old virago restoration

basketcase said:

need some input from anyone. I'm restoring an old 920 virago. This bike sat out in the weather for 15 years (FLORIDA). I've restored alot of it , but hesitate to continue until, I can get the motor to turn over. YAMAHA told me that sitting out in any weather wouldn't hurt the motor. I've changed oil & filter. QUESTION: Being electric start only, how can I turn this bike over? Can I shoot oil down the cylinders since my thought is rust settling on piston/cylinder walls. Starter does work, when engine triggered, engine won't turn over. any help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

For sure put WD40 or penetrating fluid down the plug holes before turning it over. If the rings are rusted to the cylinder wall they may break and score the bore. If they don't loosten you have to figure on having the cylinder bored and installing an oversize piston. What you need to know from Yamaha is can you get oversized pistons, rings, and clutch plates as well as carb rebuild kits as well as how much this will cost. When you changed the oil was it low? might need a new crankshaft or at least all new bearings including wrist pins. If this is the ride for you, it's worth it.

Old Bike Starting

Another trick is to put Automatic Transmission Oil in the cylinders. Or try Mystery Marvel. I wouldn't try to start it with the starter until you free the engine up. Do this by taking the spark plugs out and gently rocking the bike back and forth in fourth or fifth gear to minimize damage.