First start up observations

[nakedinterstate81]

Hello Guys & Gals,

I wanted to see if I connected everything right before further assembly and tried to start the bike today.
Just the headers installed, no radiator and no brakes.
I used a syringe to push some fuel into the carbs and used a little starter fluid.
Unfortunately the choke lever broke off but she started right up pushing choke in at the carbs.
Idled nice for 20 seconds but turned off when advancing throttle.
Fuel squirted out of the fuel pump housing (photo), gas gauge didn't work and on my second try the starter didn't engage anymore.
I left it like that for today.
Any ideas?

[pidjones]

You need a new fuel pump or make a fuel pump diaphragm. There was a recent post by LastMohawk where he rebuilt his pump. https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic ... gm#p780359
Here is candidate diaphragm material: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BUNA-N-NYLON-I ... SwrklVbv-j

Starter will probably get better with more use. Adding Marvel Mystery Oil to your crankcase can help. Over-filling and parking it with the front wheel up a steep slope can get oil up into the clutch and get it freed up, but use and mileage seem to help best.

Gas gauge (and temperature gauge) require 7 volts from a regulator behind the gauges. Check that and the wiring to it. Replacement regulators are available from several places. Most fuel tanks on old 'wings need cleaned, so check your carefully before putting fuel from it into your carbs.

[nakedinterstate81]

Thank you, Pidjones
I will look into the fuel pump thread.
The bike sat for a few years before I got it last year. The fuel tank is clean, I did the vinegar and electrolysis treatment and made sure it's bare metal inside, also new petcock and fuel lines.
The PO bridged all fuses with wire, which I replaced with the proper glass fuses and I think the connections may be corroded. The fuel gauge worked last year.
I have a fresh bottle of MM oil, where do you suggest pouring it in and how much?

[pidjones]

You should be safe to pour all of the MMO in the crankcase fill hole as long as you don't run it that way (over-filled by a quart) and raise the front of the engine/bike to about 30-45 degrees to let the oil get into the starter clutch. Drain the extra quart before running the engine, though. Mine went from working about one out of five times to 100% operation in about 100 miles after getting it freed up.

[nakedinterstate81]

None of the images in lastmohawk's post show

[Whiskerfish]

None of the images in lastmohawk's post show

Hmmmmmm..... I can see them fine.

[pidjones]

None of the images in lastmohawk's post show

Hmmmmmm..... I can see them fine.

So can I, on both Win10 laptop Firefox and Android tablet Chrome.

[nakedinterstate81]

Oops, adblock was on.

[ericheath]

Another suggestion to help oil the starter clutch mechanism is pressing the starter but randomly as you ride. My understanding is it’s an over-running clutch and won’t be able to catch up with motor speed. It does run and turn the starter chain and can help distribute oil up into the starter clutch area. I hold mine for several seconds.

[nakedinterstate81]

Thanks Eric,
It's not drivable at the moment.

[nakedinterstate81]

Just to be on the safe side, I'd like to confirm.
You suggest adding a quart of MM oil to my fresh engine oil and raise the front wheel so the bike sits at 30-40 degrees.
For how long?
Then drain one quart of engine oil and try the starter?

[pidjones]

Just to be on the safe side, I'd like to confirm.
You suggest adding a quart of MM oil to my fresh engine oil and raise the front wheel so the bike sits at 30-40 degrees.
For how long?
Then drain one quart of engine oil and try the starter?

Yes. The problem being that the starter clutch is up high in the back where little oil gets moved around. Maybe put a ramp on some steps and have someone help you run it up onto it (make sure it is secured up there). I live in mountainous East Tennessee, and our driveways are rather steep, so I parked it on the drive one day (with a scotch behind it). You should find that it may take several (as many as 10) tries to get it to catch and start, but that number will decrease the more you run it. Drain that extra quart back out though (don't worry about it thinning the oil - it will help clean things up) until just before you finally ride, then change the oil with new. You know to NOT use automotive oil, right? Motorcycle 4 stroke oil or cheap diesel oil (that's what I use when rescuing a bike), then Rotella. BTW, you can try the starter with the extra quart in, just don't run it much like that as it can overheat the engine and cause oil starvation from foaming.

[nakedinterstate81]

Got it. Yes I use Rotella and also in East TN.
Thanks!

[pidjones]

Got it. Yes I use Rotella and also in East TN.
Thanks!

Come join us at the Time Warp Tea Room on Central Ave. in Knoxville on Tuesday evenings. Lots of nice vintage bikes (and riders) hang around there.

[nakedinterstate81]

Good to know, thanks.