Topic: is it bad to get some water in the crank breather hose?

[KPD]

Hey All,

Recently got a 78 cb550, nonrunning, bit dirty, etc. Been cleaning it up a bit. yesterday I was cleaning the engine off, just the top layer of dirt and dust to see the cosmetic condition it was in. Covered up all the electronics and of course the carb intake. I did not cover the crankcase breather inlet/outlet and i believe a bit of water/moisture got in there - is that terrible? I used some engine cleaner too, so there's a chance some overspray from that got in there too. Nothing major, wasn't using a hose, just a bucket of water and would wash the engine with wet rag.

Thanks for any insight, I'm waiting on carb rebuild kits to try and start the engine before continuing the build. Hoping I didn't ruin anything by leaving that opening exposed.

-Kyle

[MCRider]

IMO: I'd change the oil one or two times more than you had intended to, after start up. That should clear it out. Within 50 miles lets say.

The water will boil or evaporate, out. The cleaner will get suspended and drain out.

[TwoTired]

Yes, water in the engine is bad.  Steel will rust in the presence of water and oxygen (air).  Easily overnight, and continuing each day thereafter.

Almost certainly you'll need heat to get all the water out.  Like more than 180F degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Cleaning degreasers/detergents separate oil from metal surfaces.  Hard to imagine that would be good for bearings.

Change the oil now.  If you have run the engine since the attack, then the oil in the filter canister, too.  Then get the engine to full operating temperature for 15-20 minutes.  The longer you let the problem fester, the worse it will be for the engine.

But then, you already knew that, didn't you?

[KPD]

Thanks for the info and suggestions... I have not had the engine running yet at all. I was just cleaning.

I took out the old oil so I'll put new oil in there today. The carbs need some love so I'm going to get them rebuilt and give it a try. I'm hoping not much water got in there. I'll change the oil and get it running asap to try and get any moisture burnt up and out of there, then repeat changing oil. Need a battery though - will it work to start the engine with it hooked up to a 12V battery charger/tender?

Thanks again.

[TwoTired]

Need a battery though - will it work to start the engine with it hooked up to a 12V battery charger/tender?

Depends on the current capability of the charger.  It is usually marked on it somewhere, it's current output.

The coils need 2.4 to 5 amps under certain conditions.  With lighting, the stock bike need 9-10amps to operate.   The starter motor needs an additional 25-50 amps (or higher) while it is engaged.  The variability relates to how difficult it is to spin the crankshaft.

[KPD]

Need a battery though - will it work to start the engine with it hooked up to a 12V battery charger/tender?

Depends on the current capability of the charger.  It is usually marked on it somewhere, it's current output.

The coils need 2.4 to 5 amps under certain conditions.  With lighting, the stock bike need 9-10amps to operate.   The starter motor needs an additional 25-50 amps (or higher) while it is engaged.  The variability relates to how difficult it is to spin the crankshaft.

Thanks! I'll look into it