Topic: Tip for starting an engine after long period of non-use

[Dex Henschel]

After an engine hasn't been started in a long time,  take out the spark plug, put a squirt of oil in the cylinder, rotate the crank a couple of turns, put a bit of gasoline in the cylinder, if desired, rotate the crank again to mix air into the chamber, then replace the plug and attempt to start the engine.  The squirt of oil increases the compression so starting is easier, even on an engine that isn't badly worn.

[BobbyR]

Great tip, I personally use Marvel Oil and let it soak in a bit to loosen up the rings. We both are avoiding a dry start which is really bad for the cylinder walls.

[Gordon]

Oil is good, but putting gas directly in the cylinder afterward will just wash off the oil.  If the carbs are clean and working properly there should be no reason to put any gas in, IMO.

[BeSeeingYou]

I would also squirt in some oil through the tappet covers.  I use an plastic mustard bottle for this.  I don't see any reason to put gas into the cylinder directly.

[Kong]

Along with seeing that the cylinders/rings are free before starting I like to at least flush out the carb bowls.  If they've sat for a long time and the old gas has turned to sludge I like to try to get it out of the carbs rather than suck it through the jets and such.  So, I'll remove the tank and at least put completely new fresh gas in it and usually try to slosh some around and dump it first too just to get out any lose stuff.  Then I like to drain the carb bowls of whatever might be in there.  After that the tank goes back on and the new gas gets in the carbs I like to let it just set for a half hour or so (over night is even better) and then drain the bowls again to get out anything the fresh gas might have either dissolved or dislodged.  Then I try to start it.

Oh, just a few more things too.  Before trying to start it you should try to adjust the cam chain and take a look at the points to see that they are at least opening up and don't look burnt up.  I like to flip on the ignition and using a test light trace power from the supply for the coils to the points.  If there are any shorts of if the coils aren't getting power better to know that first and take care of it.  Of course there is fresh oil and filter, I suppose that goes without saying.

[Don R]

They make a tank to put oil into auto AC units, it can be used to prelube a motorcycle engine, on a 750 remove the oil galley plug on the left side and either use a guage adapter and some pipe fittings or the tapered rubber plug on the hose.v Add oil and compressed air and watch the oil pressure light go out.