Author Topic: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?  (Read 1632 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Cleric40

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 58
Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« on: August 30, 2015, 12:08:36 PM »
Hi guys,

This past winter I rebuilt my cb500 motor. New rings, lapped valves, new gaskets etc.

I have the bike back together and looking to start cranking and trying to get her running again.

What are some checks, or checklist or tips you guys do before starting to crank and get her going?

I am also looking to maybe do a basic wiring for initial motor starting What all is needed?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,733
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2015, 12:44:42 PM »
Make sure to prime the engine with oil.  Run the starter with the kill switch turned to OFF.  Cycle the engine for a couple of minutes to ensure oil gets to the valvetrain.  you can remove the valve cover while it is turning to make sure oil makes its way up.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Cleric40

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 58
Re: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2015, 04:56:32 PM »
Awesome thanks for the tips! I read people saying to hand turn over engine to make sure valves aren't contacting pistons? Anyone have anything else?

What would be needed wiring wise just to get the engine started?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline carnivorous chicken

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,877
Re: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2015, 05:05:24 PM »
Run the starter with the kill switch turned to OFF. 

That's not possible unless you externally wire the starter. You could pull all the plug leads, however. Or kick it with the kill switch turned to off.

Offline minimo

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,202
  • 1977 CB550F 1975 CB400F 1959 Ducati 200 Americano
Re: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2015, 05:09:40 PM »
More useful engine break-in tips:
http://www.dansmc.com/engine_breakin.htm

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2015, 05:11:31 PM »
Run the starter with the kill switch turned to OFF. 

That's not possible unless you externally wire the starter.  Or kick it with the kill switch turned to off.
You are mistaken, Chicken. The KILL switch only supplies/interrupts power to the coils, it does not render the START button inert. With the Switch set to KILL, you can push the button all day long, have the starter operate, and never see a spark. Or, as long as your battery holds up anyway...
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline carnivorous chicken

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,877
Re: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2015, 06:06:20 PM »
Run the starter with the kill switch turned to OFF. 

That's not possible unless you externally wire the starter.  Or kick it with the kill switch turned to off.
You are mistaken, Chicken. The KILL switch only supplies/interrupts power to the coils, it does not render the START button inert. With the Switch set to KILL, you can push the button all day long, have the starter operate, and never see a spark. Or, as long as your battery holds up anyway...

Right you are, brain fart, my mistake. Carry on...

Offline Cleric40

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 58
Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2015, 05:35:16 AM »
Good stuff guys! After re-reading your post cb750, I wanted to ask what you mean or how you prime engine with oil?

Are you referring to just cranking engine to get oil pump moving oil through the motor? Or some other method?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: Final checks before cranking rebuilt engine?
« Reply #8 on: August 31, 2015, 05:38:07 AM »
exactly. just remove 1/4 tappet covers to verify oil splashing above. Then replace the covers, turn switch to RUN, make sure fuel is flowing to the carbs, helmet on, and RIDE!!!  :D
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis