Best way to pump up the oiling system?

[Scott Underwood]

Greetings all.

I've decided to start working on the SF again and will probably have a few questions for you good people.

So let's start tonight.

The bike has been sitting in my garage since at least 1991 and the other day I decided to pull the spark plugs. I was very concerned that the rings or valves or something other may be stuck due to the engine being stationary for so many years. So I pour in about 1/2 oz of Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder, mount the kick start lever and try turning the engine over by hand - NO PROBLEMO. I then kick it over a few more times with my leg and everything feels to be spinning over freely.

So my question is this - what is the best way to pump up the oiling system. First of all I am going to do an oil change, but then what method would be the best? Repeatedly turn it over with the kick starter? Hook up a battery and use the starter motor (not sure if I like this idea because I am afraid that there would be too many high speed revolutions with no oil in the top end)? What about spinning the engine over slowly by using the crankshaft bolt and a light touch with an air ratchet? Or is there a way that I can prime the oil pump and pressurize the oil system without turning the engine over? I am guessing that there probably is - but how easy of a procedure is it?

Anyway, let's hear what you guys & gals think.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[trbig]

With the spark plugs out, crank it over for 10 seconds or so. Stick them back in and see what happens. I'm betting there will be some carb work in your future.. : )

Glad to see you decide to try to get it back on the road.

Tod

[Ken Talbot]

Like Tod says, crank it over with the starter with the plugs out until the oil light goes out.

[Scott Underwood]

Thanks for the replies, Tod & Ken. Quite a few views of this thread, but no one has chimed in regarding any of the other options, so spinning it over with a battery sounds like the plan.

I wasn't planning on pulling the valve cover because I used to be very meticulous about keeping the valve clearances within spec. However, I have now decided to pull the cover and look things over. So while the cover is off, I will dump some oil over the top end parts.

Next up is a battery. I have a Diehard that has never been out of the box sitting on a shelf in the basement. Only thing is, it's got to be at least 10 years old. Wonder if it will hold a charge.

Edit* Yeah, Tod, I'm sure the carbs need a little attention. Now all I gotta do is find them. I think they are in a box in the basement somewhere. Hope so anyway.

[trbig]

Just remember that unless you take the cams out, pouring oil on the top end won't get the oil where it needs to be.... between the cams and the bearings, and on the cylinder walls.


Tod

[Scott Underwood]

Originally posted by trbig
Just remember that unless you take the cams out, pouring oil on the top end won't get the oil where it needs to be.... between the cams and the bearings, and on the cylinder walls.


Tod

Dat true. But everything else will be good & wet before I spin the engine over. Thanks for reminding me though. It's been a long time since I have tinkered with this bike, so every tip is appreciated.

Scott

[AlanB]

Hi Scott,

Once you have the cam cover off, spin the engine over on the starter again; you should see the oil start to appear out from all the cam bearings. It will confirm that you have oil right up through all of the passages of the motor.

If the engine is not running, it doesn't spray oil all over the shop; it just oozes back down the chain tunnel.

If you do that, there should be no need to pour a lot of oil in there, although a little spot on each cam lobe might be a good idea before the engine delivers its own oil up there.

Don't use the starter for too long at a time; lots of ten-second bursts won't do it any harm, but holding it on for a minute gets 'em pretty hot!

AlanB