Topic: Adjust valves on dry motor

[Ozzietx]

I am actually working on 2 bikes that are in similar condition.
Both bikes have been sitting for over 10 years.
They have very little oil in them.
I am working on rebuilding the carbs.
I will need to set the valves on both, but am unsure
How to rotate the motors without damaging any of the
Bearing surfaces.
I’m sure someone here has had this issue before, but could not find it in the search.
I feel like I need to get some lubrication onto all of the bearing surfaces as I rotate the
Motors to set the valves.
Bikes are 1982 CB650SC, and 1976 CB750F1
I will only be removing the tapper covers on each.
Can I get some advice on what to do here?

[Alan F.]

You can certainly pour some oil into an open tapped cover and it will eventually return to the bottom end.

My opinion is that everything should be ok given the speed you'll be rotating the engine. Even after a few years there will be enough residual oil remaining on surfaces to keep bearings slippery. Someone more experienced will be along soon to confirm or offer more suitable advice.

[Old Scrambler]

+1.............but I'm not out of Scotch

You could dip the feeler-gauge in some oil

[BenelliSEI]

Often thought about this...... there is a cap at the right side end of the main oil gallery (where you often see an oil pressure gauge added). In theory, you could adapt a fitting to that opening and then pump oil into the crank and rods. It would drain to the sump, pull the drain plug and let it out?

[Bodi]

It's impossible for the bearings to go completely dry in an engine that was stored inside (even for decades) after it had been running with oil. Capillary action holds oil in the bearing clearances. Even after disassembly, full cleaning, and reassembly... nobody sane would skip some sort of assembly lube.
If one was stored outside and the innards rusted to crap, I think the plain bearings would still hold an oil film for years.
Before much turning over, I would shoot a teaspoonful or so of oil into the sparkplug holes to lube the pistons and bores.

Nothing will be harmed by turning the engines over a few turns to adjust the tappets. Except maybe the advancer nut, if you choose to turn one over with that. Best to turn it over with the alternator rotor.

[Ozzietx]

Thanks for the input.
I appreciate the advice.

[dave500]

nudge it over with the kicker,its easy with plugs out.