Seized 81 GL1100
Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators
-
- Zinc Member
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2018 2:58 am
- Location: Langley, BC, Canada
Seized 81 GL1100
So I just picked up an 81 GL1100 with a seized motor. Looking for some advice on how to proceed.
I was told the bike has been sitting for a while (6 months+, possibly more in the year to years range), with the carbs removed.
Thus far I have tried rolling in high gear with the plugs pulled, adding *copious* amounts of ATF to the cylinders, and gone as far as removing the timing covers to check belts. I tried to crank on the center bolt under the covers, to no avail, but I'm not sure how hard I want to be cranking it, or in what direction.
Here's an overview of the bike, And inside the timing case.. I'm new to bikes, had to start with a non runner because that was all the budget allowed for. Amy advice is appreciated!
I was told the bike has been sitting for a while (6 months+, possibly more in the year to years range), with the carbs removed.
Thus far I have tried rolling in high gear with the plugs pulled, adding *copious* amounts of ATF to the cylinders, and gone as far as removing the timing covers to check belts. I tried to crank on the center bolt under the covers, to no avail, but I'm not sure how hard I want to be cranking it, or in what direction.
Here's an overview of the bike, And inside the timing case.. I'm new to bikes, had to start with a non runner because that was all the budget allowed for. Amy advice is appreciated!
Nick
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3947
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Chandler, AZ, USA
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
Looks like it's time to introduce the elixir of your choice into the cylinders (anything from diesel to ATF and points in between).
Meanwhile, it is possible that the clutch plates have stuck together fooling you into thinking the motor's stuck. That would be your best scenario.
Meanwhile, it is possible that the clutch plates have stuck together fooling you into thinking the motor's stuck. That would be your best scenario.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
-
- Zinc Member
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2018 2:58 am
- Location: Langley, BC, Canada
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
Thanks for the reply, the cylinders are already bathing in ATF (use what you have), so I'll let them sit for a few days I guess.
What other signs would point towards clutch plates? I happen to know the clutch handle will not engage the clutch, so is that more likely my problem?
If so, what is my next course of action? More research I guess?
If it is, upside is those cylinders will be well marinated!
Thanks!
What other signs would point towards clutch plates? I happen to know the clutch handle will not engage the clutch, so is that more likely my problem?
If so, what is my next course of action? More research I guess?
If it is, upside is those cylinders will be well marinated!
Thanks!
Nick
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
- ericheath
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 9580
- Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:20 am
- Location: Winnipeg, Manituba
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
Most do as suggested above. You have to be patient, but there are no guarantees it will loosen up nor is there a guarantee that it won’t have damaged cylinder walls, rings, ring lands.
Several years to 13 years ago a person posted using two gallons of 350 degree heated oil. I think he drained the old oil and used vegetable oil heated in a turkey fryer kettle. You would need to be extremely careful using a metal funnel to pour it in.
As I recall it loosened up right away. Still, no knowing of what it’s really like, but even “runners” are unknowns.
It won’t hurt to remove the valve covers to make sure it hasn’t had a broken valve.
Several years to 13 years ago a person posted using two gallons of 350 degree heated oil. I think he drained the old oil and used vegetable oil heated in a turkey fryer kettle. You would need to be extremely careful using a metal funnel to pour it in.
As I recall it loosened up right away. Still, no knowing of what it’s really like, but even “runners” are unknowns.
It won’t hurt to remove the valve covers to make sure it hasn’t had a broken valve.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
-
- Zinc Member
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2018 2:58 am
- Location: Langley, BC, Canada
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
Call me crazy, but I think I'll shy away from the boiling hot oil. That doesn't sound like a good time to me. Haha.
I'll let it sit a while and then try my hand/high gear cranking again. Is there much chance the whole non engaging clutch could be the problem as well though? I looked at the clutch.. lever?.. on the trans while actuating the handle and it has very little movement. It basically goes from 3 o'clock to about 2:30.
If hand/high gear doesn't work soon I'll pop the covers and see what it looks like inside.
I'll let it sit a while and then try my hand/high gear cranking again. Is there much chance the whole non engaging clutch could be the problem as well though? I looked at the clutch.. lever?.. on the trans while actuating the handle and it has very little movement. It basically goes from 3 o'clock to about 2:30.
If hand/high gear doesn't work soon I'll pop the covers and see what it looks like inside.
Nick
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
- chewy999
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
- Posts: 3214
- Joined: Tue Oct 16, 2012 11:21 am
- Location: Haddenham, Cambs, UK
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
Turn either of the bolts clockwise. The bolt holding the centre pulley is torqued to a high value, can't remember what off the top of my head, so after leaving it to soak for a couple of days in atf or whatever you're using you can apply a good 'grunt' on the wrench, with spark plugs removed, bike in neutral despite possible clutch sticking.
