Author Topic: Smelly 400/4  (Read 889 times)

Offline TrickyMicky

  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 319
    • View Profile
Smelly 400/4
« on: May 24, 2018, 12:07:19 PM »
Have always owned Hondas from 1967 up to now. Always used Shell Super Multigrade 20w50 with no problems whatsoever. (Dad worked in a Shell garage!). At present am running 1976 400/4, purchased in 1989, taken off road in 1991 for cam chain etc., rebuilt in 2005. You can't rush these things!!!!! Runs well, have been using Shell Helix 10w40 since then, but about 18 months ago I noticed that they now say that this oil is suitable for petrol and diesel engines. At about the same time when I checked the oil level, it wasn't using any oil, but there is a strong fuel like smell on the dipstick, and also from the base of sponge at the base of the air filter. Rode out with my son following me, he said there was no smoke whatsoever, and the oil level stays constant. At the moment the bike is sitting on the ramp, tank removed, no leak from tap, no leaks from carb overflow pipes, air filter removed, quite clean, sponge removed, stinks like hell, all breather tubes removed, all clear, breather chamber below filter box removed, all clear. Wiped round inside black plastic air chamber, all clean. Does this mean I've got to take those poxy carbs off again? Have bought some ordinary 20w50 mineral multigrade ready to change the oil and filter, bike has only done 1020 mile since last oil change. What am I missing, (apart from a few marbles!!)
        P.S. Has anybody ever let the engine breather pipe just vent to the open air, (Smog Specification)?
« Last Edit: May 24, 2018, 02:13:00 PM by TrickyMicky »

Offline PatM

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 206
  • 2001 R1, Triumph 1200 and the little 400/4!
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2018, 01:57:20 PM »
For what its worth- my 400/4 stinks and always has done when its been for a run. i usually leave it outside the garage to cool down before I put it back in. Ive never given it a second-thought as its 40 years old. I may be wrong but it runs fine. Ive owned this one for nearly 9 years now. Just failed its MOT on front tyre crack- I didnt spot it! Roll on next week for new tyre and re-test. it will be its last MOT.

Offline neat street

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 190
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2018, 04:19:30 PM »
can you check the oil consistency with some left in the can (if you have some left)? could be it has used some oil, but being toped up by fuel???
CB500 1973
CB750F 1976
KLX250 1983
Lambretta SX200
Mini Mayfair 1984

Offline Moorey

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1666
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2018, 08:35:13 PM »
For what its worth- my 400/4 stinks and always has done when its been for a run. i usually leave it outside the garage to cool down before I put it back in. Ive never given it a second-thought as its 40 years old. I may be wrong but it runs fine. Ive owned this one for nearly 9 years now. Just failed its MOT on front tyre crack- I didnt spot it! Roll on next week for new tyre and re-test. it will be its last MOT.

Is that wise if you cant spot a cracked tyre.

Offline PatM

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 206
  • 2001 R1, Triumph 1200 and the little 400/4!
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2018, 08:40:11 AM »
Do you know, I went out into the garage to show someone the 'crack' in the front tyre last night and I couldnt find it!

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8205
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2018, 11:05:06 AM »
Welcome to the forum. No, I don't have any smells from my CB400/4.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Moorey

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1666
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2018, 11:15:34 AM »
Do you know, I went out into the garage to show someone the 'crack' in the front tyre last night and I couldnt find it!

Should have gone to spec savers . ;)

Offline Johnwebley

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 3204
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2018, 11:38:21 AM »
Welcome to the forum. No, I don't have any smells from my CB400/4.

  not even Chanel No5 ???
lifelong motorcycle rider,and fan

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8205
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2018, 12:26:05 PM »
Welcome to the forum. No, I don't have any smells from my CB400/4.

  not even Chanel No5 ???
Oh yes, of course there is that John  ;D
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline royhall

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 3380
  • Keep biking I'm not quite bankrupt yet
    • View Profile
Re: Smelly 400/4
« Reply #9 on: May 25, 2018, 12:33:58 PM »
For what its worth- my 400/4 stinks and always has done when its been for a run. i usually leave it outside the garage to cool down before I put it back in. Ive never given it a second-thought as its 40 years old. I may be wrong but it runs fine. Ive owned this one for nearly 9 years now. Just failed its MOT on front tyre crack- I didnt spot it! Roll on next week for new tyre and re-test. it will be its last MOT.
Hopefully not the last tyre Pat.
Current bikes:
TriBsa CCM 350 Twin
Honda CB350F in Candy Bacchus Olive
Honda CB750F2 in Candy Apple Red
Triumph Trident 660 in Black/White
Triumph T100C
Suzuki GS1000HC
Honda CB450K0 Black Bomber
Honda CB750K5 in Planet Blue Metallic (Current Project)

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal