First Start in 28 Years! Barn Find Kawasaki GPZ900R Ninja

Yes, you read that right, today I attempt to get the engine running on my GPZ900R that literally sat in a barn for nearly 30 years rusting away!
This wasn't my initial plan, I wasn't expecting spark but when I realised I had it, and I'd already done the carburettors, I didn't think there would be much more to do... how wrong I was! The journey is far from over but we now know whether the engine is good or bad, or whether it need a little bit of TLC.
So I remove the spark plugs, check for spark, drain the oil, replace the oil filter, put new oil in, check for compression, put new sparks in, refit the carburettors and balance a make-shift petrol tank onto the handle bars. Can I get it started? Watch to find out! What could possibly go wrong?
I hope you enjoy watching this video as much as I enjoyed making it.

[@5gadget5]

Good old "start ya bastard spray" always works😆😆

[@AshRowland]

Haha, I literally has a can of that once

[@markdavies5508]

Ash's reaction when she fired up is exactly how I would respond if I won the Euromillions jackpot. Left a smile on my face - well done!

[@AshRowland]

🤣 Euromillions, First Start, same thing really 🤣

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

I watching this back to back with a guy rebuilding a flooded Bugatti Veyron, I got just as much pleasure watching the Gpz fire up as I did the Veyron. Plenty of work still to do which is great content for us. Well done great series

[@AshRowland]

Thanks buddy, yep, definitely plenty of work left to do 🤣

[@millarfamily2474]

14k views! Outstanding, M8 - lovin' it!

[@AshRowland]

I know right! I'm as shocked as you are, I wanted 10k views but had no idea it would surpass by so much!

[@phillittle5890]

What a great video👌 I’ll have to watch the rest of yours now. My personal favourite part was the clenched fist to ward off the bumble bee😂😂

[@AshRowland]

🤣 I've been waiting 2 weeks for someone to mention that 🤣

[@true-moto-resto]

Congrats on the first start Ash ! Best not to crank it over with the rags in the intake manifolds btw. If you decide to try and save those rubber intake boots (if they're not split), you can soak them in Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol and "Oil of Wintergreen" (3 to 1)., A couple of days soak and they will be soft and like new and will stay that way. New OEM boots are best, but often rejuvenating the old ones works as well or better than some of the cheaper after-market stuff. I'd also think about letting it run a bit longer if its not making any bad noises. Sometimes the rings will stick if the bike has sat for a long time (28 yrs is a long time), and a few good heat cycles will often free them up and the smoke will be gone. Then you can re do your compression test. Also make sure that you open the throttle wide open (no rags in there) when doing the compression test. Keep up the great work, love the vids!

[@AshRowland]

Haha, I definitely should have taken the rags out, I forgot about them to be honest... sometimes I'm extremely particular, and other's i'm so blazeh! I'll try that with the rubbers, they're expensive and things are adding up quickly 🤣

[@andymoorhouse8820]

A good tip to soften rubbers is a jar of wintergreen oil with rubbing alcohol, soak for a while and it works

[@AshRowland]

Cool, will try, thanks 😊

[@ianreid5789]

Well done Ash there’s nothing quite like that feeling when it fires up lol😂

[@AshRowland]

You're absolutely right!

[@PlattLaneEnd]

Genuinely made me smile watching that. Fair play to you both!

[@AshRowland]

Thanks buddy, glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@pitbullaircooled6075]

i have a 1986 kawasaki ninja zx1000r and it is in excellent shape. had it for over 25 years still runs great and ride it all the time. great video 👍

[@AshRowland]

Thanks, hopefully mine will be in excellent condition one day 🤣

[@munter10]

@@AshRowland… don’t hold your breath Ash… 😂

[@AshRowland]

@@munter10 🤣

[@BikerBenFromMars]

Absolutely loved this! Going to go back and watch the series from the start. Liked and subscribed 👍

[@AshRowland]

Amazing, thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@davidyoung9561]

I have a 1984 GPZ900R. Owned it for 10 years now. It is work in progress.

[@AshRowland]

I think mine's going to be a work in progress for a long time 🤣

[@howardpierce8460]

Dont forget the steel washer that is stuck to the under side of the filter

[@AshRowland]

I realised this in a later video 😊

[@andreitatin]

Been watching from episode one, and I have to say, as I watch, I am still wondering how on earth will this old thing start :))) I have a Mille from 2001 and thought I was having a hard time "restoring" it. But you, Sir, are on a whole different level of perseverance 😊

[@AshRowland]

Thank you! Never give up, I'm going to get some t-shirts printed I think haha, maybe time to start selling merch 🤣

[@paulmessenger1006]

Sonehen you fitted the filter on the shaft you should have fitted a washer between the filter and the spring. You can see it still on the old filter.

