Topic: 1979 Honda GL1000

[Sporkfly]

Hi all,

Last year I inherited a 1979 Goldwing from my great uncle. This bike was his pride and joy, but it was improperly stored since 2003 (he had a brain tumor and it changed his personality. He gave up on it). I imagine the tank is filled with rust by now.

Anyway, I'm a bit puzzled by it. It's just much more daunting to think about attempting work on than my CB550 (easiest engine I've ever worked on, really.) I'm afraid to really do a whole lot to it.

Here's the problem and maybe some insight will boost my confidence. I bought a battery for it so I could see if it would turn over... Big surprise, it didn't. The turn signals work, headlight works on low beam but not high, horn doesn't work, even the radio in the windjammer fairing works, but when you press the start button the headlight goes out and nothing happens.

I cleaned up the battery leads, as an obvious start and also checked the fuses in the tool compartment deal. I'm not really sure where to go from there. Electrical is definitely my weak point.

[TwoTired]

Here's the problem and maybe some insight will boost my confidence. I bought a battery for it so I could see if it would turn over... Big surprise, it didn't. The turn signals work, headlight works on low beam but not high, horn doesn't work, even the radio in the windjammer fairing works, but when you press the start button the headlight goes out and nothing happens.

I think the starter button switch turns off the headlight while the stater is engaged.

Does the starter solenoid click when you attempt to start?

Do you have a wire diagram for the bike?

Can you tell if the motor is stuck?  (put it is top gear and push the bike.  Be careful with the ignition.  If the engine starts, can you get on faster than it drives away?)

[333]

You can also check for engine rotation by turning the timing belts on the front of the engine, under the covers.

[kirkn]

What they've said - check for solenoid clicking.  Pull the plugs and try to turn motor over (5th gear and turn the rear wheel).

Next - buy a manual.  Clymer, Haynes, etc.  Genuine Honda Service Manual is OK and some folks swear by 'em, but some of 'em get a bit too deep for my taste.

Finally - DON'T BE INTIMIDATED.  They ain't rocket science.  There's nothing mystical or wizardry about 'em.  Especially 1979.  A 2008 model, maybe they're a bit daunting because there's so much to them.  But a '79?  You can do it.

And electrical?  Pshaw!  A water-in-a-pipe understanding of electricity will get you all you need.  Current (measured in amps) is the flow - just like water flow measured in so many gallons per minute.  Voltage (measured in volts) is the pressure in the pipe measure in psi.  Resistance (measured in ohms) is the resistance to flow, kinda like crud built up on the inside of the pipe - chokes flow.  And just like a water pipe, you can have pressure (psi, voltage) but no flow (valve closed, no current) and nothing gets done.  It's the flow that makes things happen (lights light, solenoids click, starters turn over, horns beep etc).

Finally, finally - but a manual!!  Read it first.

Good luck with it.  How 'bout a picture or two?

Kirk

PS - just like any old crock that's been sitting awhile, it probably has the same dirty ol' connectors most ALL vintage bikes develop. 

[78 k550]

Pull the plugs squirt some MMO down each cyclinder and should free up in about a week or 2. Depends how stuck it is.

Paul

[Sporkfly]

Some more information. I have a Clymer's manual. The bike was brought to a Honda shop and tuned up in 2003, after my uncle got it home it ran for a few days and just quit. I don't know if this is the same problem he ran into or if he was just having difficulty with it running, and obviously I can't ask him unless I pray REALLY hard. The only reason I'm intimidated by the bike is the sentimental value and I'd probably shoot myself in the leg if any damage was caused to the bike or if I screwed it up any more.

I haven't had the chance to check if the engine turns because I'm working at getting my 550 on the road for a daily rider. A big bike doesn't end up being very practical for city riding. The solenoid doesn't click however and the voltage gauge was giving a good reading.

I'll go check on if the engine is free and give an update.

[mrbreeze]

Gotta ask...........what is the story with your handle??
Welcome to the club and good luck with the resurection of both bikes.

[Sporkfly]

Not sure what's with my handle, to be honest. A spoon, a fork and a fly had a baby?

Anyway. The update is that the engine is not seized. I was able to turn it without a problem. I haven't really investigated into this much further, but I just might. I'm having all kinds of weird problems with my 550 now. Time to do some forum searching and reading for that, I suppose.

[mrbreeze]

Not sure what's with my handle, to be honest. A spoon, a fork and a fly had a baby?

Anyway. The update is that the engine is not seized. I was able to turn it without a problem. I haven't really investigated into this much further, but I just might. I'm having all kinds of weird problems with my 550 now. Time to do some forum searching and reading for that, I suppose.

Uhhhhhh.......OK!!!!!!!

[bryanj]

On the front engine cover is a "tappet" cap that you can remove then get a socket in to turn the engine as i remember.

Loosen both belt covers and make sure belts are ok, if its been stood that long new ones would be a good idea.

Fuel pump occasionaly give trouble and carbs can block up on jetways,
79 should be electronic ignition i think, and i seem to remember a side stand/neatral electronic interlock on the starter circuit