New project CB350K4 First challenge!

[mtrhead]

Hi Folks, been a lurker and glacial pace restorer of a CB550F2, having got bored waiting for a gasket kit for the 550 to come back into stock I did the logical thing and on impulse bought a recently imported  '72 CB350K4 in gentle maroon, in theory having only done 2800 miles (I have my doubts on that point!) . I plan to get it basically commissioned, run it for a while and do a full restore later. Whilst the bike is on original tyres and the engine cases not badly mullered its probably been harvested for parts (side panels, mirrors, tank cap etcall gone walkies).  I've hit my first snag with a part made from unobtanium,  its described as "tube cleaner joint" part 17213286000 (part 2 on this https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350k4-england_model16400/partslist/F12.html .  All the usual sources in Europe are out, the only lead I found is a guy on ebay in the US who makes his own from urethane, with shipping etc it would work out at about £45 I reckon. I know this biz is expensive but £45 for a little bit of rubber! 

Any out there going for a reasonable price, or perhaps any wisdom on workarounds so I can get the bike on the road asap?  Any gurus out there can tell me how critical it is to have this in place, I am wondering if I can fashion a bit of pipe just to get the bike running?
Thanks!
   

[Laverda Dave]

Nice looking bike. Post some photos of it's build.

My only suggestion for the rubber piece is if someone can lend you one as a pattern you could try getting one 3D printed. There are companies that can 3D print rubber

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjujcKzhOzwAhX8DGMBHQ8NDa8QFjAAegQIMRAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.3d-alchemy.co.uk%2F3d-printing-in-rubber.html&usg=AOvVaw08TeScsFi3bne5SCYro_6l

[florence]

the part just seals the balance tube between the air filters.  As long as you get a seal into the metal tube anything will work, or you can do what I did and ditch them altogether and use better carburettors and filters.

[mtrhead]

Thanks both for the replies. Based on the info shared I think I'll fashion a temporary fix to get the bike running then knock up a cad drawing to try your suggestion of getting one 3d printed. Will set up a build thread for the 350 though at the moment I want to at least get it on the road. I felt I made a mistake with the 550F2 by never running it before strip down, that was 5 years ago

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