What to do ??

[pastybee]

Hi All,

I have just purchased and 88 LS 400 which has been sitting 4 six years. Now I know i shouldnt start it up but what should i do first..Drain all oil and fuel, change plugs fillters but is there any special places i need to lube up???

Thanks Peter

[ajturbo]

first i would drive down to the warf, with said bike on trailer... and push it over

[beyond]

Ok, could be a bit of a mission but it's your life.

1. Drain the oil and fill with recommended oil.
2.Replace the oil filter.
3. Replace the spark plugs.
4. Clean and/or replace the airfilter depending on condition.
5. Thoroughly clean and lubricate the chain. kersosense on a brush. DO NOT water blast a chain.
6. Check and/or replace your fuel line depending on condition.
7. Check your tyre balances by riding after the above has been done as you may find the tyres are now flat spotted and may need balancing or replacing.

DO NOT ride the bike if the tyres are splitting or lumpy anywhere.

[dawnrazor]

first i would drive down to the warf, with said bike on trailer... and push it over

thats not particularly helpful

[sugilite:Me]

There will be people with more comprehensive info than this..
Prob lube suspension linkages if any, try to turn the motor over by hand before starting it once said new fluids are in place, get a new battery too!
Are the tyres ok?

[dawnrazor]

check ot all the cables and brake pads and brake shoes and bearings and fork seals and fuck it, give it to a proper bike shop and have them do a full service, at least that way you won't kill yourself the first time you pull the brakes and seaze the the brake, or pop a wheelie and the front whell comes off !!!

[Ixion]

Sitting where ? Inside, outside ? Turned over regularly ?

Minimum drain fuel, flush, new fuel, new plg. Drain oils , this is one of the rare occasions I'd use a flushing oil. But if it's been outside you really need to strip it down. Obviously, any rusted corroded stiff seized bits need attention. It's hard to say because conditions may varyso. Four years out in the rain is a different matter to a nice dry basement garage.

[T.I.E]

replace filters oil and fuel, but not plugs as yet, plugs are a good tell tale sign of history and problems, also fuel and oil.

once oil has been changed, remove plugs and turn motor over, making sure engine flows freely. with plugs removed the will be no resistance from compression.
if bike has been sitting for a long time new fuel is a must, and also check the inside of the tank, a tank flush wouldn't go astray aswell, and thnk about a fuel filter.
then after that all other fluids in the bike should be checked. brake, coolant(optional), shocks etc.
some things to think about.

[pastybee]

first i would drive down to the warf, with said bike on trailer... and push it over

Thought off doing that but didnt want to pollute the water.

Got for next to nothing so happy for it to be a project rather than try on an expensive beast

Thanks for everyones help
p

[pastybee]

Cheers for that

Was going to do the basics then to a shop for the once over.
Will see how it goes

P