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So I wrapped up my first cafe bike build. You can see pictures here:
http://diadelosmotos.tumblr.com
I finally got my hands on another project bike, but this time it was a barn find. The bike is complete and has compression but probably hasn't been started in 20 years. The last build I did the bike was already running so was pretty easy to tear down and complete my cafe bike. This time I am jumping into some new experiences for me and could really use some support from the many talented people in this forum with great knowledge.
Here are a few questions I have:
1. The bike has no battery, coils are bad, etc, but should I get this bike running first before removing the engine?
2. Is there a way to pull the engine out and then bench test it and do the work out of the frame?
3. What is the best way to go about cleaning the engine right now? I saw youtube videos of people flushing the engine with marvel mystery oil but not sure thats the best solution. I was just going to simple green the whole thing.
I will post more pictures over the weekend as well for those that might want to see the engine.
1. I would try to get the engine running first so you know if you have a good base to start with. The carbs and tank will probably need to be cleaned if they sat with gas.
2. I would start by doing a compression test. That usually provides good insight as to what is going on inside the motor. I'm not sure what you mean by bench test, however if I had the engine out I would go ahead and do a top end rebuild. This will give you an opportunity to inspect the cam, valves, bore, etc. At the very least you should hone the cylinders and replace the rings if the engine has been sitting for that long. I'd also consider grinding and reseating the valves.
3. As for cleaning the engine, there are many different approaches. Some people opt to have it media blasted and it works quite well. I myself have never done that. I usually take the engine outside in a big plastic tub and give it a bath in kerosene which as always worked for me very well. There are other options like brake cleaner, for example, that will also remove the decades of grime. Simple green or any degreaser would probably be fine too.
Looks to be a great bike to start with for a cafe build! Looking forward to see where this build goes
The electrical is all shot so will need to replace most of it. The kickstart only works if I go really slow and turns the motor over. Not sure why when I kick it fast that nothing happens. From what I am hearing it sounds like it's best having the engine in the bike to test out.
If anyone has some used coils please let me know as the ones on the bike are no good. I will probably be buying some new ones but for now used ones will work if someone has some lying around they would like to get rid of.
Pull the tank and carbs and clean them very well. Install a new fuel line with an inline filter.
I would add a 50/50 mix of ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and acetone to the top of the pistons through the spark plug hole, to free up the rings and clean the cylinders. Kroil works well too. Kick through several times. Flush the oil and add new oil.
New battery, set timing and clean points. What makes you think the coils are bad? They rarely go bad on Hondas and rarely both go bad simultaneously. Do a continuity test and compare to Honda factory service manual. Most likely it is a poor or unplugged connection from ignition. I will look for a spare set of coils in our shop if your are truly bad.
Compressions test should have even results on all cylinders. Better yet is a leakdown test which can reveal valve and/or ring problems.
Your kick starter problem could be as simple as your clutch and/or clutch cable are stuck from sitting. Lube and adjust the cable and then determine if your clutch plates and springs are working smoothly. It could also be a worn or misaligned kickstart ratchet.
Again, get her running and ride her so you have a baseline to hack or customize later. Good luck!
Thanks Swan thats exactly what I am going to do. Get this bike running first before I do a tear down. Well coils might be good but the spark plug wires are broken. Not sure if its possible to replace the plug wires with this style coil.
Here is some more pics. Was able to pull it out of the garage and degrease the engine. I went ahead and took a look at the points and they were completely rusty.
Thanks iGreek. I know this is going to be a project but worth it as the last bike I completed was already running and in good shape. I was able to snag this up for 400 bucks so I figured I would do it and see what comes from it all. Ya thats my BMW 2002, its a 1974.
Does anyone know the best process to go about getting the front brake pad out of the caliper? I don't have it connected to the brake master cylinder anymore as its been removed from the bike.
You can fit the proper sized metric grease zerk and use a grease gun to pump the piston and pad out. Do a search on this or the SOHC.com forums, very common problem with old Hondas. The brake caliper O-ring goes bad with age and seizes the piston. I prefer the grease method over compressed air. David Silver Spares has the correct o-ring and new stainless steel piston too for a reasonable price. Consider new hoses and a new master cylinder kit while you are at it.
Does anyone know where I can get the brass fuel fitting located on the carb? Looks like one of the carbs is missing it and not sure where to find a replacement. Thanks.
I have a basket case cl350. The brass nipple was missing from the petcock. Since i work at a machine shop i found some spare brass stock and made a press in fitting. If you cant get a machine shop to make one affordably for you than a "parts carb" may be your best bet.
I am eventually not even going to use this carbs so just need something to test out the engine. Maybe I can just JB Weld a piece brass tubing to it for now.
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