Low compression motor. Ran low on oil. What to do?

[Pony Ruiz]

Pondering this.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/5760488267.html
I don't really need the bike per se. I'd like it for parts - body - esp. if the paint is good/great. To me it is a non-running parts bike. I'd go $200 - $250 depending on the paint.

For anyone looking at this as a project...I think it would be easier to spend another 850 and buy one that ran.

Would any of you buy this, take apart the motor/heads and do rings and valves?

If I had a spare motor I might swap that but I don't have the skills to do rings and valves. But if I did would I?

I had/have one that had low compression. I got it running (carbs) and haven't had any issues other than elec. and carb. I think the compression came up but I haven't checkd so I really can't say.

 

[backlander]

Clean enough to consider finding a donor engine for if it could be bought cheap enough. Nice bike. Never seen one of those front wheel chocks, pretty neat.

 

[mcgovern61]

Looks like a decent bike actually. Do you know the bike? How do you know it ran low on oil? :headscratch:

That low compression could just be bent valves from a bad belt replacement or stuck rings from sitting. I would offer $600 for it easy.

 

[brianinpa]

I'd buy it and find another donor motor.

 

[Steve83]

Beautiful bike! Rings and gaskets are available. The rings for a Chevy Geo 1.6L will work, I used a set on my '83. Valve work is not difficult, and used heads are everywhere if needed. Or, a used engine as stated above. If 52K miles are original - and the bike looks really clean, so they might be, it may have sat for a while and rings are sticking. ATF to the rescue!

Does it run? If so, does it smoke? Worth looking into, for sure.

 

[Pony Ruiz]

How do you know it ran low on oil? :headscratch:

I emailed and got a bit more info.

Hmm... didn't notice the chock.

I'm not really into making low ball offers (I know the feeling) but it'd be worth a lot less to me. I don't want to find a donor motor (been there did that) - I have unfinished projects if ya know what I mean. :fiddle: I've seen this one more than once.

I want the body parts so I don't have to paint mine. I suppose I can offset some of the cost but been there done that too.

I think the consensus is the serious buyer (maybe not me) would find a donor motor. I hear ya'll.
I'm going to call the guy just the same see what's what.
thanks