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engine testing

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by lnb001, Sep 30, 2008.

  1. lnb001

    lnb001 New Member

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    This may sound like a dumb question but is there a way to see if my engine will turn over without an ignition? I bought a project bike over 20 years old and it is stripped down to rolling chassis with engine. no electrics whatsoever. Is this possible or do i need to find myself a new wiring harness and ignition and hook stuff back up the way it was? Thanks and sorry if this is just a stupid newb question

    -Lucas
     


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  2. Action

    Action New Member

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    Putting 12 volts to the starter should make it turn, right? Bike battery and some jumper cables would do the trick.

    Action
     


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  3. lnb001

    lnb001 New Member

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    wow thanks that seems so simple! im gonna try it out this weekend!

    -Lucas
     


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  4. steven113

    steven113 New Member

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    ground out the motor and tap the wire coming form the starter (positive) it should turn over
     


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  5. steven113

    steven113 New Member

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    you might as well do a compression check too at that point!
     


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  6. lnb001

    lnb001 New Member

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    can i do that even if the bike doesn't turn over completely?

    -Lucas
     


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  7. drewl

    drewl Insider

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    why, are you trying to start a bike without the key?
     


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  8. lnb001

    lnb001 New Member

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    no ignition, the bike is over 20 years old so i stripped almost everything assuming it was all junk

    -Lucas
     


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  9. steven113

    steven113 New Member

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    by jumping the starter the bike should turn over if it is not seized and the starter is in working order. Now with ut the ignition hooked up the bike will not start(no spark). If the motor turns over freely pull the spark plugs, infact pull the plugs before you try to turn it over and use a compression gauge to test each cylinder. A good pressure reading will most likely be 115-125lbs bad is anything under 95lbs more importantly you want all cylinders to be within 5-7lbs
     


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  10. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    if you remove the round access cover at end of crankshaft (on clutch cover) you can turn the engine with a 17mm socket.......no electricity needed.
     


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