[@AshRowland]

@@paulmessenger1006 thanks, yea, I realise that now, I'll sort it out before I start it again

[@ianrussell2816]

Nice one getting the bike started . Here is a tip for you when starting the bike pull the clutch lever in , as it takes the load off the engine and prolongs battery life 👍

[@AshRowland]

I would, but the clutch is completely toast and has no pressure, let alone fluid in the lines 🤣

[@johnos23]

To determine where you are losing compression, pump a little oil in to the cylinders with a pump type oil can. This will seal the rings temporarily. If the compression dramatically increases you know it’s the rings. If it makes no difference you’ll know it’s the valves.👍 you should have I think about 150 psi on each but more importantly should be within 10% of each other.👍 good luck.

[@AshRowland]

Great idea, thanks for that, I'd rather it be the valves lol

[@tommybjork2674]

If you need to take the head off, then hone the cylinders and install new rings at the same time the added cost will pay for itself later...

[@Scoob62]

Hi Ash Just a suggestion: whenever you do a compression test always open the throttle all the way or in your case take the rags that you had in the intake ports out. 😉

[@AshRowland]

Haha, yea I should have removed the rags, but opening the throttle wouldn't have made a difference as the carbs weren't attached 🤣

[@iangibbons936]

Well done Ash, I'm hooked on your videos and wait in anticipation for the next chapter, keep up the good work 👍

[@AshRowland]

Thank you! I love making them so you're in luck 🤣

[@Busaboy1300]

I don't think I've ever wanted a bike to start as much as this one...think I'm bad with my nerves now and it's not even mine...well don't mate...9 red though..lol..love it.

[@AshRowland]

You and me both! I really didn't think it was going to go, and then just one little squirt of easy start in each cylinder and bang!

[@jasonoconnor9412]

Great channel,I’ve watched from the start of the gpz 900 , great bike even now after all those years ,delighted it started for you and the best of luck with your journey with it.

[@AshRowland]

Thank you so much for watching, don't worry, they'll be a new video soon 😊

[@chrisjeffries8167]

Hey Ash just watched the video well done mate excellent job now she is starting that’s the hard part done say hello to Mrs Ash must be your lucky Cham mate

[@AshRowland]

Haha cheers Chris!

[@chrisjeffries8167]

@@AshRowland well done mate loved the look on your face when she started all the best feller

[@n22pdf]

Brilliant dude 😊 well done buddy.. subscribed.. Easy start for the win.. Pete 👍👍😃

[@AshRowland]

Thanks Pete, appreciate it mate!

[@martyndunn1905]

Brilliant, another classic lives on. Well done 👍

[@AshRowland]

Thanks mate

[@sm17adh]

Brilliant stuff well done !

[@AshRowland]

Thanks!

[@robertmaitland09]

Amazing, well done Ash!

[@AshRowland]

Thanks buddy!

[@Blurredman]

Did you forget to transfer the metal washer from the old oil filter to the new? They get stuck but is for the spring to ride on.

[@AshRowland]

Yes, I completely forgot, but don't worry, I'll sort it before I fire it up again

[@grahamjohnson7934]

well done ash, i'm really glad it fired up, can't wait for the next installment 👍

[@AshRowland]

I can't believe it did to be honest 🤣

[@LeaBrattle-parker-pp5sf]

Great job ash and camera lady. So happy it starts ,been here from episode 1

[@AshRowland]

Haha, yea she's great! Thanks for watching, glad you're still here 😃

[@PaulPX]

Well done ,delighted for ya 👏

[@AshRowland]

Thanks bud!

[@paultownsend6085]

Quality mate... Nice one, proper glad it started

[@AshRowland]

Thanks mate! I'm super happy too!

[@simonm6856]

Hi Ash, well done on getting her started! I have a GPZ750R (900R's baby brother) that I have owned for 28 years and I decide to get it up and running in April last year after laying it up for the last 15 years. So I had a new battery, plugs, fresh petrol and I had to put fresh coolant in as it had completely dried up! Leapt into life and ran smoothly on the button! I celebrated nearly as much as you did! It's a great feeling.. It took me another 6 months to get it back on the road though as everything else had gone to pot! tyres, brakes, clutch, exhaust, forks, electrics.. All ready for summer this year. Looking forward to the rest of the series..