I would also remove the valve covers but may be hard to tell of anything's wrong.
I would also remove the valve covers but may be hard to tell of anything's wrong.
Previous Rides,
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
- todd54219
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1002
- Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:00 pm
- Location: Overland Park, KS
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
You can pull the clutch out and maybe pull the heads. I would start with the clutch first. If no joy then pull the heads. If stuck pistons you can still put the heads back on and fill with penetrant to loosen them and replace the gaskets if necessary when you get it broken loose and feel there is no damage to cylinders.
JMHO
Good luck and keep us informed as to the outcome.
Todd
JMHO
Good luck and keep us informed as to the outcome.
Todd
Todd54219 - Common sense is not so common anymore
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
- salukispeed
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1951
- Joined: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:08 am
- Location: Oak Forest Illinois US
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
I do not believe the clutch can be the issue as you need it totally engaged/locked to allow the rear tire to transmit the torque to the engine. It would only cause issue once you wanted to disengage for shifting My 84 was solidly frozen and took over a week of trying back and forth every day to free it. I ended up with wrenches on both the crank pulley bolt and the alternator rotor bolt and worked them and the rear tire in 5th at the same time with my son to finally get it loose. Do not turn the rotor bolt counter clockwise as it is not all that tight and you do not want to loosen it as it could come loose again at a later time. Patience and perseverance. is best
Honda 72 CL100 sold
74 CB750 K4 nice driver
1966 CA77/305 Dream nostalgic driver
84 GL1200I work in progress
1970 CT 70
1982 GL500 Interstate
74 CB750 K4 nice driver
1966 CA77/305 Dream nostalgic driver
84 GL1200I work in progress
1970 CT 70
1982 GL500 Interstate
- Sagebrush
- Run Executive
- Posts: 6465
- Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:35 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/album269/
- Location: Raleigh, NC
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
I think I would pull the heads just to see what you're dealing with. When these old engines have been sitting for a lengthy time it seems they will blow a head gasket in fairly short order once put back in use. If the carbs have been off for awhile and it was outside you may get one look at the cylinders and cut your losses. You may also be pleasantly surprised. At least you'll know what your dealing with.
Dean Spalding
Raleigh, NC
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
'82 Yellow GL1100
'81 Blue GL1100
My Gallery
My 1100 Build Thread
Raleigh, NC
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
'82 Yellow GL1100
'81 Blue GL1100
My Gallery
My 1100 Build Thread
-
- Silver Member
- Posts: 796
- Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2014 5:08 pm
- Location: Indiana
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
My 83 interstate was locked up when i first got it due to it setting outside too long with spark plugs that weren't tight and water getting by them and into the cyls. I was prepared to pull the engine apart but decided to first try to free it up and see what it would do so I made up a 50/50 mix of trans fluid and acetone and filled the cyls up with it and let it set for a week. The thought process with the acetone mixed with the trans fluid is that the acetone thins the trans fluid up so it can penetrate deeper than trans fluid alone could, the acetone then evaporates leaving the trans fluid behind where it penetrated. After setting for a week I then hopped on the bike, put it in gear with the clutch in and and started pushing it forward, got it rolling then popped the clutch, pulled the clutch back in and rolled it backwards then popped the clutch again. I basically kept rolling it back and forth popping the clutch and after about the 5th time it started to turn over.
In my case I got lucky because not only was I able to free it up without tearing it down but didn't break a piston ring doing it. After rebuilding the carbs the time came to see if it would actually run and once it did fire up it did of course continue to smoke after the trans fluid burnt off and had dismal compression but the more it ran and the longer I rode the bike the less it smoked to the point it stopped smoking and the compression came back up. Compression has never come up to ideal but it's acceptable and I have no doubts that if I were to put it on a dyno it wouldn't put out the same power of a GL1100 in good shape but it does run well enough for me to trust it on cross country road trips.
In my case I got lucky because not only was I able to free it up without tearing it down but didn't break a piston ring doing it. After rebuilding the carbs the time came to see if it would actually run and once it did fire up it did of course continue to smoke after the trans fluid burnt off and had dismal compression but the more it ran and the longer I rode the bike the less it smoked to the point it stopped smoking and the compression came back up. Compression has never come up to ideal but it's acceptable and I have no doubts that if I were to put it on a dyno it wouldn't put out the same power of a GL1100 in good shape but it does run well enough for me to trust it on cross country road trips.
