305 - sitting for 20 years

FatDog · Post by **FatDog** » Tue May 18, 2010 9:34 pm

I just popped this out of a '64 dream that i bought - previous owner had left it in a basement for more than 20 years. I'm doing a full restoration on it. I have a lot of experience with cars but none with motorcycles, this is my first.

I was thinking i should get it running properly, tuned and ready - before i move it back into the repainted frame...

I'm wondering what you guys think about shaping it up without breaking any of the old gaskets (hopefully) it turns over and the compression is fine. there is still some oil in the pan... not sure to what extent I should break it down and I'm also not sure how to get it running in a safe manner that will not do any damage to it.

Thanks
FD

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Wed May 19, 2010 4:18 am

Mine was similar to yours. Changed oil, cleaned oil filter, rinsed out tank, cleaned carb and petcock, changed points, plugs, condenser, battery and it fired right up............clutch just wouldn't dis-engage....plates stuck together.
Welcome to the forum and the challenge!

Goodysnap · Post by **Goodysnap** » Wed May 19, 2010 7:38 am

Dont be shy. I am also a mechanic by trade and took on one of these. Get the manuals from here and remember theres always help if you get in a bind. Mine was stuck so I tore it down. I'm glad I did cuz I found thing inside that were way wrong. Plus I xed the trans while I was in there. Welcome to the club. Gasket sets are relatively inexpensive, but hard parts can be pricey.

eyhonda · Post by **eyhonda** » Wed May 19, 2010 7:52 am

You can drain the oil and fill it with kerosene overnight or more. Shake it around and drain it. It gets a lot of the crud out of it. Maybe do it a couple of times. Let it drain really good and dry it out before filling it with oil. Go thru a proper tune-up as noted before. Check valve clearances, points and plug gaps, float levels, air screws and timing. Rinse the tank with some milkstone remover then with some solvent then gas. Check fuel flow in the petcock and carbs. Basically go thru a dry run check of everything before firing it up. When I do all of the checks above, I have very minimal issues. If I don't, I always have issues with whatever I didn't check.

Have fun and welcome to the forum!

FatDog · Post by **FatDog** » Thu May 20, 2010 1:20 am

thanks very much,

i've seen people run motors out of the bike and that is my plan here. i'll clean it out as suggested and rig up some kind of fuel canister for temporary tuning. the real tank is completely rusted on the inside and i can see a pinhole in the tank near the fuel port.

i got the manuals, all on CD. Seems like a good time to upgrade the electrical system - I've read it's a little underpowered.

is it better to assume the carb may already be tuned properly after all these years? If so I will leave it for last.

is it bad for the motor or trans to be run with the chain off?

Thanks a million
FD

Goodysnap · Post by **Goodysnap** » Thu May 20, 2010 2:04 am

Personally , I think the stock charging system is adequate w/o add-ons(when functioning properly).Give the carb a good soaking and be sure all the passages are clear. Replace all the rubber parts that break down and get stiff. Maybe a new needle and seat. Check that jetting is correct and float height. I wouldnt be ashamed to start it on the bench. Just make sure its secured in some way as its very topheavy and unstable. Looks as though you got a good start.