My Ducati Won't turn on after 2 years of no activity

[Juanchojt]

Hello Dicati Forum Members!

I own a 2003 Ducati Monster M750 with approximately 800 miles. It has been sitting for two years, and I'm currently trying to get it back on the road. I installed a new battery and spark plugs, but it struggled to start initially. Eventually, the engine fired up, but I immediately heard a sensation of something "coming loose" internally, and the engine suddenly seized/stuck. It will no longer turn over. I've attached a photo and video for reference—any insight into what might be wrong or how to proceed would be greatly appreciated

Video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/OZR0cOWwetU?feature=share

[ducpainter]

Your image, and sound files are private.

You'll need to provide access.

[Juanchojt]

Hello,

This is the new link. I updated my post with the new link as well

https://youtube.com/shorts/OZR0cOWwetU?feature=share

[Juanchojt]

Update: I have a new development. I removed the spark plugs to investigate, and this is what I found with one of them (keep in mind, this was a brand-new plug).  This suggests something physically struck the plug inside the combustion chamber.

What do you think?

https://youtube.com/shorts/-_nz2HxV2q8?feature=share

I hope it's not that bad! 

[ducpainter]

Your diagnosis of something hitting the plug is spot on. The cylinder head will need to come off.

Before that, pull the belt covers. I think one broke, a valve hit the piston, then broke, stopping any further rotation.

You can do a bunch of messing around, but the basic fact is that head has to come off.

[Juanchojt]

What should I see when the Cylinder head comes off? What else do you suggest doing to finalize a full diagnosis of the problem?

Flounder, thank you for your help. By the way!

[ducpainter]

I believe you're going to see a broken valve, with some possible damage to the top of the piston and combustion chamber in the head. It's also possible there's some scoring on the cylinder wall. Let's hope that the damage is minor and you don't have to dig deeper.

I had a similar circumstance several years ago, although mine didn't lock up as the valves just bent on a race motor from an over rev.

Get the head off, take some images, and the guys here will be able to give you some choices regarding the best course of action.

[Juanchojt]

Flounder, thank you. I'm going to pull the cylinder head and hope for minimal damage. I'll upload more videos once I have it off.

In the meantime, does anyone else have a different perspective or anything to add? I'd appreciate any extra insight to ensure I have a complete diagnosis before I dive in.

[ducpainter]

It's really difficult to know. I think people are waiting for more info...like images.

[ducpainter]

One thing is certain. There's something in that cylinder that doesn't belong.

[stopintime]

Ooops - not so good - sorry for you and the bike.

You will need more luck than usual for the piston not to be damaged. If/when the piston hit that plug it could very easily end up hurting parts behind/under it ( = seized engine? )

New plugs; which plugs are they? (maybe too long?)

[ducpainter]

Ooops - not so good - sorry for you and the bike.

You will need more luck than usual for the piston not to be damaged. If/when the piston hit that plug it could very easily end up hurting parts behind/under it ( = seized engine? )

New plugs; which plugs are they? (maybe too long?)

I'd agree that maybe plugs too long, but he said it started and ran...then got noisy and stopped. If the plugs were too long it would have locked up on cranking...no?