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Topics - Fourplay

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CB350/400 / 400/4 Engine noise, bodges and Primary chain

« on: June 15, 2021, 11:04:08 PM »

Just got my recently acquired 79 400/4 running.
My concern is the noise from the engine at tickover.
I shot a video on my phone and at 1200 revs there seems to be a rattling and lashing coming from the lower part of the engine. Please excuse the poor quality of the videos (shot lying on my back under the bike!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWlwj_9bQik

It's definitely not ticking over smoothly and the PO said it needed the carbs stripping down and syncing.

But before attempting the carb strip down, I re-tensioned the primary chain, changed the plugs and did the tappets.
It seemed quieter less rattling sound but still the lashing.

So I decided to change the oil and filter and clean the sump to see what delights lay in store. Oil quite black but no metallic particles just some bits of gasket cement.

But what is this all about? Looks like someone has attacked the filter housing with a drill?
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Also one of the sump bolts had sheared and a fluted rod/drill was fixed into the broken stud on the sump. A double ended nut had been forced onto the end of the rod to hold the cover in place.
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Before re-fitting the filter housing and sump, thought I would have a look at the primary chain. There seems a lot of sideplay in the chain/sprocket/collar, is this correct? See video link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5_cqHMzBuo

I've refitted the sump but dang it I managed to shear one of the Sump bolts. Haven't attempted to remove it yet. So now down to 9 bolts on the sump! I know it's bodged and hate leaving it as is. Just want to get the engine running ok and ride a few miles to see what else needs sorting.

Any advice gratefully received

Justin

CB350/400 / You meet the nicest birds on a Honda—or spot the birdy

« on: June 06, 2021, 10:26:32 AM »

Decided to overhaul my front brake this morning but someone had got there before me.

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Hedge sparrows nesting in my hedge. This fledgling flew out across the road where his parents were waiting fussing around him. Phew hopefully safe now.

Definitely needs overhauling now after the mess on my disc/caliper! Good job my cats are too lazy and tend to keep to the back garden otherwise could have been a blood bath as well to clean up!

What's the strangest thing you've found on your bikes?

SOHC Singles & Twins / Honda SS125a

« on: May 27, 2021, 06:27:35 AM »

I've been gathering parts for my 1969 ss125a restoration and bought NOS front and rear hubs from DSS at a good price, as they were sold as imperfect. I'm guessing these were sourced from Thailand where there are various sellers on eBay and I have bought stuff from them which despite being sealed in bags suffer from corrosion— I guess from the humidity over there.

On inspection the braking surface on the drums had some light rust overall with a patch on each of slightly deeper rust areas. I've cleaned them up with a scotchbrite pad and should be serviceable. I'm still keeping them in storage so want to prevent further rusting. What would be good to use whilst in storage, and will be easy to remove and won't compromise the braking surface once fitted. I'm thinking ACF50 or WD40 may soak into the surface?

They were also clear coated which looks fine. Polishing is quite crude.

I remember seeing lots of yellowing peeling clear coat on the Hondas of my youth so my question is would it be best to remove this clear coat and replace with a modern alternative. If so what's the best way to remove the coating without compromising the original polishing. And which modern clear coat would be best.

Thanks
Justin

CB350/400 / Oil leak and genuine parts

« on: May 15, 2021, 06:48:30 AM »

Hello,

Just recently bought a 1979 registered 400/4 F2 with 39,000 miles on the clock (believed genuine). Still to get it running properly currently awaiting engine service kit from DSS. A planned weekend of fettling scuppered due to the wet weather (old style front garden job for me).

There seems too be an oil weep from the filter housing and sump. the sump looks like its taken a bashing with fin damage also the filter housing has one fin broken off. Would ideally like to replace these at some point. If I find any cracks in the housings I'll have to do it sooner. Hopefully it'll just be gasket issues. See photo. The cam chain adjuster looks like its screwed quite far in see photo (is this a cause for concern?)

Looking back through receipts it has had new pistons fitted in 2006 at 36,000 miles by Hunts of Manchester with a recommendation that the carbs be looked at (a set of unbranded carb service kits came with the bike but were never fitted). A new front mudguard was also bought (numbered 61100377000) How can I tell if this is genuine? Also New Hagon shocks. By the same dealer Exhaust Pipe 1 and 3 and new silencer. Again is it possible to tell if these are genuine? Part numbers on the receipts are correct, but are these meaningless.

The seat looks pretty new (no receipt) numbers on the base don't correspond with anything I can find the set clicks into place on the lock but doesn't quite seat properly further back. I'm presuming this is non-original. Base also looks quite flimsy.

I'm not that bothered if the parts are aftermarket replacements it would just be good to know what I've got should I wish to sell it on at a future date and be honest with a future owner.

My intention is too give it a full service, strip and clean the carbs (reuse the original jets etc if within spec.) and bench tune and synch the cabs.
And Ride it.

If the cam chain adjuster has been compromised I guess a full strip is in order.

Thanks for reading any advice/tips gratefully received.

Cheers,

Justin

New Member Introductions / Newby

« on: May 12, 2021, 02:11:30 PM »

Hello Everyone,

Just recently bought a 1979 registered CB400 four F2. Been perusing this site for a few days, must say there's a lot of expert advice and it seems a very friendly site compared to others I've been on.

I was actually looking for a 60s CL77 initially. But in a general search the 400/4 came up. I remember them from my youth and always hankered after one. Mates drew me into the British bike scene, so while most kids of our age were on Fizzies and rd250s we were riding (but mainly fixing!) Tiger cubs, Bantams and Ariel Arrows. I've still got my Cub, dont think I'll ever part with it. Since those days I've had various bikes. Currently own 2009 Ducati Monster 1100S, 1968 Honda SS125A (in bits), 1956 Triumph Tiger Cub. 1956 Triumph Tr5 Trophy, 1961 Triumph Speed Twin.

The bike looks cosmetically good given its age and unrestored condition. It's done 39,000 miles 10,000 of which have been done in the last 30 years. It's had 10 POs. I have receipts going back to 2006, and MOTs back to 1991, so I think the mileage is genuine. It had new pistons and rings in 2006, new exhaust system as well, though don't know if this is genuine Honda. Lots of other stuff done mainly to cycle parts, and service items.

When I bought it the engine sounded ok, but then again I'm not totally familiar with these bikes. I've ordered a new battery and service kit from DSS. The carbs will probably need a look at. A carb service kit came with the bike, purchased in 2006 but the PO never fitted it so I will dive in at some point and strip them down. The thing that impressed me about the bike is it looks like it's been serviced by Honda dealers judging by the receipts, Nuts and screws have not been mullered. Hopefully the cam chain, and the rest of the engine is ok.

Thanks for listening. Think I'm going to like it here,

Justin

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