CB200,CB175 preventative maintenance tips??

[mannydantyla]

We all know that the weak link in these smaller cc engines is that the camshaft and/or cam journals can be easily destroyed, caused by a lack of oil delivered to the head.

So what can I do to prevent that from happening?

The other day, outside temps where around 15F (-9C), I decided to fire up my CL200 (engine identical to CB200, nearly identical to CLB75). I heard a loud squeal, seemed to come from the right head area. I pulsed the throttle to keep the engine going (too cold to idle right away, even with chock engaged) and the squeal stopped, only lasted maybe half a second, maybe more. Then the engine died (did I mention it was cold??). Fired it up again and the same thing happened, but I let it run longer this time, long enough to remove the chock and let it idle. Again, the squealing noise began immediately after kicking the engine over and lasted only a second or less, but it got me thinking...

Was the squealing noise caused by the dry camshaft turning before the cold oil could get to it? Does it indicate something might already be wrong? What can I do to prevent failure in the future?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

[joevirus563]

My Subaru forester make weird noise when that cold to... I'm thinking try it when the temp will be around 10c then you'll know.

 

[carnivorous chicken]

Keep changing that oil at regular intervals, use good quality oil, and keep that filter clean. I worked on a CB200 with a starter that stuck a little in the cold -- sure it's not that?

 

[PLAZACYCLEJOSH]

When it is cold my starter bendix makes an squealing noise while it is engaged. Yamaha has a cold weather oil for it's snowmobiles that I like to run in the winter that is a 0w40 full synthetic. I might have to start a thread on that one to see what everyone thinks

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Most bikes do not have a bendix type start. Honda uses a one way clutch (called a sprag clutch)....A bendix type starter has a mechanical solenoid to engage a gear. The gear slides on a splined shaft. Honda's use sprockets and a chain and are essentially always engaged. Very different type mechanisms.

If you are talking about a Honda squealing on start up, then the sprag clutch is likely worn. The rollers and plungers that spring load the rollers, may be worn.

 

[mannydantyla]

A good way to ensure good oiling before starting, even when not super cold, is to gently use the kickstarter with the kill switch open. This will get oil to the top of the engine before it even has a chance to run and build up heat.

And NEVER run the engine with gas in the oil. That will ruin an engine quicker than snot on wax paper. I always shut off the petcocks immediately after turning off the engine, and smell the oil before going for a ride.

Keep changing that oil at regular intervals, use good quality oil, and keep that filter clean. I worked on a CB200 with a starter that stuck a little in the cold -- sure it's not that?

Maybe that is it, IDK. I think I have heard strange noises after starting even when not super cold out, like a gear was stuck or something. I have no idea how the starter mechanism does it's thing, but I know that if I press the starter button while the engine is already running, nothing happens.