Misfire (detonation) after starting engine out of belt marks.

[Tamresnier]

Hello!

GL1500 '89
Replaced pick ups and now misfire.
Started bike on the engine right side out of mark (quarter turn UP mark) - very stupid, I don't know how it's possible!- for a moment before realized. Engine was running 10 seconds. Engine sounded weird, but not wrong.
Corrected my mistake, now engine runs smooth, no bad sound, everything sounds correct, but 3000rpm-up misfire.

Can misfire be caused from my stupid mistake?

2. I also cleaned impulse wheel from dirt and used smooth sandpaper. Can this be cause of misfire?

3. Checked sparks, on the right side sparks dirty, left side as new.

4. Noticed also blue smoke after correcting mistake and starting bike first time again. Now blue smoke is gone. Everything looks ok.

Thanx for replying!

Bad-bad English, Sorry!

[Tamresnier]

Replaced dirty sparks, still misfire.
Ok. Another question.
Is it possible, that when I have engine at marks correct, I still don't have it in correct position?
Or when engine is on the marks, then it sure is on correct position? Is it possible that I turned it on wrong way/ position and now it's not correct?

[ct1500]

First course of action would be to take a compression test of the engine.

[WingsandThings]

I would do a compression test. Compare the right side results to the left side numbers.You may have bent the valves on the right side or damaged a piston/pistons.

If the marks are lined up correctly now it should be in the right spot.

[Tamresnier]

Thank you for reply!
Will buy compression tester and will write results here.

[Tamresnier]

Took off right valve cover and chamber has oil everywhere...
Is this ok, or should I start seeking for a new motor?

[WingAdmin]

Took off right valve cover and chamber has oil everywhere...
Is this ok, or should I start seeking for a new motor?

There's supposed to be oil under the valve cover.

[Tamresnier]

Made compression test.
Bad news, no compression on the right side at all.
So it means, engine is blown.
Please check timing belt marks always twice.

So, Honda Goldwingi 89 used parts will be for sale in Europe.

Thanx fellas!

[WingsandThings]

I'm sorry to hear that.

I have never removed a cylinder head off of a goldwing but I believe you can remove it with the engine in place. If it can be removed, I would pull the head off and see what happened. If it is just bent valves it might be worth fixing.
If there are holes in the pistons then it is parts.

[Tamresnier]

Don't be sorry. Stupid is what stupid is.

Because it's my first motorcycle and I really like her, and I never have repaired any motorbike, I think I give my best to bring her back to life. I took a good care and did a lot (belts, then whole electrical job, cruise problems ec). and took this as new hobby.
If you don't mind, I would like to post here if I have any news.

I took off also the cover again, rotated engine from the crank and noticed that all valves are moving. When sparks off, whole engine is moving freely. Everything seems ok on this part of the engine.

Also noticed, that hydraulic valve lifters are stuck and moving max 1 mm and I think, just in case, going to clean them tomorrow. Also going to make a wet test for the silinders. I don't know, is it worth, but we will see. If holes on pistons, then it must be in all three. I don't know, is this usual. Will check first by camera.

[krismoto]

Definately pull the head(s) and see what went wrong. You probably bent a valve. Depending on where you live you can bring the head into a motorcycle machine shop and have it rebuilt. Putting the heads back on is not such a hard job IF you do a little homework and follow correct procedure. Need a torque wrench and a little patience.

[Tamresnier]

Well...seems that I'm a bit lucky.
Just bended valves. 3 intake, 2 outlet.
Will order new ones.
Used cilinder head is about 100Eur+ gasket.
Problem is to find it from Europe. Seems like mission impossible, so I think I'm going to replace just valves.

[landisr]

If you're sure (?) that only 5 valves are bent, that might indicate the 6th one punched a hole in the piston instead of bending. A camera would confirm. Just a thought.

Good luck with repairs; it appears you wish to keep it in the family. Can't blame you. And yes, please continue to keep us posted.

Ron on AZ USA

[krismoto]

Replace all the valves, and valve seals at the same time. Your already in there. If you plan on rebuilding the heads yourself you will need some specialty tools and do some homework on lapping valves... it's totally doable but it depends a lot on how patient and mechanical you are.

I am unfamiliar with the GL1500 heads but have rebuilt anything from tiny 2 strokes to a Hemi V8. If it were me I would take the heads into an engine machine shop for piece of mind.

[WingAdmin]

For this reason, anytime you have the belts off for any reason, you always rotate the engine by hand (with the plugs out), for at least two revolutions. At the first sign of resistance (i.e. valve hitting piston) you stop and investigate the problem before rotating any further.

[grahamlang]

why post a pic of a 4cyl engine on a 6 cyl fault?

[WingAdmin]

why post a pic of a 4cyl engine on a 6 cyl fault?

I think you're talking about the newsletter, and the answer is because I don't have a picture of a 6-cylinder with a holed piston!

[Tamresnier]

The bike is in good condition! My mistake ended up costing me about 200 euros. I bought a used but inspected upper engine part. It cost 150 euros + a new gasket 50 euros. I rearranged the camshaft and voila!

This was my first job, and I want to thank everyone who gave advice here; it was very helpful. I wouldn't have dared to undertake it otherwise. I used the Honda repair manual, sober logic, and also managed to keep calm multiple times.
A very exciting experience from which I learned a lot of new and interesting things.
Thanx!

[WingsandThings]

Well done!
That's good news. Glad to hear you are up and running again.