Topic: Pistons not moving on kick start

[thetar]

Do I need to worry?... Had my cb500 running and starting off the kick start. Then pulled the engine for cleaning. Did not go into the engine. I did roll the engine on both sides to clean. Also had to hammer out some rusty frame bolts. Now the engine is back in and whole thing looking beautiful (no wiring yet) but... When I turn over the engine I feel and hear no compression. There is some smooth resistance but not the healthy glug glug I used to get. What's happening? Did a connecting thing fall out during cleaning? I'm I paranoid? Should I continue wiring and try on the electric start? or stop and check inside the engine?

[seanbarney41]

easy enough to remove a sparkplug, put your thumb over the hole, and give er a kick...if compression doesn't push your thumb off the hole, you basically have none...

[thetar]

I have no piston movement... What could have happened while cleaning? Will the same happen if I wire up the electric motor?

[calj737]

If operating the kick starter does not move the pistons, then you've broken the kick start shaft/clutch gear.

With the spark plugs out, remove the stator cover (left side of engine) and rotate the that bolt. This spins the crank and you'll know immediately whether the internals are fcuked beside the kick starter. Did the kick starter work prior to the removal?

[thetar]

OK thanks, I tried that on the points bolt. Good news is the pistons are moving. So what the F is up with my kick start? It did work previously. It's no big deal if it's not working because I can always use the electric start. But does it mean there's a loose ratchet piece or something rattling around in the engine case?

[calj737]

Well, it's impossible to say with certainty, since you're not providing specific details, or pictures. Did you remove the kick start lever when you removed the engine from the frame? If so, it must be installed far enough onto the shaft so the retaining bolt aligns into the groove on the shaft. Perhaps your lever is spinning on the shaft and not rotating it?

Some decent close up pictures of the kick start lever, face on and from the rear with the leg deployed.

[thetar]

Not much to see. The shaft is definitely turning. I did remove it when I removed the engine.

[thetar]

Well I got it started off the electric motor. Maybe there's a ratchet not engaging on the kick start shaft. Is it easy to get in there and investigate? I've always stayed clear of that side of things.

[calj737]

It can be done, and there's a few threads on it tucked away on this forum. Member Tews recently did his while the engine and bike were together. Spent a while on his back to do it, but it took about an hour to remove, and another to replace the fixed parts.