Sitting California

[vf84pc]

I have a 02 California that was sitting for years (let's say 10) I am going to take out the plugs and lube the cylinders before I manually turn the engine over. Several friends gave  me advise.
1) spray the cylinders with liquid wrench then put a table spoon or 2 in each cylander let sit 3 days.
2) pour marvel mystery oil in each cylander and let sit 1 week
4) liquid wrench and marvel mystery oil
5) regular motor oil 3 days to 1 week

 The motor is not seized, on my old brit bikes I used 5W-30 and after a few days kicked it over a few times and all was well. I know many board members are fond of the mystery oil. I don't have any experience with it myself. 

Any recomendations?

[Kiwi_Roy]

Since you cannot kick a Guzzi over I suggest you put it in top gear and nudge it back and forth sitting on the seat.
I doubt it will be seized, its not an iron bore.
I would drop the oil and if it looks ok just refill it, spin it over on the starter until the pressure comes up.

[Huzo]

Well, a couple of years ago I met this guy outside a pharmacy as he was looking at my Norge.
He said a had a (still registered) Cali at home but could not get a battery for it.....! ?
Anyway, after about 5 minutes, I’d sourced a new battery, took the plugs out and squirted some engine oil into the cylinders.
Drained the bowls and tank, then upended 10 litres of fresh fuel into the tank.
With the plugs out, I cranked the bike over and the oil light went out, so after changing the oil, I put new plugs in and hit the starter.
The bike started initially on one pot then the second one chimed in.
I took it for a short ride then dumped the oil and the pan. The inside of the pan was surprisingly good, so a general freshen up front to back was in order, it had not been started for seven years...
Every fluid changed.
Brakes bled.
Pads scruffed up.
Ran like a Swiss watch...(still does..)

[Vagrant]

I'd be a lot more worried about the contents of the gas tank than anything else. Odds are the TPS will need a cleaning or replacement. Search TPS here.

[Huzo]

I'd be a lot more worried about the contents of the gas tank than anything else. Odds are the TPS will need a cleaning or replacement. Search TPS here.

This had carbs.

[Rich A]

If it has carbs, it's not an 02.

If you drop the oil pan, you can take a look at some of the engine's guts. You'll want to change the oil filter anyway.

Rich A

[Chuck in Indiana]

MMO *is* a good upper cylinder lubricant. Nicasil cylinders are very unlikely to be frozen, but the rings may be stuck.
So.
What I'd do is put a little MMO in the cylinders, make sure it isn't frozen, and crank it for a bit with the plugs out. After that, I'd do a leak down test, and if all is well, as I suspect.. start 'er up.

[Huzo]

If it has carbs, it's not an 02.

If you drop the oil pan, you can take a look at some of the engine's guts. You'll want to change the oil filter anyway.

Rich A

I always wondered that.
Best shot I have.


I know he said it was the last one before the FI.
‘Thought he said ‘02, but I’ll concede either he’s wrong or me. It kinda’ didn’t interest me at the time what year it was, but I’d sooner be corrected. Thanks.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I always wondered that.
Best shot I have.


I know he said it was the last one before the FI.
‘Thought he said ‘02, but I’ll concede either he’s wrong or me. It kinda’ didn’t interest me at the time what year it was, but I’d sooner be corrected. Thanks.

The picture is a '97, I believe.

[Huzo]

The picture is a '97, I believe.

Ok Chuck, thanks.
The bloke has some health issues that preclude more and more of his daily functions, not the least of which is his bike.
He’s one of these blokes that buys a bike and keeps it ‘till it’s worn out then gets a new one...
Most of his adult life, he never owned or drove a car, yet maintained work as a carpenter.
I’ve gotten his bike to where he can keep it on the battery tender and just start it at his leisure, or take it out. He reckons that his general mental health is better, by just being able to go out and start her up, just to smell the dust burning off, even if he can’t ride it....
Actually, apart from himself, I’m the only other person he’s ever let on it, which I felt rather humbled by.
These days the Cali is just a bit too much for him and I suggested a 750 Breva, or Pete Roper’s XJ 900 Yamaha outfit, but he thinks his riding days are behind him, lamentably....