1969 CL 350 Build Thread CO

[CBs_CB]

Like so many, I have been reading from a distance. I figured it was time to go public and start making a fool of my self. I look forward to any and all of your comments, opinions, assistance, and stories.
I picked up my first bike a couple of weeks ago off of CL. It was advertised as a '72 or '74 350. Once I got her home, i discovered it was a '69 Scrambler with CB pipes...and a lot of dirt. That didn't particularly matter to me. The guy that I bought it from told me that the bike originally came free with an old Datsun truck-bed trailer that he bought. The seller was too lazy to take the bike out before he ditched the trailer. I scooped the bike up for $375 and I have been traring into it since I got it home.
Here are the 1st photos...

 

[CBs_CB]

More photos of the tear down

 

[CBs_CB]

I noticed a crfack in one of the covers yesterday, so I had a better look at it today. It does not look good. Is this repairable or do i need a new cover? My guess....new cover.

 

[CBs_CB]

I know I have read it somewhere, but how do I crack the timing chain? I see all the dirt in that left intake and I want to have a closer look.

 

[1969Honda]

Here's a little help for your engine rebuild questions. Enjoy https://hotfile.com/dl/152749145/4f9aca2/Honda_CBCLSL_250-350.pdf.html

 

[liceyscrub]

You should not have to crack the timing chain, but if you pull out the valves and unbolt the sprocket, the shaft pulls right out and you are golden from there. Tearing into the topend is easy. I got the manual and it was pretty much intuitive, but did help having my father-in-law there. Always have at least one guy drinking a beer watching you, then it will seem less like work and generally it is gootd to talk it through with someone. If you crack the timing chain.....you will be tearing into the bottom end as well.

 

[SONICJK]

This should show you how to tear into her

http://detholz.com/honda-cb350-twin/honda-cb350-twin-shop-manual.pdf

 

[CBs_CB]

Major progress (to me) tonight. I never thought I would get the screws out of the tach cover.
My fear was verified once I saw mud ad muck in the #1. It is dirty and the exhaust valve looks a little rusty.

 

[CBs_CB]

valves look ugly

 

[gregajo]

Hi, thanks for posting. I will be getting into a similar motor tear down and rebuild with a 71 CL 350 soon. Never rebuilt an engine before so I hope you don't mind my following your lead. Cheers, Greg

 

[Fox]

Having just walked down the road you're going down, let me just say hats off to you chief. Yours looks a good bit rougher than mine did and i'm impressed with your tenacity and speed. Have you worked on bikes before, or just gettin' into it? The engine is looking great by the way. Well done!

I don't know for sure, I'd definitely get a second opinion, but I'd say replace the cover unless you had a good welder. Not sure if JB weld is made for stuff like that.

By the way, looks like your ignition coils have been replaced recently. I would take a look at them to see what kind they are. Did you get a tank and seat with the bike?

And also, a bit more general, What are you wanting to do with the bike? Anything in particular you're wanting to do?

 

[CBs_CB]

Fox- Never worked on motos before just bicycles. I did tear down an '80 something Toro in 7th grade metal shop. Plus, I stayed in a Holliday Inn Express last night!
Planning on a cafe masterpiece, but I'll be happy with something that runs and teaches me a lesson or two.

The top has been off and soaking in degreaser since my last post. I have been doing a lot of staring at the parts and pieces, hemming and hawing on what to do next and how to do it. Head needs to be machined, new rings, valves, guides, seals, fasteners, yadda yadda...

The engine is filthy, but slowly getting better with the help of the degreaser and the air compressor. Lots if cleaning in my future. Does anyone have suggestions on cleaning the lower while I have the upper off and apart? Also, what is the best degreaser to soak in? I feel like my stuff is not effective enough.

I need a valve tool so I can get those out.

I plan on hitting it hard this weekend between mint julips and mexican beers. If anyone is in Denver and wants to drop some knowledge on me, holler!
I have a 750 that needs to be put back together and two more 350's on the way to the garage soon. I may have parts for ya!

CB

 

[maddrill24]

i have to spare motors stamped CL for sale?

 

[Fox]

Haha well that's how the best bikes are made! Friend:"You sure that's right?" You:"Nope, never done it before." Sounds about right.

Don't bog yourself down with buying tons of tools for stuff. I had my valves taken off and replaced at a local transmission shop for 15 bucks. Maybe that's even with a valve tool, but I just mean to say that you don't have to buy tools for everything. Borrow from friends, take it to shops and see if you can have them show you/use their stuff. Saves you a lot of money and establishes relationships with engine oriented people in town. You'll find some cool people and hear some good stories two. It's helped me out more than once when I needed a part or certain machine. I even got supreme access to a guys old junkyard for bikes. I can come and go as I please and he barely charges me. Won't happen every time, but once in a while. Just my two cents.

Degreasing. Simply green and brillo pads. That's what was recommended to me. I gave up on really cleaning by low end. Too many impossible crevices and no one actually looks. To each his own though.

Man. Wish I could join you for Mint Juelips and Denver weather. Seriously. Have always wanted to live in Colorado. Keep postin! Liking the build!

 

[CBs_CB]

I have slowed down a little bit. I knew this was going to be a big project, but now I 100% realiz this one will not be the bike that I am riding this summer. Not to worry ladies, I should have another bike this weekend. It should be up and running ASAP. We'll see about all that. At least this bike is suposed to be complete.

The frame is off to be blasted. The forks are disassembled and a complete rusty mess. If the shock is too rusty and prevents the spring from sliding off, is that a sign that I should be looking for replacements? Underneath the boots there is just a heaping mess of rusty dust and dirt and leaking fluid.

I do have one other question. Can ANYONE tell me what thes little keyed cylinder mounted on my lower tree is for? Is it some sort of steering lock?

 

[1969Honda]

little keyed cylinder is a steering lock, if you key fits it

 

[CBs_CB]

Thanks '69. I have no keys to this monster. So, it's just weight that I can shed.
What's the red wire grounded to the pinch bolt for?

 

[CBs_CB]

I have been considering rebuilding w/ a starter.
Who out there has experience rebuilding a cl/cb 350 sans starter?
What is involved?

 

[CBs_CB]

I meant to say WITHOUT a starter.

 

[Fox]

As far as rusty springs in the forks goes, I'd say that's time for some new ones. You've got a couple options if you do. You can get direct replacements(forks from the same model/make bike), or swap your forks for another bikes. If you do try this (and mind you it can be a good bit of work) you could look for one that has disc brakes. Upgrade from the dual drums on the CLs.

And there are plenty of guys who have built up their bikes without a starter. Use the search function and browse the electrical forum. There's tons of stuff on reducing your electrical system to the bare minimum.