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New (to me!) '77 CB400F - US model
mattsz:
I think I'm ready to try and start it up! Should I use my small auxiliary fuel tank, or better to install the proper tank and use a decent amount of fuel?
Bryanj:
If you have bench synced the carbs properly fit the big tank and ride it round for the 500 miles till first service then vaccume sync after checking everything else
mattsz:
Thanks Bryan! I did my best to follow your bench-sync instructions - I presume I did it correctly, as the instructions seem very clear and it's not a difficult job.
I haven't done major open-engine work, so I don't think there's a particular 500 mile service to do, but if it runs and seems ok, I'll definitely ride it and keep an eye on things!
What I did do (relevant to engine running):
* Removed and opened up the carb float chambers (I didn't separate the bodies from the rack), removed all the floats, jets, etc and cleaned everything as best I could without access to an ultrasonic cleaner. Reassembled and adjusted the choke mechanism so the plates moved together and the lever bumps the throttle linkage per manual specs. Reinstalled carbs using rubbers that aren't as soft as they could be, but I was still able to use them with effort. I tested the float valve function with the carbs on the bike: all four bowls filled with fuel, and over the next hour they didn't leak or overflow a drop. I don't know if the fuel levels are correct, but I did measure and adjust the float heights to spec (21mm per Honda manual) on the bench.
* Fresh oil and new oil filter.
* Checked and adjusted the static timing - I found the points a bit pitted, so I ordered new (aftermarket - I know!) points and condensers, which didn't even fit, so I ended up returning them and reusing what I had, after cleaning up the points contacts a bit.
* I examined the function of all the cam chain tensioner bits - they appear to be doing something, so I set it with the engine not running using the Bryanj method. http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,1784.msg3029.html#msg3029
* Checked and adjusted the valve clearances.
* New plugs.
* Cleaned and de-rusted the fuel tank - it really was in pretty good shape, but there was a little minor surface rusting, so I decided to take care of it. I also installed a new petcock/filter.
* You may recall there was some, ahh... discussion... about some compression test results being quite low, but uniformly so. Gotta start somewhere, so I'm not worrying about that for the moment.If it runs, I'll do the usual checks - listen for strange noises (not like I'd know which noises are strange!), check for uniformly heating exhaust pipes, look for smokey exhaust... any other "first-run-after-sitting-for-a-few-years" things to keep an eye out for?
Bryanj:
I would still do a 500 service as its been sttod and what you have in now will, hopefully, collect any unwanted stuff and put it in filter and/or sump
mattsz:
--- Quote from: Bryanj on August 31, 2020, 12:09:55 PM ---I would still do a 500 service as its been sttod and what you have in now will, hopefully, collect any unwanted stuff and put it in filter and/or sump
--- End quote ---
Gotcha!
Anything I've missed I should be watching/listening for when I try to run it?
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