sat for 10 years, what to do

69sport · #1 06-13-2006, 05:22 PM

hi all. here is the story. my dads bike(a 1969 sportster xlh) has sat since about 95. ran well when it was parked. here is what i have done thus far:
gear oil change
motor oil change
gas tank cleaned and lined.
new petcock
new feul lines
new plugs
new plug wires
new battery

what else should i do before i try turning this sucker over? i imagine the carb is gonna need some work.

thanks for any help. if it sounds like a lot more i have to do, ill be taking it in to the shop as ive just about reached the end of my mechanical abilities. i was hoping to turn it over to at least get some ideas together for the shop so i can get a very estimated estimate.

also, i was wondering if anyone was familiar with PA laws on titles and registration. someone told me that in order to get a new registration i would need to get a new title as after 10 years of no registration the title becomes void? which means id have to go to penndot in harrisburg? seems like something i hope to avoid.

thanks tons.
-wes

Scout · #2 06-13-2006, 06:11 PM

pull the plugs again and squirt a little oil in the jugs, and turn it over at least once before putting the plugs back in. Lube the steering and cables. Do a carb clean. It will be shelac after ten years, unless it was properly drained and cleaned prior to storage.

It may sound stupid, but did you look in the breather or in the pipes if there is any mice living in them. Clean out the houses first.

Good Luck.

sleepneagle · #3 06-13-2006, 06:22 PM

I'd squirt ATF into the cylinders to help dissolve any gum around the ring lands. Better take a good look at the tires. I'll bet they are cracked and flat spotted

69sport · #4 06-13-2006, 07:19 PM

awesome. thanks so much. couple questions:
1. what i s atf?
2. by carb clean do you just mean spray some carb cleaner in there while turning it over, or take it apart and clan it real good?
3. u state, pull the plughs and squirt a little oil in the jugs. at the risk of having a good laugh, could someone inform me as to what jugs are? also what type of oil should i use.

thanks again.

crash1292 · #5 06-13-2006, 07:23 PM

1 automatic transmission fluid
2 the jets may need to be cleaned(take it apart)
3 jugs =cylinders...a small amout of light oil I.E. 1 SQUIRT

Peekaboo Bob · #6 06-13-2006, 07:38 PM

If you are going to take the carb apart and clean it real well anyway, I'd just put a rebuild kit in it while it's apart. Also, check the brakes out closely. Caliper, and master cylinder seals tend to go bad after sitting for so long.

piniongear · #7 06-13-2006, 07:39 PM

If the bike was parked and then sat for ten years the carb is gummed up for sure. If you have a Bendix carb I can provide you the info that you will need to clean it and replace degraded parts.
You say it is an XLH?
Is it electric start?
Does it have a side mount oil tank? These tanks have an oil filter built into the filler/dipstick. The filter should be cleaned/changed.
When you changed the oil, was the oil level very low in the tank? If so, the oil has drained down into the crankcase. This is because the check valve in the pump will let oil bypass it over time. Be sure to put a pan under the breather tube when you first start it up because if the sump is loaded up it will puke oil everywhere when it starts.
I would use starter fluid the first time you attempt to start the engine. Keep the rpms low (1000 rpm) until the oil has a chance to travel throughout the engine.
If you need that carb info email me and I can send it to you as a PDF............piniongear

Pat · #8 06-13-2006, 07:56 PM

What everybody has been telling you is real good information. It may seem daunting and sound complicated but it really is not. If you know which way to turn a nut onto a bolt you'll do fine. Id like to add that you should really make an attempt to find a factory service manual, it will be invaluable as time goes on.

Have fun with your ride, it obviously has a lot of sentimental value to you. Post pics whenever you feel like and in whatever shape your scoot's in.

69sport · #9 06-14-2006, 03:02 PM

thanks again everyone. here is my new members post with some pics
link

hey pinion gear... do you have any more pics, particularly of the headlight area of your bike? id like to mount my headlight differently and get rid of the top mount thing.. if this makes any sense...

piniongear · #10 06-14-2006, 04:52 PM

Hi 69sport....The pics I took as I rebuilt my '71XLCH can be seen at
http://area51.tzo.com/bperry/gallery
Click on 71 XLCH Rebuild album. There are several shots showing the headlight and mount. When these shots were taken (2000) I had just finished the bike and used a mount plate that I painted red. Later, I got me some stainless steel plate and duplicated what I had on there. I just like stainless...............piniongear