Topic: cb650 engine turn over??

[lachius]

well i found a retired local motorcycle wrecker who says he has at least 3 or 4 complete cb650 engines somewhere in his parts barn, but has no clue as to the condition of them,,whether they are seized or not, but figures at least 3 or 4 that have never been taken apart and have all covers and what not,,
now my question is ,, is there any way i could turn these engines over by hand to see if there seized or not

basically with me  going there now i would just be giving visual look overs and checking for things like oil leaks and color of oil indicating bad gaskets and check oil for shavings indicating bottom end problems,,,
but that's about it,,, would be nice to be able to see if seized or not though,,
maybe just a rag and a pipe wrench and see if will turn over?

any idea or tricks for stuff like this would be appreciated greatly,,

[Grumpol]

I`d guess the correct sized socket and a T bar for the crank end at the points plate would be the easiest way to see of they turn over or not

[bwaller]

 Also if the plugs are in them that's a good thing, so take a plug socket to remove those and whatever you need to remove the ignition cover if it's there.

[lachius]

ok so ya,,never even thought about plugs,,
if plugs are in take em out so signs of burnt pistons and rings and relieve compression im thinking and l and take off the generator cover and use socket to fit generator rotor bolt and a t bar and see if turns over,,

not sure how much this guy is going to let me tinker with them before purchasing but see what happens,,
if for the right price i might just buy  a few or maybe all of em and hope for the best,

thanks for input guys,,

[CBJoe]

You might drop a little oil into each cylinder prior to turning the crank to keep from damaging anything.   

Joe

[bryanj]

Be VERY carefull trying to turn over with the nut on the "Points" end as its easy to snap the 6mm threaded stud/bolt that holds it together.

Better to take an impact driver and remove the generator cover and try turning the crank with the rotor bolt.

I would not buy them to use as anything except boat anchours if the vendor will not let you verify they turn over