Hello All, looking for suggestions for maintenance items to consider on my 1993 Interstate GL1500. It was stored in a barn for many years before it came to me. Low miles, runs well.
I opened everything up to replace air filter (including sub air filter for emission controls), and spark plugs. Along the way I found two huge mouse hotels (one beneath and behind the right faring pocket, the other in the air cleaner) that are now but a memory.
I plan to apply a stainless steel hardware cloth screen over the air intake to keep mice out in the future. Was hoping for suggestions regarding other general maintenance or preventative tasks to consider before buttoning things back up.
Absolutely. Maybe even more so, because the last thing you want is to damage a good motor for the sake of a timing belt that comes apart while riding down the road at speed. Being that the 1500 is an interference motor, a timing belt failure could be catastrophic, bending valves, damaging pistons and worse, rendering your pristine machine unusable or not worth fixing. I’m not trying to frighten you but it’s not worth the risk.
Again, thanks for enlightening me. Seems like the belts must deteriorate with age as much as they do with mileage. Time to read up on the process for changing them.
Same goes for almost any rubber parts. Inspect or replace everything made of rubber. It all depends on where it was stored and how. But for sure have a look at the vacuum lines, tires (check date codes), brake hoses, etc. Once you have the safety items covered, you can move on to the less critical stuff.
Pull the fuel pump, drain as much of the old gas as possible and inspect tank for rust. I would be sure to add some Sea Foam to the first fresh tank of gas, and maybe the next couple after that the carbs will probably need some help working again. I can't remember if it was mentioned but change all fluids, coolant, brake fluid and final drive. And if you feel real ambitious remove the rear wheel and check lube on splines.
If it were me I would just replace all the relays (I think there is 8?) I did it on my 97 a couple of years ago. You can get them on this site for a great price.
The avatar is of me and the Mrs. on the dragon a few years back.
While the plastic is off.....
Think about adding any electrical accessories etc. you may want. So much easier to run wires and such with it all off. I ran an SAE plug to the trunk, passenger pocket and left front pocket. That way I could add phone chargers, hookups for other accessories, battery tender etc easily.
If you are in that far, dry the desiccant in the compressor and check all of that. If you are pulling that saddlebag check the rear brakes for wear, and as was said maybe pull the tire, lube the splines, driveshaft etc, check the rubber dampers in the rear wheel also.
I JUST went through all of that and more - BUT SO SO SO worth it for an amazing ride!!
