How to revive a Dead Ducati?

V

visione sinister

New member
I have a ducati that's been sitting around for over a year, without starting it, with a flat tire (that was the reason it started sitting) I never took the battery out either. The bike ran beautifully when I parked it.

I have a feeling that all the fuel in it has turned to varnish and the injectors are going to be clogged.

So here is my dilemma, I want to get this bike back on the road, I plan on changing the oil and filter; popping in a new battery and letting the chain sit in ATF for about a week.

As far as the fuel tank and injectors go, what would be the best way to clear them out? A friend of mine suggested letting diesel sit in the tank and letting the injectors soak in diesel for a while just to break everything apart and clear up the lines. obviously after the soaking period I would need to make sure ALL the diesel is out to prevent damage to the engine. Would this work? any more information would be appreciated!!
 
Well the best way to clean the injectors is to have them professionally cleaned. at this point and time most shops, even us independants have fuel injector equipment. The only "fly in the ointment" is that one or more of the injectors may be too far gone- to clean properly and need replacement. Other than that the injectors operate off electrical impulse and as long as the battery is new or will hold a charge you should be good to go, once the tank and fuel system is cleaned out. You may want to adjust the valves after the first week or so of riding.
 
IMPORTANT it is a DUCATI...

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START WITH A WEAK BATTERY SEVERE DAMAGE WILL BE CAUSED TO THE STARTER CIRCUIT AND MECHANICS,
There is a huge disclaimer in their hand books over this; Ducati have a system where once you have touched the starter button you do not have to hold it in, the engine rotates until the timer resets. holding in the start button can cause damage to the circuit.
A DEAD engine is likely to require more than one attempt to start and they seriously advise against prolonged use of the starter as it will strip the starter gear in the engine.
Secondly the cam belts have been sat in one position for a year without being allowed to relax and stretch, there is a high likely-hood that the belts will fray or fracture and even fail whilst cranking; it is therefore advisable to change them even before trying to crank.
Add to that the piezo injectors and ancillaries are likely to be clogged with gunge you are better off booking it into a garage to have them do the work. and advise them it has been static for a year, then the responsibility is on their shoulders should they cause damage while attempting to start.

TBH even the experience I've got and it is a lot ( I don't claim to be an expert) if it was my bike I'd entrust this work to a main ducati dealer ONLY
 
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