Get a cb400f running

D

Dingo

peace and grease
Yesterday on the ride back home my cb400f crapped out on me. Battery's completely dead not even the dummy lights go on. I've kicking it and no luck. Also the bikes leaking and burning oil.

So the question is: What should I check in order to get her running? I was thinking of getting the thing running and then tacking it to a specialized shop so it can get a full service at least.

Also the wiring harness is a mess and I'm thinking that's a big part of the problem.
 
There is going to be a LONG list of stuff that will need gone over. So unless your last name is Trump, I would look into doing the work yourself. Search here and on eBay (maybe even David Silver Spares?) for a new harness. It may be a break in the wiring, a bad battery, or a bad charging system.
 
here, try this: http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3367068719.html

...but seriously, if the engine died and your battery's dead then something in your charging system is not working, usually a bad generator or rectifier, but fix the wiring first. It might be a huge pain, but you will have lots of problems diagnosing the issue with a bad harness.
 
Charge the battery.
If it was running then just died, your battery died. It wont run without one.
Charge it and I bet it starts back up, hok it to a car battery with the car OFF.
 
Most probably it will be something of a charging issue. I'm good with electrical stuff, so could I do the harness myself?

I also read somewhere that this bike a fairly redundant wiring diagram, do any of you know if it true or can it be simplified?
 
I don't have answers for your current questions, but PM me your email address if you need a wiring diagram. It took me a long time to find one for the US model CB400F.
 
Thanks Pablo I'll send you a pm right away.

I also registered at the SOHC4 forum so I'll get more info from those guys hopefully.
 
A few minutes back I connected a fresh battery to the bike, and got her up and running. It's not a motorcycle battery so I can't just leave it in. But while I had it hooked up, got the bike up to an operating temp, and it ran Ok, but after a few minutes it started smoking from somewhere around the case.

Also I unhooked the battery while it was on and the bike ran and even idled for a while. So apparently I suck at kick starting a bike or it needs the battery to crank and start.
 
Yeah it should need a battery to even run. Anyways, I recommend you check out forums.sohc4.net

That place will fill your head with so much sohc4 knowledge you'll be able to tackle anything on that bike.
 
Check the red/white tracer wire on rectifier, they break off and battery doesn't charge
Its on or under battery box if I remember right
 
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