Is engine ruined?

[acalhoun]

I moved from Knoxville, TN over a year ago to live in Nashville, and a friend of mine kept my dirtbike in her back yard while I got myself situated.

I picked it up this weekend, and now I am trying to figure out what all I need to look at to make sure the engine isn't completely messed up.

Here's the thing. The bike was sitting outside - had no seat, no gas tank. The spark plug was removed. No carb. So there were definite openings to wear rain and any gunk could have gotten into the engine.

Would it be wise for me to dismantle the engine and check the parts for rust etc.. or could I just attach a new carb, plug and try to start it?

This is a Suzuki DRZ125L - 2007.

Thanks for any tips you may have.

[lumpy790]

as soon as you said.....spark plug was it sitting outside = trashed

[Smacaroni]

It's a DR-Z... change the oil, put fresh gas in it, clean the carb, kick it over and cross your fingers.

If you're feeling remorseful, pour Marvel Mystery Oil in the spark plug hole and let it sit over night.

I got $5 that says it still runs.

*Disclaimer: it is not recommended to leave motors outside, let alone without a spark plug - some tweaker might steal it.

Edited September 10, 2012 by Smacaroni

[acalhoun]

Yeah.. I'm not losing hope yet. I know this may be a waste of time.. but gotta try.. I can't believe the damn spark plug was missing though!! sigh

[BruceD_500]

Probably just the neighborhood kids pulled the plug to drop some rocks in the hole

If the engine is screwed up it's probably only the top end and that's the perfect time for a big bore kit you really shouldn't ride those bikes in stock form anyhow.

[acalhoun]

I shined a light down the spark plug hole and.. friggin' rust! BUT... I'm still not giving up. I'm going to get a hold of a service manual, and attempt to rebuild this puppy.

So Bruce.. tell me the advantages of a big bore kit?

[BruceD_500]

Main advantage is the cost . if you get the right kit out of China it's cheaper than using suzuki parts . Second advantage is it make lots more power.

[563ripper]

I shined a light down the spark plug hole and.. friggin' rust! BUT... I'm still not giving up. I'm going to get a hold of a service manual, and attempt to rebuild this puppy.

So Bruce.. tell me the advantages of a big bore kit?

if you dont want to spend alot of money you can probobly just take the cylinder off and hone it to clean it up and then put it back on

[acalhoun]

Yes.. that's gonna be my first task I think. I've had a few guys at work suggest this also.

[500XC]

I'm with Bruce. My fiancée actually refused to ride my mule because it didn't go as good as her 150 ish kitted bike. Bruce, how much bigger is a china 150 dome than the LT185 dome?

[Slartidbartfast]

I'd be surprised if you don't need to do some work on the valves also. Don't try to turn it over until you know the valves are moving freely or you will bend a valve. Keep fingers crossed in hope that not much water made it to the bottom end.