Guy trying to rebuild a 78 Goldwing

[boozing]

I just got this 78 for free that been sitting up for maybe 4 plus years. I am stripping her down but its something i never done before and would love some input on how to do it, lol

 

[flash2002]

Well if your going to restore the bike, get ready to put lots of time and money. Just make shure the motor turns over and the frame is in good shape before you start spend money.

 

[Omega Man]

Welcome to the forums. We've had guys here with bikes like that who end up with fine machines.

~O~

 

[boozing]

I think i need to flush the engine out first, do i need to do that before i check if it turns?

 

[Omega Man]

I'll let the surtified meekanix get back to ya, won't take long.

~O~

 

[backlander]

Welcome to CGW boozing, from south Arkansas. Good luck with your winter project. You will find lots of help here.

 

[cooltech]

Welcome and good luck with her

 

[dan filipi]

I think i need to flush the engine out first, do i need to do that before i check if it turns?

Change oil before turning it.
A flush would come after getting it running.

Turn it by hand from the rear timing bolt slowly and feel for any resistance.
Resistance could be a valve stuck open. Happened to me recently. Rust down the intake was keeping it open.

 

[joedrum]

no no no ...from the looks of those heads they have to come off ....its realy trashed up ....id take the timincovers off ...the valve covers off ....take the timing belts off ...take the heads off and carb rack too ...now you will be able to see what condition the clylinders are in ...you will be able to use the crank bolt on front of motor to try and turn ...but before that it sould be cleaned as good as can be right now ...before trying to move to much ...cant chance breaking a ring ....it sould break loose with small movement back and forth dont force anything big ...you get here you can figure if the motor is worth the effort or somthing else need to happen...

 

[dan filipi]

Well personally I'd try to save the expense of head gaskets but joedrum's way IS safer.
I would squirt some atf down the plug holes, let it sit a day then try turning it by hand with a light touch. Don't do what some advise by trying to break it free by rolling and popping the clutch. That's asking for trouble.

 

[slabghost]

If you can get the plugs out. Remove them and look in the bores. Chances are very good at least one is rusted and maybe very badly. If so you'll be better off to pull that head at least. Valve stems could also be rusted and if the head is removed it's a simple matter to remove them and clean the valves. So in a nutshell I have to agree with Joe. If you plan to actually ride the bike pull the heads. Gaskets are expensive but the purchase price of the bike was very nice.

 

[Bobo]

+1 on what Dan says: I use 2-cycle oil, but atf is fine. Soak those rings before moving anything.

 

[simbaboy]

Run Away from that 'free' bike while there is still hope for you, Brother.
You will spend hundreds of Dollars and countless hours on this bike. There is plenty of bikes available for a few hundred dollars that would require much fewer hours and much less overall investment.
Simba

 

[flash2002]

I'm not shure if you are ready to spend the money, I'm working on a salvage 79 and so far I spent 500 bucks for parts and I just started to work on it. If you see the bike has a lot of work, you might be smart to sell it as parts.

 

[joedrum]

it dont cost much to open and see ...actualy nothing ...if you sell it for parts so be it ...i got and 80 that sat for yrs outside it seems to be good so far

 

[slabghost]

Run Away from that 'free' bike while there is still hope for you, Brother.
You will spend hundreds of Dollars and countless hours on this bike. There is plenty of bikes available for a few hundred dollars that would require much fewer hours and much less overall investment.
Simba

While this may be correct. It is also possible it can be made a dependable runner for just a few hundred bucks. Some have bought runners and still spent a great deal on them. If the goal is to get it rideable and run it. Then it need not cost a fortune.

 

[dan filipi]

boozing never did say why he's stripping it down, maybe he IS parting it out but I've seen many GW's in that condition brought back to life.
This is a project for sure. I admire boozing for taking it on.

 

[joedrum]

i always see runner till somthing proves it aint ,,,and this bike looks runner to me ...it all button up and cant be to bad inside ...it dose require careful breakdown and see ...my 80 was just as bad looking and it seems like its going to make a fine runner...i never quit just on looks alone...gl 1000s or oldwings in general are fine bikes not made anymore ...to have one that runs is a small club of self determin people

 

[simbaboy]

boozing never did say why he's stripping it down, maybe he IS parting it out but I've seen many GW's in that condition brought back to life.
This is a project for sure. I admire boozing for taking it on.

Dan, I admire him as well. If there is one wish I have for myself is to have skills like many of you do.
But from the pictures and description it looks like this bike will require lots of time and money investment. If Boozer has the time, then he should go for it. But I think I would part a bike like that out with the goal of using the funds for acquiring a GL bike that will have some more hope.

Boozer, I will be happiest if I am proven wrong. I see so many bikes that I thought were hopeless come back to life. It can and has been done hundreds of time. Time is a bigger factor than $$, I think.

Good Luck,
Sincerely
Simba

 

[boozing]

My Brother did say it might need a new head gasket. I have the money to fix Her and i have nothing but time, In 2 weeks i will be back home from working and i will open it all up and takes some more Pics.