New to me 1982 R65, barn find. The engine would not turn over when I rotated the rear wheel. I found that the right piston was stuck, but got it loose with a little PB Blaster and rubber mallet blows. Took the cylinder off to make sure there was no damage, and with 60,000 miles on the odometer, i could still see the cross hatching from honing. After verifying that the valve tappets are good, con rods are not loose, and the rings are correctly placed, I plan to reassemble with new gaskets, etc. Normally when I install the heads (being rebuilt by a shop) I would loosen the adjusting nuts. But then, how would I know which cylinder was the one to adjust valves on at OT? Couldn't I just reinstall the rocker arms exactly as they were, and proceed to adjust the valves as if I had never opened up the cylinders?
Thank you
Couldn't I just reinstall the rocker arms exactly as they were, and proceed to adjust the valves as if I had never opened up the cylinders?
* Yes, that is a good way to proceed.
* Expect a lot of smoke/ oil burning for the first 50 miles. Install fresh 20w50 engine oil. When the battery, carbs and all the other bits have been serviced, plan a nice 200+ mile ride out through the open country, moving at speeds that allow the engine to maintain 3000-5000 RPM ranges, without stop and go.Â
* When you get back, you'll want to re-check the valve clearances, carb balance, and oil levels. But the compression should have returned, with fully seated rings. Compression and starting may continue to improve for 500 more miles.Â
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Provided you positioned the crank at OT when you took it apart, and you know which side was at the top of the compression stroke (both valves closed), and the crank has not been moved, then yes - it would go back together just like it was never apart.Â
Torque the heads, set the valve clearances on the first side, then rotate the crank 360 and set the other side.Â
Personally, I like to start the engine and run it up to 3-4,000rpm for just a couple minutes to get it good and hot, then shut it down. Let it cool completely, then re-torque the heads and re-set the valves - then go ride! Â Retorque and reset again at 600 miles.Â
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