"Got The Engine Out. Now What?"

[Solina Dave]

I have a '78 GL1000, with somewhat over 200.000 kms. It will need a new stator installed, probably in the early spring. Since I'm not in a position to do the work myself, a very good motor cycle mechanic friend will be doing the work in his shop.
I'm the kind of person who likes to keep all his ducks in a row, so i'm interested in having some ideas to roll around in my mind, during my down-time this winter. I'd like to have some idea regarding what items it would be advisable to check/clean/replace etc., while the engine is out of the bike. Some things are impossible, or at the very least difficult, to service while the engine is still in the bike. Some things I know are accessible while the engine is still in place. Clutch plates, and the starter motor, for example. But even things that could be serviced, although with considerable difficulty while still installed, might be better serviced with the engine out of the bike. I wouldn't want to re-install the engine and then stand back and say, "damn, should have checked that!!" I'm definitely not talking about a major engine re-build.
Anything you could suggest, or advice you could pass on, would be appreciated. i just want to keep my mind, what's left of it, in the game.

Thank you..................................Dave

[landisr]

It wouldn't hurt to replace the timing belts if they're due. And the carbs?

Ron in AZ

[dingdong]

Good time to remove and check/clean the oil strainer screen. (Lower right side of engine).

[Solina Dave]

Good time to remove and check/clean the oil strainer screen. (Lower right side of engine).

Thanks Tom. I see that, and I'll do that. Good idea! ...............................Dave

[SnoBrdr]

Good time to remove and check/clean the oil strainer screen. (Lower right side of engine).

Thanks Tom. I see that, and I'll do that. Good idea! ...............................Dave

You could always paint the engine. usually needs it after 38 years.

[Solina Dave]

You could always paint the engine. usually needs it after 38 years.

That would be something to consider, but I don't think my friend would want the bike taking up space in his garage while it was happening. I'll give it some thought. It might be a good idea.
Thanks.................................................Dave

[dingdong]

Just trying to think of things that are usually overlooked and hard or impossible with the engine in place.

Remove/clean neutral switch.

[Solina Dave]

Just trying to think of things that are usually overlooked and hard or impossible with the engine in place.

Remove/clean neutral switch.

I had that on my list, but I didn't know if it could be accessed easily with the engine in, or only with the engine out.
Also, what about the starter clutch? How difficult is that to get at, and is it worth thinking about? I thought I heard somewhere about a Sea Foam treatment that would take care of a lot of oil sludge that might be hampering clutch engagement.

[dingdong]

You can access the switch but it is very hard to do. (flexing the frame is involved). Much easier with engine out. As for the starter clutch. Also difficult even with the engine out but doable. Read here: http://www.randakksblog.com/gl1000-star ... haul-tips/ Keep in mind that almost every thing you do may require new seals or gaskets. Rear cover gasket for example. With an engine that old you won't be able to reuse the old seals and gaskets.

[Bartmead]

I didn't read all of the comments but...I would replace the neutral switch with it out. I did it in the frame and it was difficult to say the least. The following summer I pulled the engine out to replace the head gaskets (no need to pull the engine for that but I also had to r and r the clutch cable and my giant meaty claws can barely fit back there). It would have saved me a pantload of time had I waited to replace the neutral switch with it out.

[kndw]

As you said, put in new clutch plates. They're not that expensive, and you won't have to think out that.
A little tip: make sure your mechanic friend tucks the cables from stator exactly where they have to be. I had to replae the stator after a year because the rotor had ground away the cables, which had just a bit too much play!