Prepping engine for first start in 6 years.

[nate88fzr750]

I got my bike sitting in a shed with the coolant lines unplugged. Hasn't ran in roughly 6 years. I'm getting to the point of trying to start it for the first time. Just want to make sure I'm on the right track of prepping it for firing so I figured I'd ask the experts. Im generally only concerned about the cooling system being unplugged for so long. Can I shove a water hose at one end and flush it that way? Radiator will be new so not worried about it being clogged. Figured oil change, valve clearances, check timing chain tensioner, clean carbs, intake o rings and boots, New air and fuel filter. Ideas or suggestions welcome. It's an 1988 750 if that helps.

[coops]

Sounds like you are on the right track.
Flushing with hose wont do any harm.
Maybe a squirt of oil (just a teaspoon or two) in the spark plug hole would be a good idea if it hasn't been turned over in six years.

[reelrazor]

#1 and 4 or #2 and 3 will be rusty. (those pairs in an inline four are either UP or DOWN in the cylinder when stopped..the DOWN ones expose the cylinder wall to atmospehere.

That rust will cut into the piston rings-the comp rings are very hard chrome faced so this will just result in very nice compression. The oil control rings are nodular cast iron and will wear rapidly.

Nothing you can do about it now.

Won't 'hurt' anything...just understand it is going to consume some oil and that consumption will never get better, only worse. Start banking a little cash for new oversize rings, pistons and a bore job if you intend on keeping this unit.

Right track on the coolant passage flush. I think I'd pull the thermostat (and put the thermo housing back on) and try to flush from end to end.