Resurrect a 20 year dormant bike

[longshank]

I have a 86 Virago that has been under a tarp and partially garaged.  It was not winterized in any sense and the tank is rusted although it has been emptied for about 18 years.  

I want to ride the darn thing.  Tires seem okay, bike looks in good condition.  I have no motorcycle repair experience, but I have maintained all my late model vehicles.  I need a good reference to how to see if this bike is worth saving, or parting out.  I definitely want to attempt to start it as a test if I should pursue it more.  If I can't get it to start I'd gladly give it up.  Please direct me to good information about starting an old bike like this--if possible before repairing the carborator, which will definitely need a rebuild.

Thanks in advance.

[yamaguzzi]

use your best judgement. common sense will be your best guide..what counrty, which size, miles on the od.
check oil level and if there is gas in the crankcase..check plugs for condition..i'd spray some wd40 maybe a teaspoon of motoroil in the sparkplug hole to lube and give some compression..cant say much else until we press the starter button and see what she does..good luck take care keep in touch,,,yg

[535rider]

Oil - odds are there is gas in the oil and condensation. Drain and change it.

Carbs - they will definately require cleaning if they were not stored properly, and likey will anyhow. Clean them thoroughly. Take a look at the microfiche parts drawings at yamaha-motors.com if you need to.

Gas tank - Take it off and clean it. Use rust remover. there is also a web page with a method to remove it electically which seems interesting. I can't find the link but will add it if I do. In the meantime, you can use a plastic gas can and fuel line to see if it starts. Even fresh gas in the fuel line will get it to start and run for a moment.

[carlosb.7769]

do not try to start the bike after you have cleaned the carbs and gas tank. take  left sude cover off, remove center nut cover ahich is probably a 15mm wrench nut and slowly turn crank shaft in the direction indicated. if it turns, continue turning so manual oil pump can send oil to top of heads to at least try to lube valves, cams, and timing chains. if it does not turn, your pistons are ceased. you must remove top-end, replace/repair any damaged cylinders, rings, pistons, valves, lifters, chains, cams, and/or any other parts and gaskets. But please DO NOT try to start it until you have officially observed the crank shaft turning freely.  It will be easier to turn the shaft if you remove the spark plugs.

[longshank]

Thanks for your message.  I was wondering if you knew about my results of a compression.  I'm getting 120 and 140 psi in the two cylinders.  Tested with a teaspoon of oil in cylinders.  My book says 175 is the specs for compression.

I was also wondering if I needed a carb kit.

And why is their gas in the oil? I smelled that this last day I worked on the bike.

Thanks in advanced for your replies.

[535rider]

The bike has been sitting, so the rings are likely sticking. They may free up once running. A little WD-40 to soak for a while may help. be prepared to change the plugs once you get it running. As for oil in the gas, it has been sitting. Any gas in the cylinders will have seeped into the oil. Also, it may be just left over gas residue in the oil form the old days, or from cranking it over without it firing. Change the oil.

As for compression, you want all cylinders relatively the same reading, even if it is a bit low. Odds are your are off from sitting. If you have decent compression and spark it should "fire". Staying running will depend on the carbs being clean.

Carb kit - If you are completely disassembling it, perhaps. If you are just cleaning it, you should be able to get away without it. Don't use wires to poke the jets, they can scrape the side. Just use proper cleaning. Check the diapharms as well if you get it running. They may have separated (old glue)

I have a link to a page for it on another thread. Check the FIX - acceleration posting

[longshank]

Thank you.  I think I have a consensus from other replies: try to get it fired.  It looks like I will have some fun ahead.  Yeah, I thought I would need to total disassemble but I will check out the cleaning of carbs.  I am brand new to carbs.  My dad hated them.  I think I have more patience.

[yamaguzzi]

little E guitar string to clean out teeny tiny holes,,lots of q-tips,,,where the parts are brass,not broken or scarred, no replacement is needed, just clean, any small parts can be ordered individually from the dealer,,keep in touch,yg