Re: Starting a motor after a long stand

Posted by robs750 on Jun 22, 2012; 3:49pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Starting-a-motor-after-a-long-stand-tp4023386p4023398.html

I'll add more!

If it's been sitting for 2-5 years like you say,I don't think the battery is going to be good.If it's a wet cell battery,you could check the acid level and top off with distilled water and try to charge it.Replace the battery if needed.

Once you have battery power,I would change the oil/filter like said.Use an inexpensive oil.
Check the air filter.
Remove the tank,drain the tank,check for rust,flush/clean out as needed.
Fill with some fresh fuel and check fuel flow from the on and reserve posistions.Check fuel line for cracks/hard rubber.
Clean all around the plugs,then remove them.You don't want junk falling into the cylinders!
With the plugs removed,I would squirt a little oil in the cylinders then crank the engine over to prime the oil pump/lines.Install the plugs in the caps and and check for spark on each plug.
When cranking the engine,you can kind of check for compression by placing a finger over the holes.
If the old plugs were sparking,install them.Have a fresh set on hand.
Put the tank back on with fresh fuel,connect fuel line and turn on the fuel.Check the carb overflow drain tubes.They should not be leaking.
Now with the fuel on,flush each carb bowl by unscrewing the drain valves.There should be a steady flow out of the overflow tubes and then the flow should stop with the valves closed.

Now it's time to start it!

If it starts and runs,that would be great.Road test it.
From there,I would change the oil again with the engine hot.
Remove the tank,valve cover and check the valve clearances with the engine cold.Adjust as needed.
Replace the cover  gasket and the bolt seals if needed.Check the compression.
Install the new plugs.
Adjust the carbs.

If it does not start or runs like crap,most likely the carbs will need to be removed and rebuilt.

Hope this helps.