[@AshRowland]

Well done mate! I doubt mine's going to be ready for summer but I can try... everything needs doing 🤣

[@garryburns6659]

👏👏👏well done mate cheers can't wait for the next update 👍🙂🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍

[@AshRowland]

Me neither 😃

[@Pati3ntSoul]

When hard work pays off 💪

[@AshRowland]

Too right!

[@zeeshansaleemjanjua1559]

I'm currently working on restoring a Kawasaki GT550 that I bought in no better condition than your GPZ. Have been putting off working on it, but watching this series i think I'm gonna get straight to it now.

[@AshRowland]

100% buddy, get to it 😃

[@cabbage64]

Ah, thats super. A proper milestone! Great job 👏

[@AshRowland]

Thanks buddy... Finished that Tiguan yet? Start making videos mate!

[@cabbage64]

Yeah, alnost 😂

[@andrewashman3333]

Fantastic stuff !

[@AshRowland]

Thanks mate

[@richardbattison5750]

Great job. Easystart, does what it says on the tin. Keep going pal, can't wait for the first ride out vid. 😀

[@AshRowland]

Haha, we're a long way away from that 🤣

[@jeremyfisher9915]

Fabulous!!!! Your patience, calmness and enthusiasm are exemplary! ps your partner needs to read the news - lovely speaking voice!

[@AshRowland]

Thank you! Haha, she was actually a weather girl once upon a time

[@blippety]

Was absolutely buzzing watching that at the end there after everything, well done big man 😎

[@AshRowland]

Thanks mate! I was buzzing too!

[@jonsharman6853]

Six and a bit red compressions hahaha love it, well done Ashley mate you deserved that start although I am surprised hooking it up to a Jag that’s running didn’t send most of the electrical system in to orbit lol

[@AshRowland]

Funny you should say that, it was kind enough to give me a gearbox fault warning 🤣 it cleared off after a couple of restarts though

[@AshRowland]

Oh wait, did you mean the Jag or the bike? 🤣

[@RudeboyMoto]

​​@@AshRowlandI think he means the bike, a cars charging system puts out more amps than a bike needs so can fry your bikes electrics, never a good idea to have the car running if jump starting a bike from it, other than that congrats on getting it fired up.

[@AshRowland]

@@RudeboyMoto cool, I'll remember that for next time, thanks

[@jn1k203]

It has life in it, that is progress, keep the vids coming Ash. Good luck.

[@AshRowland]

It's definitely not dead 😊

[@alanstockley391]

Well done👍😊

[@AshRowland]

Thanks mate

[@peterheinhuis3020]

I have a lot of respect for you to do that work in the open. Nice videos though 👍🏻

[@AshRowland]

Thanks buddy... it'll be nice when it gets a bit warmer

[@peterheinhuis3020]

@@AshRowland good luck and i will follow your progress!

[@Dave-ys1ui]

First time watcher made smile always through just subscribed luv it keep up good work 👏

[@AshRowland]

Thanks buddy! Glad you enjoyed it

[@javieralbertonuniez]

It smokes also due the wd40 that you spryed into the cams, Protip: in order to avoid get contact with fuel during the pumping out, set the hose properly and then blow inside the main container, like a balloon, the pressure's difference it will does the job, you won't be tasting fuel for the rest of the day, Congrats, your doing a great job, let's keep working on that amazing machine!

[@AshRowland]

Good point, I hadn't thought of that, and I did spray quite a bit in there 🤣

[@Scoob62]

Good Job my friend !!! 👍👍

[@AshRowland]

Thanks bud!

[@chollythecrazycorgihesinsa6505]

I had my fingers crossed when you were cranking it!!🤞🤞

[@AshRowland]

I would have been very cruel to title a video "first start" without it actually starting 🤣

[@curvyessentials]

I was on the edge of my seat. Great job! 😅

[@AshRowland]

Thanks!

[@iamthefatstig]

Epic. Just remember that old Kawasaki's will rev their nuts off on choke. 4-6000rpm is not uncommon. Try reducing to about 5mm of choke once started. My ZX10 did it, My ZZR does it, and my old ZXR used to rev to 4000 on choke and would die if you even looked at the throttle. Only Kawasaki's seem to do it! I would advise renewing the coolant O rings on the cross tube at the front of the engine. They always fail, and it's usually when you're in the middle of nowhere. I look forward to seeing the progress on this.

