My NC30 is close to being mechanically ready to be started again :) I just need to get one of the front exhaust pipe bolts out of the block and refit the pipes with new bolts, refit the subframe/battery, fill the cooling system and stick in new oil.
However, she's been sat not running for the past year due to bits being taken off and seen to. Does anyone know the list of things I should do before trying to start her again? In particular as regards the fuel and fuel system, as all of the fuel is about 3 yrs old now.
Will the carbs be ok if I just put new fuel in the tank and let it wash through when I start her? Or do I really need to take the carbs off to clean them? How do I clean them?!
Has anyone very done a start-up after a long period of unuse before and can tell me what I can expect?

After 3 years you will most definately have to clean those carbs.

Brainchild wrote:Or do I really need to take the carbs off to clean them? How do I clean them?!

NC's are pretty fussy about their carbs, so it's a good idea to pull them off and give them a once over. I'd pay particular attention to the float valve, main jets, pilot jets and emulsion tubes. It's suprising how quickly fuel drys up leaves a nasty sludge. Just a soak in degreaser or carb cleaner should do the job. And a fine piece of wire (lock wire) helps with the emulsion tubes. While you're at it, check that the needles and slides haven't accumulated too much gunk and still move freely.

It'll run better than before :)

Deffiantly worth doing the carbs either way.. and yes 3 years is waaay too much time for standing. Bottoms off, carb cleaner on everything, blow out the jets with some compressed air, check everything moves freeley.

Change all the fluids!

Engine Oil / Filter.

Drain the tank too as condensation may have accumulated, leaving some water in the tank. This is also a good time to check for any rust in the tank / petrol tap / filter.

Brake fluids will need changing too as well as the coolant that you've mentioned.

It seems like it might be a bit of overkill but it's best to be safe than sorry and thinking, I shoulda done that earlier... as I have said many time in the past ^_^