What do I need to bring to see if this engine works?

[CZroe]

The seller doesn't know if the engine runs, so it could be a good deal or a terrible deal:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mpo/4509727409.html

It's not very promising that the guy hasn't plugged the intakes.

It's removed from the donor bike but I have enough to throw together a rolling chassis I can bring to try it out. At a minimum I assume that I need:
Carbs/airbox
Battery
Ignition
Ignition coils and plug cables
Handlebar control
Wire harness
Cooling system with coolant
A way to get fuel into the carbs

Anything I'm missing?
Just in case, I'd bring oil and spark plugs.

[alex.s]

if it has oil, check the oil for glitter.
if it doesn't have oil, put oil in, take out one of the spark plugs and put in a compression tester, then apply power to the starter. (put it on wood straight up and down and watch your hands of the sprocket) does it sound like a normal engine before it starts? or is it not making any compression at all? does it even turn? don't do it more than a couple seconds
if it all sounds peachy keen, check the oil for glitter again. remove the oil filter and oil screen. no glitter? maybe its not terrible

[CZroe]

Unfortunately, a compression tester is not something that I have around. Is that the kinda thing I can get from a tool loaner program at an auto parts store?

[crazymadbastard]

Originally Posted by CZroe

Unfortunately, a compression tester is not something that I have around. Is that the kinda thing I can get from a tool loaner program at an auto parts store?

yes you can get one at autozone etc. Then there s the transmission part of the equation...

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by crazymadbastard

yes you can get one at autozone etc. Then there s the transmission part of the equation...

transmissions on these bikes are very good and very easy and cheap to fix

[baxtc1]

$200 for the engine, if you want to start messing around like that, he might tell you to bugger off.
Simply buy and try. Be hard pressed to find an engine that cheap anywhere else.

[Yarhj]

Well, even if it's not running you should be able to sell the valve cover for like $30, and the rocker arms for $20-$30 each, so just take the valve cover off and make sure everything looks good in the top end and you can't really go wrong.

[Ninjinsky]

Originally Posted by Yarhj

Well, even if it's not running you should be able to sell the valve cover for like $30, and the rocker arms for $20-$30 each, so just take the valve cover off and make sure everything looks good in the top end and you can't really go wrong.

Yep, just buy it, it will part out for much more than you paid. Take a socket wrench to turn the engine over on the crank bolt (and a large coin with mole grips to unscrew the plastic end cover. If it turns over you know the valve train is not damaged, that's all I would do in the low price circumstances. But for the Atlantic ocean I would race you to it

[Yarhj]

Originally Posted by Ninjinsky

But for the Atlantic ocean I would race you to it

It is only ninjette camaraderie that keeps me from running over and buying it myself!

Well, that and sloth.

[CZroe]

I've checked my finances and I don't think I can spare $200 any time soon anyway ($1,200+ emergency vet bill, moving into a new apartment, etc).

Originally Posted by Yarhj

It is only ninjette camaraderie that keeps me from running over and buying it myself!

Well, that and sloth.

Based on your avatar, I'd say you probably need it more than me.

Go get it!

[Yarhj]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I've checked my finances and I don't think I can spare $200 any time soon anyway ($1,200+ emergency vet bill, moving into a new apartment, etc).



Based on your avatar, I'd say you probably need it more than me.

Go get it!

OK, so the third thing keeping me from running over and getting it is $200. Or is that 200 things? =P