I finally convinced my brother to give me his 2000 TRX 400EX that has been sitting in his garage with a blown head gasket for at least 3 years. He's sure it's got a blown head gasket and a 440 kit in it. I am thinking I will probably replace the whole top end with a new 440 kit (cylinder, 11:1 piston, gaskets, ect) so I don't have to worry about cracks in bad cylinder walls / sleeve installation. Hopefully it also has some other work done so that I don't have to get everything it needs to scream ie. jetting, air filter and pipe.
My Question is what else should I look out for, test, clean or replace (beside the air filter) for a bike that has been sitting this long? I'm mostly concerend with motor stuff, shocks and breaks can come later. It's been pretty well protected because it's been in a garage this whole time.

Thanks for your help, lovin' the forum!

 

I would rebuild the carb, especially if it had gas in it, which I hope for your sake it didn't, because a few year old gas is a pain to clean off, I speak from first hand experience with my Yamaha 200E...

 

Thanks, I was definately thinking that needed to be done. Do you know if there is a soak or the old fashion way of tooth brush and brake cleaner is the only way to go?

 

I honestly have my dad take it to work (hes a mechanic) and soak it in some stuff they have there that makes the carb look brand new.

I would recommend just using carb clean (or brake clean) if its not too bad inside. If you have a bunch of nasty sticky stuff in there then you should probably have it soaked, or use a bunch of carb clean with the gum cutter. Sounds like a gimmick, but it actually works well for the nastier stuff.