Reviving the Monza

[Monza-jockey]

I had a rough couple of years, motorcycling wasn't in the cards for me.

When I parked the Monza, I stabilized the fuel with SeaFoam. I made sure to put the AGM battery on a trickle charger at least once a month. It's been sitting under cover in my carport ever since.

What should I do be fore I try to turn it over? I've read about adding engine oil, or Marvel Mystery Oil in through the spark plug holes to lube the piston rings. Also the brake discs look rusty; how should I clean them up?

Yeah it's a shame the bike hasn't been ridden in a long while. But now I know the meaning of life gets in the way of you doing fun things.

Thanks.

[jwinwi]

First of all welcome back to riding! Sounds like you did the right things to prepare your bike for storage so reviving her shouldn't take a lot...
I would put a *little* oil in the sparkplug holes, put it in 5th gear and turn it over by hand for a few revolutions to make sure it's not stuck if nothing else. If it's convenient have the battery load tested.
Scotchbrite on the rotors should take care of the worst of the rust - the pads will do the rest. Crank it up, ride it gently until it warms up, make sure nothing is leaking and if not, ride it like you stole it!

[Two Checks]

Dump the old fuel. Change oil. Chick the airbox to ensure critters haven't set up house. Some penetrating oil in the cylinders and let sit for a couple days then spin the engine with plugs removed.
Fresh fuel and fire it up.

[SED]

I have a Monza too so looking forward to seeing yours on the road again!

Condensation and corrosion is probably the biggest problem.

I'd probably change the oil in the engine, trans and rear drive.  There may be a little water (condensation) in the bottom of the cases.
 
And I'd change the brake fluid (which can be tedious) and make sure the brake pads are free.  Dot 4 fluid.

Drain the gas from the carbs and tank and refill with fresh. (there may be condensation there too)  Make sure the throttle cables are free and the slides click closed on both sides.

Clean the battery terminals and maybe the starter connections. 

Chuck in Indiana posted a really thorough Monza service thread with lots of info and pictures.  You should find that for otehr ideas.

edit: Two Checks reminded me - pull plugs and spin engine until you get oil pressure!  (what he said!   )

[Cam3512]

I recently had to take a hiatus from motorcycling for almost 2 year due to a change in positions at my job.   Prior to that I put a HEALTHY dose of Seafoam in each tank.  On my 3 carbed bikes I took each for a spin to get the Seafoam into the fuel lines and carbs.  Didn't touch, much less start, any of them for 1 1/2-2 years.  When things at work changed, I was back in the saddle again.  Gas in all the bikes smelled like I filled it up yesterday.  Fired each one up when I was ready to take it out.  ZERO issues.  True testament to Seafoam as a fuel preservative.  I did keep up on tire air pressure during the shutdown.  Don't over think it.  Put in some more Seafoam and ride.  Then change all the oils.

[Monza-jockey]

A quick update: engine turns freely.

I'll address the fuel system next.

I appreciate the advice and support!

[Chuck in Indiana]

A quick update: engine turns freely.

I'll address the fuel system next.

I appreciate the advice and support!

You'll be fine. It wouldn't hurt to go through the electrical system with DeOxit.. It will save you grief in the end.

[Monza-jockey]

Which DeOxit formula?

I agree, the electrical gremlins are best banished while at home.

Better than on the roadside, at night, in the rain!

Thanks!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Which DeOxit formula?

I agree, the electrical gremlins are best banished while at home.

Better than on the roadside, at night, in the rain!

Thanks!

Absolutely.. and IMHO it doesn't matter. Wayne likes the gold.. they name it that because of the cost but it's designed for electronics. I use the silver. <shrug>

[Monza-jockey]

Chuck in Indiana, read through you tutorial: Monza Annual inspection.

That answers many of my questions, and demonstrates the protocol for going through the bike systematically.

Thank you Sir! 

P.S. DeOxIt D5 got it!