I know starting the engine just to hear it run is wrong. I've adjusted the clutch and throttle cables and would like to try them out before I put them to bed. I keep the shop at 70 degrees so the engine and oil aren't very cold. I thought I would run them long enough to warm up the oil to operating temps. I also wondered how hot the heads could get before I would have to set up a fan.
Starting engine in winter?
- Thread starter geezer
- Start date
Chopper
Senior Member
It's not good for the engine to sit and idle without air flowing through the fins, enough said, I would shut the bike down when it hits around 280 degrees, when I'm running bikes on the dyno I have some pretty heavy duty fans blowing on the engine and I will have to shut the bike down to cool, fans only do so much. When you warm the engine up with out driving it, the oil will not be as hot as if driving the bike on a warm summer day so I would not top off oil to the full line untill after a good test drive. Just in case you've done a service also. Have fun
Thanks for the quick reply Chopper. Good advice, I agree it would take a huge fan to keep the engine cool. I did change the fluids the last time I rode it so I would leave the level alone till after a real ride. There's talk of stirring up condensation,etc by running it for a short time. Would that be a problem I would have?
Chopper
Senior Member
It helps that your garage is heated, but I would still start her up just long enough to run what ever test you want to do, throttle cables should work the same cold or hot and the clutch cable should be 1/16 to 1/8 free play although sometime after a short test drive I have had to tighten the cable a little more after things seat. Our local stealership drives their bikes out in the morrning and back in the store in the evening, if you stop by and check the oil in any of there bikes sitting out front you'll find thick milky brown sludge where the oil use to be, and they warm the bikes up before bringing in. Condensation does happen! I would also recommend a battery tender if the bike sits longer then a month, even if the garage is heated. It will prolong the life of the battery and you'll be sure to be ready to go that one nice day that comes in the spring. Take care and watch those ex. fumes
Thanks for the replies guys. My biggest concern was the adjustments I made on the clutch basket but I read the manual and Gliders tips and every thing went as it should have. Was just curious to try it . I do have the battery tenders on both bikes. It's sure nice to have a place to go to for answers like this site. Thanks again.