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Old 08-12-2008, 10:03 PM   #1 (permalink)
edowardo
Newbie
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Bike: 1983 Suzuki FA50, 1990 Kawasaki EX500
Posts: 1
Default Restoring Q's for 83' Suzuki FA50

For my first post I'll try to be as detailed as possible.

I recently purchased a 1983 Suzuki FA50 moped with 1500 miles on it. It has been sitting in the shed for 3 years in New England weather. The transmission needed reassembly, a new spark plug, rubber lines replaced, tires and a good cleaning. I have complete the transmission; sealed, filled and functional. The previous owner never stored the bike properly thus most of the oil and gas leaked into the block and muffler. I plan to drain and clean out everything without taking apart too much if I can. I have removed the cylinder head and wall allowing the piston to hang and crankshaft chamber to drain.

I am using this manual as a guide. 1980 Suzuki FA50 Service Manual

Now for the questions.

1.) What should I use to clean these components and how much oil should be in the crankshaft chamber before I start the bike for the first time in 3 years?

2.) I am also replacing the piston rings. How should I fit the new ones on, and slide it back into the cylinder wall? The cylinder wall is slopped at the end, so I assume I don't need a ring clamp. The maintenance guide does not call for a ring clamp either.

3.) How do I clean the head of the piston? Carburetor cleaner doesn't do much and I don't want to remove the piston from the block. Is it okay to leave it alone like that?

4.) How much of the carburetor should I take apart for cleaning and adjustment? Is it finicky, requiring specialized tools like those used on larger bikes or cars?

5.) Should I open and work on the flywheel magneto? The screws that hold the cover plate on are impossible to loosen by hand. I might need to use an impact hammer, but I don't want to spend $80 for one.


If I can resolve these issues I'm pretty confident I can get the bike running again. Let me know if there are any possible unforeseeable issues with this moped. Any tips will help as well.

Thank you in advance.