Best way to proceed after getting water down the intake?

[motoguy]

I just picked up an 08XB 12R that has been setting outside for about two months. The airbox cover and the airbox lid are both missing, so the snorkel has been directly exposed to weather. Though the butterfly is closed, I am sure some water has went down it.

I’m curious what is the best way to proceed before trying to fire this engine up? Plugs, put some oil down the plug holes, let it separate a while, and then crank it over. Hopefully if there’s any water sitting there, this will blow it out. I’m curious about the oil. Most other bikes I would just drain the oil pan and see what the oil looks like. On the Buell I have to fire the bike up in order to drain it. I am hesitant to do that.

Thoughts?

 

[Cooter]

Any water in the cylinders would have ended up in the crankcase, and sitting for extended periods can drain the oil sump into the crankcase as well. I'd drain the sump and the crankcase, add fresh oil.

A small endoscope is priceless for checking the cylinder bore before cranking it to death:
https://www.amazon.com/Endoscope-In...cphy=9032947&hvtargid=pla-1944950391561&psc=1

At the very least pull both plugs and crank it before attempting any start.

 

[motoguy]

Just got back home and had a chance to look into it (that post was voice-to-text while in the car). Looks like there's a crank case drain plug above the muffler. Perfect. That's what I'll do.

I've spent worse money at Taco Bell, so I just added that scope kit to my Amazon cart. Thanks!

I have no intention of cranking before inspecting / attempting some remediation first.

 

[Cooter]

It's pretty straightforward to pull the clip and remove the oil line from the case bottom as well. The bottom of the case is not level, I can't remember which one is lower without looking at one. Worth some research to find out. Or just do both?

Those cameras are fun! and cheap enough to sacrifice It's vastly better than the 6 year old "professional" one I have, and that one cost me $350.

 

[Barrett]

Just got back home and had a chance to look into it (that post was voice-to-text while in the car). Looks like there's a crank case drain plug above the muffler. Perfect. That's what I'll do.

I've spent worse money at Taco Bell, so I just added that scope kit to my Amazon cart. Thanks!

I have no intention of cranking before inspecting / attempting some remediation first.

Looks like there's a crank case drain plug above the muffler. Perfect. That's what I'll do.

That is NOT a drain plug and should never be removed. Sealing plug factory installed to permanently close off machined passages during the manufacturing process. Remove at your own peril.

 

[motoguy]

Looks like there's a crank case drain plug above the muffler. Perfect. That's what I'll do.

That is NOT a drain plug and should never be removed. Sealing plug factory installed to permanently close off machined passages during the manufacturing process. Remove at your own peril.

Thanks for the warning! In that case, what would be the best way to get potential water buildup out of the crank case? I'm not certain there is any in it...but I'm also not certain there isn't.

 

[Cooter]

remove the oil line from the case bottom

.

 

[motoguy]

.

Well, just punch me in the face! Thanks. Overlooked that.

I ordered one of the inspection cameras. I decided to go with a dedicated unit instead of the "plug it into you phone" type. We'll see if that ends up being a good choice or not!

 

[Cooter]

No worries, I have used that case bottom plug without issue also, YMMV.

My dedicated endoscope unit has about 10% the definition of my i-phone screen and doesn't have the easy ability to save or send videos either.