Wanted CB 400 4 coils for an F2 1977

[Ken4004]

If anyone has got a pair of coils for a 1977 CB 400 4 , not worried if the cable are damaged as long as the coils are functional.

I want to replace the cables on my original coils and just want a spare set so I can fit them to my bike while repairing my originals.

Thanks regards Ken

[Ken4004]

Don’t worry I am going to buy some new coils from DS , it’s not really worth the effort to try and refurbish a set of coils.

[exvalvesetdabbler]

Just be careful if you're using standard points.  I had a set of coils off a scrap 400, they looked the same but had detachable ht leads and a much lower resistance.  They ran fine but caused the points to get pitted quite quickly. Probably for a newer bike with electronic ignition or a ballast resistor.

Dave.

[Ken4004]

Thanks Dave I am going to get the DS coils so I know where a I am

[Oddjob]

Not wanting to sound defeatist here Ken but just because it comes from DS doesn't mean it's perfect for your requirements. Lots of reports on the forum of DS stuff being either wrong or poor quality.

Your initial idea was a much better one IMO, the original Honda coils are almost bullet proof, the Achilles heel being the leads of course. The Ash fix cures that problem and should be good for many years and then can be done again if it ever needs it. Perfect fit, correct connectors etc. Ok it's more work but it's cheaper and better in the end.

Plus if your a bit odd like me you can substitute the leads for another colour. My CB1300 has red leads for instance and I much prefer the look of those so I've done a set of 500/550 coils with red leads, along with a red silicon outer sheath like the OE leads and the numbers on the leads. The old numbers slide off the old leads with a little care so can be reused.

[exvalvesetdabbler]

Does that mean the yellow 400f should have yellow ht leads to signal  it's elevated status?😄

Dave

[Oddjob]

Why not? It would be different

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Don’t worry I am going to buy some new coils from DS , it’s not really worth the effort to try and refurbish a set of coils.

I'd heard a rumour that the DS coils are made by the original supplier to Honda.

[Oddjob]

If it was the OE manufacturer Ted you’d imagine they’d still have the original specs to hand, if so why are the wires fitted using flat spade connectors instead of the original bullet connectors? Why no manufacturers stamp on the body like the OE ones? Why no cylinder numbers or even the leads cut to the right length?

To me it sounds like the typical pile of BS that DS spout in order to get sales. They still make a profit even if it’s returned.

[Ken4004]

Not wanting to sound defeatist here Ken but just because it comes from DS doesn't mean it's perfect for your requirements. Lots of reports on the forum of DS stuff being either wrong or poor quality.

Your initial idea was a much better one IMO, the original Honda coils are almost bullet proof, the Achilles heel being the leads of course. The Ash fix cures that problem and should be good for many years and then can be done again if it ever needs it. Perfect fit, correct connectors etc. Ok it's more work but it's cheaper and better in the end.

Plus if your a bit odd like me you can substitute the leads for another colour. My CB1300 has red leads for instance and I much prefer the look of those so I've done a set of 500/550 coils with red leads, along with a red silicon outer sheath like the OE leads and the numbers on the leads. The old numbers slide off the old leads with a little care so can be reused.

Hi Odd Job your right I should have a go and repair my own, what do you think of yellow leads for a yellow bike or is that going to far alternatively blue leads would match the blue stripe on the tank !
I would however like a donor set of coils do I can still ride my bike whilst repairing my old ones.

Where would be the best place to buy good quality leads and plugs  ? , there are so many people selling them with as you would expect varying in quality.
If I am going to the trouble of repairing the old coils I want to use good quality materials.

[Oddjob]

Try the green spark plug company. Used them a lot and always found they sell decent stuff.

Little tip. If buying plugs consider buying ND plugs instead of NGK. Lots of reports of fake NGK plugs but none of ND plugs. Honda used both makes back in the day and there wasn’t much between them to be honest.

Yellow leads? Yeah why not. I did have some spare coils for the 500/550 but without looking I couldn’t say for certain if they are the same as the 400 coils.

[Ken4004]

I have just been looking for adhesive at RS , this is what I have found but says only good for up to 120 deg , I wouldn’t have thought it would get up to that temp even though it is above the engine.

[Ken4004]

Try the green spark plug company. Used them a lot and always found they sell decent stuff.

Little tip. If buying plugs consider buying ND plugs instead of NGK. Lots of reports of fake NGK plugs but none of ND plugs. Honda used both makes back in the day and there wasn’t much between them to be honest.

Yellow leads? Yeah why not. I did have some spare coils for the 500/550 but without looking I couldn’t say for certain if they are the same as the 400 coils.

Blimey your up early I thought is was just me who was mad, thanks for the feedback I’ll take a look

[exvalvesetdabbler]

I used a lot of electrolube black epoxy potting compound at work for potting up underwater cable splices and connector to cable terminations.  Comes as a split pouch where you pull off a crimp and mix the contents of the two sections.  No mess. It's a one shot deal though, you have to use it or bin it.  One trick was to put it in the fridge to extend the pot life a little.

Stays runny for about half hour and rock hard by the next morning.

I thing the smallest we used  was RD Pro 50 g  which was handy for small jobs.

Dave.

[Johnny4428]

That’s the same stuff I used to encapsulate new lead join, then reshape to original profile with milliput 2 part putty. Can be sanded and painted too. Yellow leads? Why not, I’ve just ordered blue but don’t even know what colour the bikes going to be yet!😳