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Hi everyone, I 'm told there is a special factory procedure for starting Commander engines which have not been used in a while.
The bike I am interested in has potentially not been started or turned over for 10 years and may be longer.
Does anyone have whatever it is that has to be done that they would share please? It was suggested that I need some RX40??
Is there a way to turn an engine over by hand to see what, if anything is seized? Thanks for reading
Norman
Turning the engine of a Commander
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Wow Norman, a challenge.
I speak as a Commander owner for 20 years. But it has run every summer.
To turn the engine put the bike on centre stand. Oil in oil tank and it must be a low sulphur oil not multigrade and no additives and I only use Shell Rotella 40. The grade you refer to. I believe you can order from Shell Direct in 20/25 litre drums and they will drop it at your door. Engage 5th gear. Using the spokes of the alloy wheel, try turning the engine. Recently used it is easy. If it's stiff and seems to jam, turn backwards, then forward again. In a forward direction oil will be pumped into the engine by the metered pump.
If you can feel a reasonable, and consistent, compression on all 6 chambers things are looking up.
A few drops of Rotella oil in the plug holes may help things along. You need compression.
The big problem can be rotor end seals, and particularly the lightly sprung side seals, being stuck in their grooves. The end seals can be persuaded to start moving by centrifugal forces. The side seals only move if the backing spring can overcome sticking.
If you get the engine fired up, run until truly warm (fan cuts in). It is fatal to fire these engines up for a few minutes to check they work then leave them. The acids left in a cool engine will corrode and gum the seals in their grooves. Go for a good run and get things moving. Explore the 6k rev range.
I accidently found that filling the engine with petrol (vac tap left on till I noticed petrol on the garage floor), and leaving it, worked wonders on freeing the seals and giving {as new) compression. Probably not recommended for a variety of reasons.
Good luck. I do recommend the ROC and their knowledgeable forum.
Graham Wilshaw at Startrite Motors is listed on the back of Roadholder. A sound man who knows all the proper procedures.
Peter