Engine math is easy.

There are three variables in the equation needed to getting an engine to run, no more no less. Fuel, compression and spark. I knew the engine had spark, and I knew it had compression albeit uneven and low. And while the carburetors were not in the best of shape, they would probably work. If they didn’t, I would have more information about how much work was ahead of me. What could possibly go wrong. What might possibly go right?

First, I installed the alternator rotor, oil filter and the replacement oil filter when they arrived. Next, I topped up the fluids and ran an auxiliary tank to provide the engine with fuel. Finally, I charged up the spare battery and got ready to see this engine start for the first time in a long long time. This is the process I follow each time I get a bike that is old and not running. I expend the smallest amount of funds and effort I can to get to a place where it will kick over and run. I learned this process as a kid with that VW bus,  it can be applied to most everything in life. You have to understand the problem in order to solve it, in life, and in mechanical things.

The only thing left to do was to bypass the starter relay and ignition. This was pretty easy and took no time at all. I was ready. Late one evening after having spent the day at work I finished getting the engine ready for this first kick. The next day being Saturday, I decided to call it a night and start fresh in the morning.

Early start…

Morning came and with it time came to flip the switch and see if the engine would turn, and then watch to see what happened while it was running. Excitement built and then the switch was flipped… The engine ran, and  tiny oil leak started to drip from behind that pesky alternator cover, and so the next part of the adventure began. It would be new seals, and while I was at it, new piston rings and a cylinder hone for good measure.