Hey team,
I am currently building a formula style car at university to race on an international circuit called the Formula SAE. We are using a 600cc CBR engine and are aiming for 0-100 kmh in about 3.5 seconds. The problem is that our engine has not actually been run in about 2 years. After spending a few days installing it into the frame and rewiring it, we are having trouble actually getting it to start. We managed to get it to run for about 5 seconds before it choked, and the plugs became so fouled, they were useless. Anyone have any advice on how to get an old, dirty, stubborn engine back into shape?

 

It depends on what is making your plugs foul up, I guess. OIL? GAS?

Any ways, one of old timers said to me to use Marvel Mystery Oil mixed with engine oil, 1:5 ratio working on an engine that was not operated for a while.

1. First drain the old oil.
2. Install mixture in the case to a level.
3. Remove spark plugs and put in some of mixture into cylinders.
4. Turn crank by hand few times.
5. Install plugs and let engine sit for a day.

6. Repeat 3-5 for 4-5 days.

7. Remove plugs and clean.
8. Crank engine with starter and blow out excess mixture though plug hole.
9. Install plugs and start engine.
10. Run for 4-5 hours.
11. Shut down engine and remove oil filter. Cut and inspect.
12. If it looks good, then perform compression check.
13. If it is good, then you have good engine till next problem happens,,,,
14. Drain the mixture, install new filter and oil to proper level.
15. Return engine to service.

I am doing this to one of engines I work on, but is not motorcycles or car engine.

 

I have heard a lot about this Marvelous Mystery Oil but I don't think it is available in Australia. However, we do have some wonderful stuff called 'Start ya bastard!' (No joke) I am starting to think that it might be the spark leads. Can you test them for continuity, or resistivity, or still-working-ivity in any way? They are fairly stiff, which I heard is a bad sign, and I am pretty sure we are not getting a spark. Any good way of checking the leads? We have a multimeter.

 

My motorcycle maintenance manual states the plug lead should have resistance of 2375 to 5833 ohms. It is Buell and not Honda. So, the numbers are for reference only.

Having maintenance manual for the engine is essential.