Author Topic: Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST  (Read 1784 times)

Offline NathanL

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Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST
« on: October 29, 2020, 02:33:20 PM »
Hi everyone!
Thank you all for the warm welcome in the introductions thread!
In a couple of weeks I will be picking up a '99 ST1100 that has been sitting untouched for the last 18 months - 2 years. It's got 130k kilometres on the clock and will need a bit of TLC to get it roadworthy and reliable. I've compiled a list of jobs to do:

   ◦   Oil and filter change
   ◦   Air filter replacement
   ◦   Spark plug replace
   ◦   Replace battery
   ◦   Coolant change and line inspection
   ◦   Inspect and clean brakes front and rear including brake lines and master cylinder
   ◦   Clutch line flush (consider rebuilding master & slave cylinders)
   ◦   Brake bleed
   ◦   Carb remove and clean
   ◦   Check elbows and O rings under carby
   ◦   Check valve clearances
   ◦   Timing belt change
   ◦   Take off rear wheel and inspect final drive and grease
   ◦   Inspect steering head bearing
   ◦   Inspect fork seals
   ◦   Inspect fuel lines
   ◦   Replace fuel filter
   ◦   Inspect wheel bearings
   ◦   Inspect swing arm bearings
   ◦   Replace tyres

A couple of questions for those in the know:
1) I've already ordered a Gates timing belt as I'd feel a lot happier replacing the 20+ year old original one. I have never replaced a timing belt before but have come across some great how-to guides. Is there anything I will need to replace besides the belt itself?

2) Driveline and rear wheel splines. I plan on removing the rear wheel and lubricating the splines as I've heard these can get dry and rusty. There seems to be lots of recommendations for Moly paste but seems exxy at $50+ for a small tube. What lube should be used here? Also, how hard is it to disassemble the driveline and service? Are specialist tools required?

3) Coolant Hoses. I'm going to be removing the radiator and hoses to access the timing belt and wouldn't mind replacing the coolant hoses for peace of mind. Has anyone had experience with the Chinese eBay specials or am I better off sourcing from somewhere else?

4) Oil. I'm looking at running Penrite motorcycle semi-synthetic 10W-40 or similar. What's the go with oil for the ST? I've seen threads of people running diesel oil and regular car oil  :eek, what's the go?

5) Are there any other Achilles's Heel points on an unloved ST? I believe the coolant(?) lines under the carbies often go, and that swingarms are known to rust (however I'm thinking that might be more of a UK thing). Anything else to add to the list?

Thanks in advance!! Hoping to be on the road before Summer comes to a close :bl11
 

Offline Yorkie

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Re: Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2020, 09:23:58 PM »
The carbs have rubber boots to attach, these will be hard and should be replaced, there is a return fuel line rear right hand side of the engine, one end of this is fitted to a 10mm pipe and the other to 8mm, if this fails fuel can leak onto the alternator, you don't want that.
Cush rubbers in the rear wheel and probably the aly wear pieces in the rear wheel.
Download the shop manual from this site and good luck.
Brian 0418937173
Manager York Motor Museum

In the shed
1999 ST1100A
1971 CB750K2
1980 XV750
1977 GL1000
FR#720
CMRCWA #133
York,WA

So at what age does this "old enough to know better" kick in?
I believe in the "hereafter", every time I go to the shed I have to think "what am I here after"
 
The following users thanked this post: NathanL

Offline NathanL

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Re: Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2020, 08:19:28 AM »
The carbs have rubber boots to attach, these will be hard and should be replaced, there is a return fuel line rear right hand side of the engine, one end of this is fitted to a 10mm pipe and the other to 8mm, if this fails fuel can leak onto the alternator, you don't want that.
Cush rubbers in the rear wheel and probably the aly wear pieces in the rear wheel.
Download the shop manual from this site and good luck.

Thanks for that!  :thumbs Are these the carb boots you mentioned? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Carburetor-Carb-Intake-Manifold-Boots-Honda-ST1100-91-03-16211-MT3-000-11-4677/293413004618?epid=239220288&hash=item4450c7254a:g:MmAAAOSwupVeFQd5

Is the fuel return line standard fuel hose or something that I'd have to order in?
 

Offline Yorkie

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Re: Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2020, 09:25:18 PM »
You have the correct carb boots, fuel hose is part number 16958-MT3-000, probably standard hose but has 90 bend
I would like to think you are getting this for almost nothing as it will cost you what the bike is worth to restore it.
Brian 0418937173
Manager York Motor Museum

In the shed
1999 ST1100A
1971 CB750K2
1980 XV750
1977 GL1000
FR#720
CMRCWA #133
York,WA

So at what age does this "old enough to know better" kick in?
I believe in the "hereafter", every time I go to the shed I have to think "what am I here after"
 

Offline NathanL

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Re: Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2020, 06:37:15 AM »
You have the correct carb boots, fuel hose is part number 16958-MT3-000, probably standard hose but has 90 bend
I would like to think you are getting this for almost nothing as it will cost you what the bike is worth to restore it.

Thanks again Yorkie, yes I’m picking it up for a couple hundred so happy to put a bit of time and money into getting it up to scratch.
 

Offline Wombat

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Re: Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2020, 12:16:05 AM »
my 2cents here.
I havent read the intro's so is it a Police white or civilian coloured?
Do not use car oil. I use penrite 20w60 mineral Diesel Oil and read the label. States motorcycles with wet clutches. Otherwise 4T Castrol. The headstem bearings are usually replaced with a tapered wheel type bearing. There are kits available. The standard bearings are like a bicycle bearings in a cage and may require tensioning. Elevate and turn to see if it has a notch at centre. There are good how to's on the STOC website as well. Moly paste is 60% or higher. Industrial paste is available. All the other items are ok. All the major items are on the website.
Have fun and message if you require any info
Cheers Wombat.
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White has the power
A lost surveyor is called an explorer
 

Offline NathanL

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Re: Expert Advice: Rescuing an Unloved ST
« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2020, 07:44:24 PM »
It’s a civilian model not police. Will definitely check the head bearing! Thanks for the input  :thumbs