Seeking counsel for restarting after 32 years

[Rockwork]

I’m purchasing a 78 cb750F this week. It only has 3,800 miles, but it has been sitting in a garage for 33 years. It requires a lot of cleaning up, but I’m anticipating the engine is good. I assume my first order of business is to start it up to see how it runs.

It obviously needs a new battery. But after replacing that, I’m not certain how extensive I need to go. There is still gas in the tank, so I was going to pull that off and clean it out and change the filter and lines.

Can I try to start it up at that point or had I better clean the carbs first or any other prep work? What would you do?

[cdaiscool]

What would I do? New gas, new oil, new battery, check rubber (gas lines), put a few gallons of gas borrowed from the mower into it and hit the starter button.

I bet she'll fire right up.

[shinyribs]

^^^^What he said.But I'd almost bet you'll end needing to clean the carbs. It might fire up without it,but for reliability sake it is something you'll probably just have to do.

There's plenty of threads on here about it. Use the search feature on the top,right hand corner of the home page and type in something like "CV carb cleaning" and I'm sure you'll find what you need.


And welcome to the forum!

[TOOLS1]

78 does not have "CV" carbs. They have "Keyhole" carbs. A lot easier to work on.
TOOLS

[Lucky 1]

Only 3,800 miles! wow.

I am sure the idle jets will be clogged up.

[Butcherblock]

Hey Rockwork,welcome to the forum! You have joined a great community of cycle heads (and general mechanics) that can help you learn the ins and outs of these carburated, two wheeled, oily  jockey rockets. Read lots, listen to the advice of the purple here, and don't be afraid to jump in elbows deep!

Oh yeah, the bike. I would tear out the carbs after trying to start it. If nothing else, it gives you a benchmark that you will pass when the carbs are clean!

[Rockwork]

Thank you all. I didn't get the one for this post, but just got another 78 cb750F. Just what I've been looking for. Your advice gave me confidence to proceed, knowing low mileage will mostly require just cleaning out the carbs.  Thanks.

[icerigger]

Once you get it started, you'll need to do a lot more before you can ride safely. New tires is a priority. After 33 years they're probably rock hard and WILL dump you. Also, change the fork and brake fluids, they're probably tired of waiting for work and have retired.

Best of luck and keep us posted.