. Did you have the battery load tested? Just because a battery looks new doesn't mean it is good. Have it tested at your local parts store for free.

Check the spark by taking out the spark plug, reinstall it in the plug wire, lay it on the exhaust pipe or something metal that's grounded. Crank it over. Even in daylight you should see a bright white/blue spark.

Pull the fuel line off the carb, crank it over, look for fuel squirting out. If not, a fuel pump might be in order, or the line could be plugged.

[bbdoc]

It has good spark. I will try to check the compression today. I think the battery terminals/connection were an issue getting juice to the starter so I replaced those for a couple bucks. I have the valve cover off, assuming that needs to be on to check compression?

[mikeasis]

Originally Posted by bbdoc

It has good spark. I will try to check the compression today. I think the battery terminals/connection were an issue getting juice to the starter so I replaced those for a couple bucks. I have the valve cover off, assuming that needs to be on to check compression?

It doesnt have to be on to check compression however if your satisfied with your valve adjustment I see no reason to leave it off. remember to have the throttle wide open for the compression check.

After thinking on this...is this an over head cam engine with the rockers as part of the valve cover? If so then yes you need the valve cover on for a compression test. apologies If I gave bad advice.

[bbdoc]

Threw everything back together, compression is about 150. Shot some starter fluid into carb and she fired right away. Added air box back on and it ran! Only went to the end of the driveway and back, didn’t want to push my luck in the dark.
I did notice the exhaust seemed excessively hot for the short amount I ran it. Is there a way I can check if it is plugged?
I’m going to take it back apart and clean the engine since it is very dirty and fins are still grimy. I’ve got proof of life, so now it’s really time to get busy!

[mikeasis]

[quote=bbdoc;1618533]threw everything back together, compression is about 150. Shot some starter fluid into carb and she fired right away. Added air box back on and it ran! Only went to the end of the driveway and back, didn’t want to push my luck in the dark.
I did notice the exhaust seemed excessively hot for the short amount i ran it. Is there a way i can check if it is plugged?
I’m going to take it back apart and clean the engine since it is very dirty and fins are still grimy. I’ve got proof of life, so now it’s really time to get

Off to a good start!