[@AshRowland]

Thanks for the tips mate... I haven't overhauled the cooling system yet, the hoses are very crispy though 🤣

[@KnightRider1157]

Happy Families played for real... congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@AshRowland]

Thanks 👍

[@leon0]

11:14 there should be a large plain washer between the big filter cover spring and the oil filter rubber collar. It stops the spring from digging into the seal.

[@AshRowland]

I now realise this thanks to another comment haha, I forgot to put it back on! I'll sort it before I start the bike again, thanks!

[@heavenhellorhoboken7831]

Good job 👍 😊

[@AshRowland]

Thank you 😃

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good night ash Rowland are you feeling better today I love watching your videos of you and your bike build I hope that your wife is well I miss her not being on your you tube channel please keep it up with your videos of you and your bike builds

[@AshRowland]

Thank you! Don't worry, there's plenty more to come!

[@TheBucksBiker-lh2nm]

Damn that doughnut looked good 😋

[@AshRowland]

Oh my gosh, it was mate... so were the other 3 in the packet 🤣

[@phillipparkinson7145]

OMG, Really is it that time already. time to start it..... WOW!!!!

[@AshRowland]

Well, not really, but sometimes I can be a little impatient 🤣

[@essexhognose1808]

Well done

[@AshRowland]

Thank you 😃

[@Jabbekot]

U guys made my day!!! Thx!!!!

[@AshRowland]

No problem 😁

[@Jabbekot]

Love your vids! @@AshRowland

[@jonathanholmberg6090]

I was waiting for the starting fluid to make an appearance hahaha😂

[@AshRowland]

Yea, I completely forgot it existed until that moment in the video 🤣

[@jameshoward-bm5dh]

Try easy start sprayed into carbs, have a triumph spitfire not been on road since 1998, started with easy start once then normal petrol after that

[@AshRowland]

👍 That's what I found too!

[@simonbaines6749]

Great viewing well done!

[@AshRowland]

Thanks buddy!

[@keesvink3168]

Hang on ..greetings from the Netherlands..

[@AshRowland]

👋 Greetings!

[@gregbreeze-hatchett6115]

Liking the video content, well done on persevering & great interaction with your other half, yeah just sort the idling out and try the gearbox before the full strip down 👍

[@AshRowland]

Will do, it'll take some tinkering, but I like tinkering so thats ok 🤣

[@firestorm755]

Def only started on two or three cylinders. The compression might come up with a few heat cycles through the engine. New coils and leads next

[@AshRowland]

Hopefully it will 😊

[@Mergy03]

Hi Ash, great video. I just wanted to make comment on the blue smoke coming out the exhaust at the end of the video. This may not be that much of an issue to worry about, as far as I’m concerned it’s fairly normal to happen after an engine has been sitting after a while and it may clear out after a ride or two. Same thing happened on my 1990 ZZR1100 that sat for 15 years after I restored it. The blue smoke cleared after the first ride. Hope this helps!

[@AshRowland]

Thanks! You're not the first person to suggest this, lets hope you're right!

[@projectclark123]

Yesssssssssssssss I'm really happy for you 😊

[@AshRowland]

👍 😃 👋

[@chrismurphy4724]

ha... should have watched it to the end before commenting ....... excellent result ......

[@AshRowland]

Haha 🤣

[@garywinterbottom6073]

These came out in 83 first super bike to top 150mph.i had an old mechanics bike mag from the tests. 😊

[@AshRowland]

Cool!

[@huibertschep3774]

When you were testing for compression you should always have the bike take as much air in as posible to get good accurate results on the compression meter. I may have it wrong but you had rags in de intake's that restrict air to go in and you get faulty readings on your compression meter.. 😬 by the way, good job on the build so far! 🤠

[@AshRowland]

You're absolutely right, I completely forgot to take them out, could have been a disaster 🤣 Thanks!

