Topic: Kick Start Frozen? Need some help here!

[chopstar]

I just did a search with no luck.

I just picked up a 1972 CB750 with 14K miles. Bike looks good and it's pretty clean - the battery is gone (no electric start) and I cannot kick start the bike due to the kick start mechanism being "frozen".  When you "kick" the lever from the upright position, the unit just clicks once and the kick start lever only travels approximately 2 inches and then locks.

Is this an indication of a locked up motor, or is there a possibility of a problem with the mechanics of the kick starter? I plan to pick up a new battery tonight - is there an easy way to jump the starter or solenoid to bypass the starting system? I just want to see if the engine will crank at this point.

Thanks for you help.

[KB02]

Put the bike in nutreal, pull out all the plugs, take off one of the engine side covers (mag side, I think is the best), attach a large wrench and socket and see if you can move / turn the engine that way. With all the plugs out, it should turn fairly easily. If not, don't waste your money on a battery untill you have rebuilt the engine. 

[GroovieGhoulie]

Engine is probably locked.  Gonna have to roll up your sleeves and dig in.

[chopstar]

I pretty muched firgured that the engine is set-up, but I've never wrenched on (or owned) a CB750, so I wasn't aware of any possible kick start mechanism issues. I'm buying a manual tonight, so hopefully I won't constantly bother everyone with "basic" mechanical questions like this one.

[crazypj]

A simple way to check motor is put it in gear and just walk it backwards. Going in reverse prevents the wheel sliding (the weight of the bike tries to roll onto rear wheel) Moving the opposite direction sometimes frees up motor (its also a goood trick for people trying to 'bump start  motors, particularly big singles) Pull clutch in when you find 'reverse' compression, frees off clutch and gives motor at least 1 revolution before it hits compression again.
PJ

[scondon]

   Welcome to the forum, and don't worry, "what to do with a frozen engine" is not too "basic" a question. "Help, my clutch cable snapped what do I do?" might fall in that category

Here's a thread that has some good ideas for breaking free a mildly stuck engine-

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=2868.0

  You might try "soaking" and "rocking" the engine before tearing the whole thing apart. You might have good results if the bike was stored complete and indoors. If the bike was stored outside with the carbs,airbox and/or plugs removed then you are almost guaranteed a full top end rebuild.

[chopstar]

Thanks guys. I just picked it up last night, so the excitement level is still pretty high - need to get my bearings and start diagnosing it. The mileage looks good and it was stored indoors complete - carbs were off though. I think she'll be ok.

[dusterdude]

if it is locked a bit,soak the cylinders in marvel mystery oil for a few days and then rock the engine again.hopefully they will loosen up and you will be good to go.