79 750f

[Beekeeper]

I have a 1979 750F that I purchased new.  Around 1990, I fell on a freeway onramp, and although I rode it occasionally for about another year or two, I ended up putting it in the back of the garage and neglecting it. Last week, I dug it out and while I didn't really know what to expect as far as repairs and costs to get it running,  I was suprised to find the engine seized up. I'm no mechanic, but I do have tools and the Clymer book for this model.   Would you all consider this a lost cause?    

[TOOLS1]

Not at all. The first thing to do is to find out why it is locked up. Sometimes an engine will just stick after sitting a long time. Sometimes it is because water got into the cylinders. Remove the exhaust pipes, and carbs. Then look into the ports, for signs of water getting into the engine. If, there is no sign of water, remove the plugs, and fill it with Marvel Mystery Oil. Let it sit, for a few days, and then try rocking the bike back, and forth while it is in high gear. It should break loose. If it has gotten water in it, you will need to rebuild the top end. However that is not too bad on the model bike, you have,
TOOLS

[Beekeeper]

OK thanks.  I'll dig in and have a look in a couple days.  Depending on what I find, I'll probably be back for more advice.

[Beekeeper]

Well,  a few days sitting with MMO in the head and she broke loose.   I put some power to it thinking cranking it over a few turns would get some oil splashed around.  Unfortunately, no power to the gauges or anywhere else for that matter.  I looked at the fuses, chased a couple parts of the wiring harness to see if any rodents had been busy, but no sign of damage anywhere.  Any part of the wiring harness or electrical system more subject to failure than the others? It' too dark to continue, and I won't have a chance to get back to it until after the weekend.  But it's nice to have a starting point.

[TOOLS1]

I would take a test light, and start testing connections. Sometimes they will look good, but be bad. Be sure to check both sides of the fuses, and the fuse holders, for current.
TOOLS

[Beekeeper]

Well... probably not much to get excited about, but I can't help myself.  I skipped some other things to tinker with the bike.  The bolt on fuse on the starter relay was burned.  Bridged it to test and what do you know, the turn signal came on, neutral light and oil light lit up. Hit the starter and she groaned once and started cranking!!  Tomorrow I'll see if I have any fire at the plugs and start looking for some rebuild kits for the carbs.  I have to admit I am damned excited after initially finding the motor seized.