New to the board, '83 GPz1100

[Wrencher]

Hey guys, another newbie here. Sorry to say! I'll probably be asking a lot of stupid questions, so bear with me.

I just picked up an '83 GPz1100 with EFI. The odometer shows 2860 miles, thats right, less than 3k. This thing still has the original tires on it. The tag on the plate says it was last registered in '96. Soo.... anyway, I bought it from a kid who's stepdad bought it at an estate sale as it is right now, so he really knows nothing.

I brought it home (it looks like it might have spent some time outdoors) and started assessing the bike. The exhaust was off, the throttle bodies were set back, the valve cover had been just laying on the head. The bike came with a box 'o parts, which included a new head gasket... hmm... someone was taking the head off. Did a compression check-
90,90,120,60. Not good. I took the head off tonight and found that I can see light through a couple valves and one port has some significant rust. Obviously some of the valves are stuck. The crosshatch can still be seen in the cylinders, so I filled them with oil to see how bad the rings are and if they're stuck.

So I'll be asking questions about this bike. I know its old, but its still pretty cool. I'll try to post in appropriate sections.

Thanks guys!

Chuck

[antiq]

Sounds like a cool project bike. I hope fixing the valves will be all that's needed to get full compression. With only 2800 miles the rings should be fine. Keep us up on how it's going. I'm still fixing on my 82 750 ltd.

[orangeRcode]

Welcome to the boards. I am working on a 75 Z bike which had set for 10+ years.

[ratvespa]

cool, another early gpz'er

you could probaly get a gasket git for under 100, then rent a valve spring compressor and lap the valves with some valve lapping compound, clean it all up and slap it back together.

[wiredgeorge]

I wouldn't take the compression readings too seriously if you didn't hold the throttle open while doing the check. The readings will be badly off. I don't even check compression on an older bike until I let the rings free up. I generally use Yamaha Ring Free and pour it down the plug holes; let it sit overnight, then check. Compression will be pretty good since the oil itself will seal the pistons in the bores... so don't get too excited about your compression self-healing at this point. I would also pay attention to the cam chain timing if the valve cover was off... can't tell why and if someone had adjusted the valves and gotten cam timing wrong, I would ensure it was right before attempting to start the bike or even do the compression test as valves bend easily.

[StarGate]

With that low mileage you would think the only damage is what has been caused by rust and lack of use. Should be able to get it going fairly easy if that rust didn't get to the cylinders and rings. Best of luck with it and welcome to the forum. OH!!!! Almost forgot to say, Pics Pics we like Pics.

[Wrencher]

Pics? Can I post pics here? Remember, I'm new and havent really posted much, in fact, this is my first thread.

I understand what you're saying George.. I was going to let some seafoam sit in the cylinders for a while as well, considering I'm planning on changing oil twice once I get her going. I poured some 5-30 motor oil into the cylinders last night and the two outside holes are the only ones that leaked. Only about a cm down over 24 hrs. Not too Godawful terrible IMHO.

I was looking for a valve spring compressor at work today and the only ones we have are the old school ones, ones that wont do anything but raised springs.

I'm taking the head to a local bike shop thats done work for me before on my Magna and have him quickie clean it up, just like Ratvespa said.

Oh well, take care all!

Chuck

[StarGate]

Yes you can post pics in your thread. There are 3 methods.

1. Open an account on photobucket.com or other hosting site and copy/paste the img link using the "insert image" icon that is located at the top of the screen when you are typing a response. (looks like a little landscape picture)

2. Click the little paperclip icon at the top then upload your picture to the site.
You have limited space for uploads so you would be better off to use method 1 for posting pictures.

3. Click the "Insert link" icon and insert the link address to the pics.

I always delete the default "http://" that comes up in the url slot before I paste my address or else I get double http://http://xxxxxx.xxxxx and it doesn't work.

P.S. I made my valve spring compressor with an old C clamp and deepwell socket. Works great and it was old stuff I had laying around.

[Gpz1100]

Thank God you're here now.



I wuz begining to feel like a redhead step-child.



PM me if ya need parts.

[gpzrider]

Welcome aboard. Sounds like a great little project. Can't wait to see some pics.

[Wrencher]

Nothing to see really.. its pretty stripped down now, obviously the head is off.. I'll take some pics this weekend and put em up on my putfile folder..

[Gpz1100]

Hey Chuck where you from?

[Wrencher]

Illinois, land of Corrupt Democrats and some really cool Ghettos!!

Seriously, about 35 miles west of Chicago, you're from Texas, no?

[Bad Kaw]

[QUOTE=Wrencher;811554]Illinois, land of Corrupt Democrats and some really cool Ghettos!!...QUOTE]




Haaaaaaaaa! Hilarious...but true.

[tomz83]

Illinois, land of Corrupt Democrats and some really cool Ghettos!!

Seriously, about 35 miles west of Chicago, you're from Texas, no?

No kidding? I'm just an hour straight south of Rockford. Down here in LaSalle.
Hey, I have a mint set of 83 GPZ1100 exhaust pipes and the factory fuel injection set up minus the fuel pump for sale. It is also mint.

[KyBoy]

Welcome aboard!
Good luck with the project bike. Keep us posted with your progress.