New to the forum

[spdkilz02]

Hello everyone, my name is Adam from Akron, Ohio. I just wanted to introduce myself on here. I have been reading through the forums and looking at a lot of pictures over the last week.

My dad has a 175 DT sitting in his garage that my grandfather was the original owner of. I believe my grandpa parked it over 30 years ago and has sat ever since. Bike has around 2700 miles on it, but is definitely in need of some help. The only thing that was missing was the one side cover on the right side which I just found on eBay this past week and had sent to me. We even have the original plastic or fiberglass saddle bags for it.

The tank must have been full when he parked it because it is all dried up and solid on the inside of the tank. Currently the motor is froze as well. What would you recommend to clean out the inside of the tank? And what should I do to try and loosen up the engine?

I appreciate any help you are able to provide me. And hopefully one day I will be able to get it back on the road and enjoy it.

[slawsonb]

Hey Adam. Welcome aboard.
Here's a post by Hap on cleaning your tank:
http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=1584.0
I personally used this approach, but there are other recommendations for cleaning (milkstone,etc) and sealing in the various parts of the site and on the internet.
As far as unsticking your engine goes, soaking it with some penetrant is probably the first step. I have used many different concoctions as the soaking agent. PB Blaster, Sea Foam, WD-40, penetrating oil, but per Skinny's recommendation I have had the most success with a mixture of ~20% acetone in Marvel Mystery Oil. This may take a while and patience is important (I can't believe I'm saying that) if you want to perserve the cylinders and pistons.
Here's a good thread on the subject of freeing stuck engines:
http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=1165.20
Good luck and keep us posted...
...bert

[spdkilz02]

Just had my dad check on it, and the title says 1966. The vin number on the title says 16D08043. I am assuming it was made in April of 1966?

[slawsonb]

Graham Weeks posted the definitive guide to deterniming when your BS was built.
http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=449.0
Check it out...if you haven't already.
My read would also put your bike in April of 66...
...bert