thomasrsierra
06-01-2010, 12:57 PM
I have a 1993 Suzuki GSX-R 750 that is having trouble turning over. It has been in storage for a number of years and ran when I stored it. It was properly stored, and when I removed it from storage I drained the tank and put fresh fuel in it before doing anything.
I hooked it up to a fresh battery and when I tried to start it the starter motor engages, but sounds as if it is straining or weak. Also the motor does not turn at all when trying to start (you just hear the starter struggle as if encountering resistance). The battery is fresh and will start other bikes, so I know it isn't a weak battery. I took the starter off the bike to test it and when hooked to a battery it spins.
I took the tank and the exhaust off and pulled the plugs to get a better look at the cylinders because I was afraid the engine had froze while in storage. I took off the little cover that covers the crankshaft bolt on the right side of the bike so I could manually turn the engine with a torque wrench. The engine turns really easy (I could spin it with my pinky finger with the plugs out) so I know the engine isn’t frozen. However, I found it odd that I could spin it clockwise (i think, trying to remember the direction), but not counter clockwise (is this normal?). Anyway, all four cylinders moved freely and I even engaged the transmission and was able to turn that as well. I took the clutch cover off and inspected various areas of the internal components with a Q-tip looking for rust and didn’t see any. I drained the oil and found no water or rust in the oil either. I am no expert by any means, but from what I could gather everything seemed to be in great working order. Everything moved, and the oil was clean.
I want to avoid taking the bike to a shop until I can identify the problem. If its something I can fix I would rather do it myself and then take the bike to get tuned up once it is actually running. I don't want to take the bike to them in its current condition and end up spending more money on repairs than the bike is worth.
If anyone has an idea of what might be wrong I would greatly appreciate any advice someone had to offer. I think I've included all of the details in this post. I have the manual and the basic tools (no specialized tools). Thank you in advance for your help.
I hooked it up to a fresh battery and when I tried to start it the starter motor engages, but sounds as if it is straining or weak. Also the motor does not turn at all when trying to start (you just hear the starter struggle as if encountering resistance). The battery is fresh and will start other bikes, so I know it isn't a weak battery. I took the starter off the bike to test it and when hooked to a battery it spins.
I took the tank and the exhaust off and pulled the plugs to get a better look at the cylinders because I was afraid the engine had froze while in storage. I took off the little cover that covers the crankshaft bolt on the right side of the bike so I could manually turn the engine with a torque wrench. The engine turns really easy (I could spin it with my pinky finger with the plugs out) so I know the engine isn’t frozen. However, I found it odd that I could spin it clockwise (i think, trying to remember the direction), but not counter clockwise (is this normal?). Anyway, all four cylinders moved freely and I even engaged the transmission and was able to turn that as well. I took the clutch cover off and inspected various areas of the internal components with a Q-tip looking for rust and didn’t see any. I drained the oil and found no water or rust in the oil either. I am no expert by any means, but from what I could gather everything seemed to be in great working order. Everything moved, and the oil was clean.
I want to avoid taking the bike to a shop until I can identify the problem. If its something I can fix I would rather do it myself and then take the bike to get tuned up once it is actually running. I don't want to take the bike to them in its current condition and end up spending more money on repairs than the bike is worth.
If anyone has an idea of what might be wrong I would greatly appreciate any advice someone had to offer. I think I've included all of the details in this post. I have the manual and the basic tools (no specialized tools). Thank you in advance for your help.