SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400
To do or not to do?
Otis:
--- Quote from: Yetanotherbike on February 16, 2026, 04:54:01 PM ---Out of interest, when you say the starter clutch has gone, I assume you mean it sounds like the starter motor is whizzing over but the engine isn't. In my opinion there isn't very much to go wrong with the starter clutch it's only a sprag bearing. I wonder if the oil is the wrong grade IE too heavy and the wedges are slipping. Either way, why not enjoy the summer with the bike and worry about it next winter. They're not a particulary difficult engine to remove or rebuild and it also gives you a change to check the cam chain tensioner stirrup that often seizes.
--- End quote ---
In fairness I am guessing that the starter clutch has gone. My friend has the same bike and we have swapped starter motors etc. My starter works perfectly in his bike but his just spins out in my bike.
Isn't the oil the same for everything? I have only ever used the recommended grade of oil.
I agree that the starter clutch is a simple mechanism but getting at it is the real problem on the 350 four.
Johnwebley:
--- Quote from: Otis on February 16, 2026, 04:52:32 PM ---That's a nice story. May I please ask if you also had a starter clutch problem or did you just decide to always go with the kickstart option? Did you remove all of the starter components to reduce weight as well?
--- End quote ---
No,
I diagnosed the sprag clutch was faulty,
Got a complete s/h from ebay,
I now know spares are available,
Kick started and took to my friend,
He is a professional bike engineer with his own business,
Job done
Check dear Mr Silver for rollers and springs
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Bryanj:
I know its a long way but if you got the engine to gloucester for 8am on a saturday i am free you could probably take it home in the evening, that would be just changing the starter clutch with nothing else, trouble is you frequently find problems with cam change tensioner and that adds time plus if you havent got the necessary bits a wait for parts, pm me if you want to discuss it
Otis:
I have some good friends in Wooton under Edge. Is that anywhere near you?
Johnwebley:
--- Quote from: Otis on February 16, 2026, 05:55:13 PM ---I have some good friends in Wooton under Edge. Is that anywhere near you?
--- End quote ---
Not to far away
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