Scott
- rcmatt007
- Treasurer
- Posts: 31305
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:48 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rcmatt007/
- Location: New River Valley, Virginia
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
it is good the belts are good. I think I let my 79 sit for a week or so before I tried to move it. if you can get it into neutral then at least you are not trying to turn the rear end. when I got it to move a bit, I gently moved the main bolt between the pulleys back and forth (not enough to loosen the bolt) and then finally it turned. It only takes a little gum to make it hard to turn
Or, bit the bullet and take the heads off
Or, bit the bullet and take the heads off
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- Whiskerfish
- President
- Posts: 36850
- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:34 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/whiskerfish/
- Location: Norfolk Va
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
Yea First I am with Sagebrush. I would pop the heads and do a good exam. Forgoing that....
If you pull the clutch lever in and the bike rolls in gear then the clutch is not the issue. Even if you do not pull the heads you want to drop the headers as odds are high they are filling with atf and will be a huge smoke and fire potential once you do get it to fire up.
Once you do get it to move even a hair stop and let it soak more. If you force it past the rust line you will do damage. I have done 3 locked up from rust in the jugs. I think only 1 ever made it back into service and I worked it for weeks and weeks slowly getting it to pass beyond the rust rings smoothly and flushing out the residual. Start very slowly until you feel the rust line then a few days later work it by hand a bit more and then a few days later a bit more etc etc etc . Eventually you should not feel the rust lines at all then you can start using the starter motor to turn it over. The slower you proceed and the more soaks in between the higher your odds of success.
If you pull the clutch lever in and the bike rolls in gear then the clutch is not the issue. Even if you do not pull the heads you want to drop the headers as odds are high they are filling with atf and will be a huge smoke and fire potential once you do get it to fire up.
Once you do get it to move even a hair stop and let it soak more. If you force it past the rust line you will do damage. I have done 3 locked up from rust in the jugs. I think only 1 ever made it back into service and I worked it for weeks and weeks slowly getting it to pass beyond the rust rings smoothly and flushing out the residual. Start very slowly until you feel the rust line then a few days later work it by hand a bit more and then a few days later a bit more etc etc etc . Eventually you should not feel the rust lines at all then you can start using the starter motor to turn it over. The slower you proceed and the more soaks in between the higher your odds of success.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
-
- Zinc Member
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2018 2:58 am
- Location: Langley, BC, Canada
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
So it seems to be 50/50 on let it sit with the ATF and just pull the heads. Since the ATF is already in there, I'll probably let it be for a couple days. Worst case it might be easier to work on on the bench.
As for the clutch, if I pop the bike into gear and then engage the clutch handle, the bike maintains it's in gear state. I can't move it at all. Should I be removing the clutch while the rest sits?
Sitting and looking at it makes me antsy. I want to make it work! Or, know for sure that it's dead and start looking for new pieces.
As for the clutch, if I pop the bike into gear and then engage the clutch handle, the bike maintains it's in gear state. I can't move it at all. Should I be removing the clutch while the rest sits?
Sitting and looking at it makes me antsy. I want to make it work! Or, know for sure that it's dead and start looking for new pieces.
Nick
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
1981 GL1100 - Currently not running..
- rcmatt007
- Treasurer
- Posts: 31305
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:48 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rcmatt007/
- Location: New River Valley, Virginia
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
it can be tricky to get these bikes into neutral. while the bike is on the center stand try moving the rear wheel back and forth and that may allow you to change gears
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
- Posts: 21724
- Joined: Mon May 29, 2006 8:31 am
- Location: Decatur, Indiana
Re: Seized 81 GL1100
Cable operated clutch? Put the bike in gear. Tie the clutch lever back to the handlebar. Then rock the rear tire back and forth. That usually breaks the clutch plates loose. Most any bike over time sitting will have the plates stick together. Even just over a winter sometimes. In that case you can hold the brake, engine running, lever pulled, and put it in gear and it may just break free and be fine. I've had them kill the engine when doing that but it broke loose and was fine afterward. If it's real bad though that won't work so only try it once.
In your case holding the lever back and rocking the tire back and forth is the better way to do it. Usually a few times back and forth and the plates will loosen up.
.
In your case holding the lever back and rocking the tire back and forth is the better way to do it. Usually a few times back and forth and the plates will loosen up.
.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
- 2 Replies
- 1246 Views
-
Last post by mikenixon
-
- 82 Replies
- 3246 Views
-
Last post by sphen
-
- 9 Replies
- 292 Views
-
Last post by renof
-
- 3 Replies
- 193 Views
-
Last post by salukispeed