1981 Honda CM400 Build
- Thread starter Drey6
- Start date
fresh_c
Been Around the Block
Drey6 said:Found that I have a bad starter. Going on the hunt for one tomorrow and should post a video of her running soon..... Well hopefully.
1981 CM400 Cafe Project
Columbus, Ohio
I thought mine was going out last year but it just needed to be cleaned. I couldn't get the bike to start without bumping it forward while hitting the starter button. After opening it up and cleaning the contacts with some 400 grit, it starts first try, every time. Might be worth looking into if you haven't already.
Drey6
Over 1,000 Posts
fresh_c said:
Opened her up and the wire broke off pretty far back. Soldered a new piece on and still nothing. It must me something else. Needless to say, the word "fuck" was said about 25 times in the past 3 hours. I called the local junkyard. They have a tested one for only $30. I'm going that route.
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Drey6
Over 1,000 Posts
Have a bit of a rattling noise on the top end. Could this possibly be a need for a valve adjustment? Ill post a video soon if that helps. Also does anybody recommend getting smaller cables or just finding a way to reroute them ?
Also, if I may note, I had a leak coming out of my head gasket again that I noticed after I initially got her running. So I borrowed a torque wrench and backed off all my head bolts and torqued them to spec. I'm not sure of it even did anything because there is still a bit of a leak. I have misplaced my cam chain tensioner nut so I need to find something to use to snug that up. Could that also create the noise I described above?
Also, if I may note, I had a leak coming out of my head gasket again that I noticed after I initially got her running. So I borrowed a torque wrench and backed off all my head bolts and torqued them to spec. I'm not sure of it even did anything because there is still a bit of a leak. I have misplaced my cam chain tensioner nut so I need to find something to use to snug that up. Could that also create the noise I described above?
A loose cam chain tensioner can definitely cause the top end to make a bit of noise. I'd say tighten that, then check the valves and adjust is they need it. If you've never checked the valve clearances, it's a good thing to check even if there wasn't a sound. In addition to that though, I've heard from a bunch of people that these engines just have a natural little bit of clicking and clacking that you have to live with. I could be wrong on that, but it's what I've heard.
Drey6
Over 1,000 Posts
Ill post a video once I get home. The bike is at my girlfriends garage since I have no room so I'm constantly driving back and forth Head gasket was brand new. Also I found a 6mm nut to fit the tensioner. The adjuster screw above the tensioner should be snug? Or tight? This affects the tensioner stud and nut below greatly so I want to make sure that is correct. I know the nut adjusts itself and has to just be snug.
It sounds kinda like mine did. I've since rebuilt the whole top end, but I haven't started it, so I can't tell you if it's gotten better yet. Here is the link to my video about the same issue. I'd suggest adjusting the valves to spec if they aren't within spec. That would bea good place to start.
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=41895.msg459449#msg459449
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=41895.msg459449#msg459449
Drey6
Over 1,000 Posts
I don't have any feeler gauges so ill have to snag some. I know they are not much. To my understanding I need a 0.004 and a 0.006 to check each side. It doesn't sound horrible in person but it doesn't sound right to me. The head was level and was very flat, but honestly I can see the need soon to pull the head again and cover all bases. What else do you recommend after your rebuild? other things to replace? I have a whole gasket set but of course not any instructions with the one I got so I didn't do everything. Just the head, dowel pin seals and the right crankcase were all replaced. The leak isn't extremely bad so I may see what's up with the noise and tear down the engine and do it all again when it starts getting cooler out. Also, my paint is holding up decently but in some spots it did not stick well. Obviously it was not as thorough as yours so I may go the easy route and polish it all while I'm replacing the head gasket again ;D
P.S. - The Maxi Scooter in the background isn't mine, that's my girlfriends dads. However, the Virago on the right is mine, something else to tinker with come winter.
P.S. - The Maxi Scooter in the background isn't mine, that's my girlfriends dads. However, the Virago on the right is mine, something else to tinker with come winter.