[@kevinhaigh3962]

,😂absolutely fantastic ash getting going 🎉really enjoying your posts excellent fella

[@AshRowland]

Thanks Kevin, the starter motor arrived but I haven't opened it yet, thank you so much, I thought I was going to burn the old one out trying to start the bike, a spare is always good! Shout out to you next video 👍

[@kevinhaigh3962]

Honestly ash pleased it has arrived fella you are very welcome to it, I've had it a while and I would never have used it but honestly when you open it it looks nearly new just hope it goes well, and I loved when you got the bike started your face was excellent you can tell how happy you were brilliant 😂🎉

[@AshRowland]

​@@kevinhaigh3962 Haha, I looked special 🤣

[@kevinhaigh3962]

@@AshRowland lol

[@slewisedwards]

Kate is ... NOT ... wrong 😂

[@AshRowland]

🤣

[@peteramberley9952]

Nice vid.ps when you do a compression check normally you would hold the throttles wide open.i take it you took the tissues out of the rubber inlets 1st? .remember it has to get air in to push it out .

[@AshRowland]

Thanks, the carbs weren't attached at all when I was checking the compression... I did initially forget to remove the tissue though, no harm done 🤣

[@andymoorhouse8820]

Well I don't believe it well done, you did well

[@AshRowland]

I can't believe it myself to be honest

[@JohnWhite-tg9wf]

use a hot air blower on them hard boot rubbers

[@AshRowland]

Just not too close, right? 🤣

[@maltejuergensen2118]

Woot woot - you got there :) ….. I was saying, spray some carb cleaner into the carbs to kickstart it ….. on to the next step :)

[@AshRowland]

Yay! Question is, and we will never know the answer, would it have started straight away if I'd of done that in the first place? Maybe, but when it actually started it was a lot more rewarding because I'd been trying for a while

[@maltejuergensen2118]

Doesn’t matter - you got there 👍….. great bike - lots of work yet - it’s got a few videos left in it :) …..

[@AshRowland]

@@maltejuergensen2118 haha, just a few

[@MotoGoato]

OHHHHHH .... it startses!!! 😁

[@AshRowland]

Kinda 🤣

[@georgeday5901]

Easy start might work bare in mind no air filters makes mixture weak

[@AshRowland]

Yea, I knew the carbs were coming off again and I really didn't want to wrestle with that air box again 🤣

[@charliecharlie9042]

Got me sayin F yeah by the end, great job. Yes you might need to strip the engine, bad luck, but hey good for content.

[@AshRowland]

Exactly!

[@rickgordongordonellissteel3761]

Awesome 😀✌👍

[@AshRowland]

Thanks ✌️

[@ZRXRICK]

Washer between the oil filter & the spring is missing... usually thrown out attached to old filter.

[@AshRowland]

Thanks, yea I forgot it, don't worry though, I didn't throw it away

[@davemonday5381]

Hey Ash if you turn the engine over with plugs in the cylinder you can see how well the spark but more importantly the oil pump. circulate some oil cams / cylinders and crank shims.

[@AshRowland]

👍 Coolio

[@davemonday5381]

@@AshRowland impressed at your carb rebuild they look great. Well done Ash if you put a tiny bit of two stroke in your fuel it will protect your pistons and bores on your first start ups. I’m only talking a toothpaste cap full in your remote tank.

[@AshRowland]

@@davemonday5381 Ah cool, thanks mate

[@lachlanmaclean3852]

Brill!!

[@AshRowland]

👍

[@ShaunHardie-xz2ft]

Its got to be there to help support the oil filter, so I would be draining the oil and getting it refitted, and sharpish too.

[@AshRowland]

Don't worry, I'll fit it before running it again 👍

[@sm17adh]

Ash just a thought that if you get it running for a while and properly up, that low compression cylinder may just be stuck rings that unstick with a bit of running and give you more compression. There again it might just blow up! Have you thought about an endoscope camera down the plug holes to have a look at the bores ?

[@AshRowland]

🤣 I have an endoscope, you might have seen it on the tank video... I didn't have it with me but I'll get it down there at some point... Hopefully it will free up

[@sm17adh]

Good work. Did you actually get it running on fuel alone without the magic ? Have you seen The Bearded Mechanic on KZbin? He’s always pulling bikes out of hedges and sheds and firing them up and bringing them back from the dead.

[@AshRowland]

@@sm17adh Oh yes, I love that guy... Yes, it runs just fine without the spray, it was just the initial start, it just needed persuading after so many years haha

[@russellclay9506]

I have bad news for you, You probably had a hydrolock in cylinder no 3 and bent the con rod. when you get it running the compression will never get better and you'll have a little mis-fire. When you take the head off no 3 will be down from TDC 10 mm. You can change no 3 rod and piston from the bottom without splitting the crank. Ask me how I know...... 😪

[@AshRowland]

I'm hoping not, I meant to check the heights but forgot, I'll do it next time I'm working on the bike 👍

[@chrismurphy4724]

You could try spraying some easy start or carb cleaner into the back of the carbs to get it to fire

[@AshRowland]

Thanks Chris, check back with me in 4 minutes 🤣

[@chequeredflagracing]

Made me chuckle. 6 and a bit red compression 😂 or the same as 94 ish psi or pounds per square inch

[@AshRowland]

Haha, I like to add a bit of humour 🤣

[@sjk8273]

Very exciting! Congratulations! Is the bike (or you) now so famous that you've had to put a chain on the front wheel - or has it always been there?

