Topic: Starting a CL100 restore.... Engine isn't exactly stuck...

[rocs]

Hello,

A buddy just dropped off his dad's old CL100. Its been sitting in a garage for the past 20-30 years and he would like to get it running again for something to put around on at his vacation home. It hasnt ran in a while so I plan to do the basic tune up of carb cleaning, fresh spark plug and top the oil off. I figured I would try and get it runnnig before getting to deep into it.

Now the engine isnt stuck. But it isnt exactly a smooth operator  . The kicker is functioning but there is some friction. When i got the bike the spark plug was removed and the hole wide open. Not sure if it was parked like this years ago or something recent someone may have started within the last few years.

My question is, what is the best method to free up some of this friction? Ive seen marvel mystery oil, a concoction of Acetone and ATF fluid, WD-40 (Heard this was not the correct solution to use), and PB blast.

Whats the forum recommendation for my exact situation?

[ekpent]

 Some Marvel or just plain motor oil would work for the friction. Hopefully the rings are not froze up on it. Sure the cam and other top end stuff is pretty dry also.

[WhyNot2]

Just pour sea foam in the spark plug hole and hope for the best.

I'd like to see pix.

[rocs]

Hey guys, I ended up getting the motor unstuck and then i got the bike running. Once i got it running, i tore it down completely to restore. So now i have it cleaned up and all back together again but i cant seem to get it running....

Ive been working at it for a bit now and pretty frustrated. Any idea of what I may be doing wrong?

I have spark, i have power to the coil but everytime i kick it, it will not start. It doesnt appear to be getting close to starting either.

I used a test light and i set the timing so when i am at the F mark, the light goes on perfectly.

Did i maybe not set something up correctly at the camshaft?

[WhyNot2]

Getting gas?

Valve adjusted?

Fuse?

Good charged battery?

All wires connected?

Bike looks good too.

Love the pipe, and the chain.

[rocs]

Thanks for the compliments and for offing help!

Getting gas?

Valve adjusted?

Fuse? I have power to the bike. I did use aftermarket switches and do notice my bike is drawing power when the key is off. Dead battery.. Ill tackle that when after i get it running...

Good charged battery? Yes, despite it being dead, I did charge it up to full 100% before i try troubleshooting. Its an antigravity lithium ion.

All wires connected? Yes, i believe so. i do have a yellow wire and yellow/white that i haven't found a home for. They were from my stock handlebar switches that i am no longer using.


I believe my problem is either with the crank shaft or points timing. I feel i have good compression but may as well just order a checker to be 100% sure. I am not educated enough on engine timing to be confident in my setup. I believe my problem lies around this. Cam sprocket & crankshaft etc....

[WhyNot2]

I feel ya, I'm not smart on that either.

What tires and chain are you using......source???

[Kevin D]

Have you tried a push start?

[Bodi]

Well. As you know, you need air-fuel mixture, compression, and spark. And correct valve timing to get the AF mix into the cylinder to compress. Checking valve timing - roughly - is not too hard. Open the tappet covers and turn the engine over slowly. The T mark indicates top dead centre, so you have a reference. The intake valve should open when the piston is going down - past the T mark when turning "forward". Exhaust valve should open when piston is going up - before T mark when turning forward.
Exact valve timing needs more but this gives you an idea of whether you have the cam in correct timing.
Check tappet clearances.
Measure compression - even with the finger-on-plug-hole method you know there's something going on.
Put a small bit of gasoline (1/2 tsp?) down the sparkplug hole and install the plug (no need to torque it) then try starting. If it fires for a second or three and dies, you have fueling issues so check the carb. If no firing at all... hmmm.

And that drive chain is way too tight.