2002 Cannondale Cannibal compression

[topfli8979]

Im new here, hoping someone can help me out. I picked up a cannondale cannibal 440 last week it ran, but had a miss. I didnt mess with it for about a week, try to start it yesterday and would not start. Installed a compression gauge and its not registering as any compression at all, "0". Do these bikes have a compression release that might be stuck?

[witech]

Yes they do and they need a minimum of 50psi to start. Decomps do get stuck . They usually just get loose to the point they break. Do you know the history of the engine as in the required updates and who built it?

[topfli8979]

Thanks for the response, was getting worried no one rode these bikes anymore, lol. As for history on the bike prior owner "said" motor was sent to Tim Moose in pennsylvania to Metzak Machine Shop for the z400 bearings/valvetrain upgrade. I beleive it still stock pistons/crank. Can I remove the valve cover to access cams without removing the engine?

[witech]

It is possible to remove the valve cover in chassis but it is much more difficult than just pulling the engine which can be done in as little as 30 minutes with practice. Anyways if you do find anything you still have to pull the engine do the work. Do a leakdown test and see where the compression is going. There are still a bunch of Dales out there and still having group rides. Although I dont build as many engines as I did 5-10 years ago which is kinda nice not to have backlog .More time to play.
Anyway pull your oil filter and check for metal in the filter by wrapping in a couple shop towels for an hour and inspect for metal. If the cams wore out or a cam bearing failed you will see some shavings.

[topfli8979]

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I pulled motor , valve cover and right side cover. No metal flakes in engine that I can see. 2 small flakes in oil filter. Everything looks good to me. Where is auto decompression part located?

[blacknblue#2]

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I pulled motor , valve cover and right side cover. No metal flakes in engine that I can see. 2 small flakes in oil filter. Everything looks good to me. Where is auto decompression part located?

Not familiar with Cdale but it appears to be on the right can between the cam cap and the first lobe