[@AshRowland]

🤣 the chain is always there, the other bikes have one too, they have disc alarms too.... it's sad but this is the world we live in

[@specialized500]

I bet your neighbours love you

[@AshRowland]

They're actually some of my best subscribers 😃

[@ryantipping]

Awesome vids Ash, always look forward to the next one coming out! Did you get lucky finding the bike? I’m looking for one in a similar shape so I too can get my hands dirty and get stuck in. But most I seem to come across have already been restored to some extent. Barn find gpz’s it seems are like rocking horse 💩

[@AshRowland]

Yes, I got very very luck, it was on eBay for about half a day. I rang the guy up and got his bank details so I could pay him there and then. A bit risky but he had very good feedback lol

[@Steeps1969]

A whiff of "Bill Cosby party gas" saves the day 😆

[@AshRowland]

🤣

[@HalfdeadRider]

How it started with such low compression idk (my Y2k ZX9r had 200 black on each cylinder 😂), nice one well happy for you 👍

[@AshRowland]

🤣 who knows lol, maybe that cylinder didn't fire, I'll get a temp reading from the headers another day

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@AshRowland I wouldn't expect them to have as high a compression as my 900, but they all should be well over 100 psi/black. Most likely over 150+, yours were all much lower if I remember correctly.

[@AshRowland]

@@HalfdeadRider 2 of them were OK, 2 of them were not 🤣

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@AshRowland not sure I believe that 😂 😂 I'll have to recheck later, but 9 red is still low isn't it 😂

[@AshRowland]

@@HalfdeadRider better than 8 red 🤣

[@lorshaft]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@shaunhardie6077]

Where the spark plugs fit into the head, the hole has a slight taper, meaning a bit thinner at the bottom, so get your grinder out and put a taper on the spark plug socket, most GPZ900R owners will have done this, I know I had to, 🤣👍. Soak any hard rubbers in "WINTERGREEN OIL" works like a charm and saves quite a bit of cash. PLEASE tell me you got the washer off the old filter and put it on the new one????????????? 🤔. Easy Start for the win.

[@AshRowland]

I'm going to be completely honest with you... it would seem that I completely forgot to put that back on! Oops! Well spotted! I wonder what sort of adverse affect that would have on the running

[@ianreid5789]

Hi Ash what’s happening with the 900 this is one close to my heart as I had a couple of 1000rxs which are very similar look forward to the next video

[@AshRowland]

I've got a day this weekend on it so video should be out early next week

[@richardwhelan8060]

Get some easy start spray to the carbs.. Also it might not want to start with no air box and filter had it before

[@AshRowland]

Yea, I knew I'd have to take the airbox off again afterwards and really didn't want to go through that struggle again 🤣

[@Kurbits]

You can measure the height of the pistons thru the spark plug holes to see if there is a bent conrod. I hope they are allright.

[@AshRowland]

I wanted to do that but I couldn't turn it by hand to get the pistons to TDC to measure them

[@Kurbits]

@@AshRowland they don't have to be at tdc, just compare piston 1 to piston 4 and piston 2 to piston 3. They rise in pair.

[@AshRowland]

@@Kurbits Oh yea, duh! 🤣

[@leon0]

Always put the engine in top gear to turn it over with the back wheel. You will have the greatest mechanical advantage over the crank that way.

[@mattjacomos2795]

Did you remove the rags from the inlet for the compression test?

[@AshRowland]

Nope, but don't tell anyone 🤣

[@chollythecrazycorgihesinsa6505]

👍👍

[@AshRowland]

😃

[@kenbennet8237]

Is the exhaust plugged up with a mouse nest or something? Almost sounded like back pressure rather than valve leak

[@AshRowland]

Probably, I haven't checked 🤣

[@greatestytcommentator]

wouldn't the piston ring fro cylinder four be somewhere under the piston now?

[@AshRowland]

Hopefully not lol