New from Sunny Scotland

[FrasMac]

Hi all,

Just bought my teenage dream bike, a maroon 1979 400/4 F2. It's in nice nick, having had a lot of time and money thrown at it previously. However, i find myself in a dilemma, as the clutch is not disengaging, I pull the lever in, put it into first or second, and she stalls. Put it on the stand, and the wheel starts to turn. The engagement is also very clunky (well it would be, if the clutch isn't doing its job!)

Sorry for a first post to be a problem post, but I'm just about to phone the old geezer who sold it to me for my money back, which would be a great shame, if it turns out to be an easy fix?

What do you all think?

(I have adjusted the cable, btw, according to the owners manual that came with the bike.)

[royhall]

Welcome Frasmac.
Sounds like the bikes been stood for a while.
More than likely the clutch plates are stuck together and not releasing. If it were mine I would spend an afternoon stripping and cleaning the clutch. Its not a massive job but you will need a few new bits such as a new gasket etc. These aren't complicated engines, so if the bikes worth it get stuck in, you will probably regret it if you take it back. Any help you need just ask, there's loads of people on here with 350/400 fours who are bursting with knowledge. Cheers Roy.

[FrasMac]

Cheers Roy, that's kinda what I was wanting to hear, so that's what I will do!

[tom400f]

Hi and welcome.

As Roy says, very straightforward. Just take off the clutch cover and there it is. Open the basket and see what's in there.

*presumably* the cable is adjusted etc etc  don't mean to be flippant but sometimes the obvious things...

[Green1]

We don't wan't to be Missing the obvious now do we Tom.

 

What do you all think?

(I have adjusted the cable, btw, according to the owners manual that came with the bike.)

Mick

[tom400f]

 

I never read to the end... 

[mike the bike]

You don't even need to drain the oil.  Lean the bike over on the left hand side so the oil doesn't fall out, remove the brake lever and kickstart and remove the clutch cover screws. 

[FrasMac]

Haha! Yep, I hoped that the cable was the culprit, but, alas, no! So now, i will find some big cushions, and lie her over on her left side, and set about getting yon basket out! I take it that brake cleaner is good for cleaning the plates?

[royhall]

Brake cleaner is good for the plain metal plates, but don't use on the friction plates. If it were mine I would replace the friction plates as the friction lining may be damaged. And whilst your in there etc. Plus, you only need to lean the bike over slightly to stop the oil. Don't put it right over on its side or oil will go everywhere. May be a good time for an oil change as well, and do the clutch on the centre stand whilst the oil is out. Good luck.

[Nurse Julie]

Welcome.
Good to have another 400/4 owner on the forum.
Have fun
Julie

[AshimotoK0]

Agree on Clutch plates stuck after period of standing .Welcome from me too. I have an 8/75 CB400F myself. Lovely little bikes and much easier to restore now repro parts available.

You can download a Genuine Honda Service (Shop) manual off my Dropbox here for free: Plus parts list.

 https://www.dropbox.com/s/zh31qynxfimw8pb/400_4%20Shop%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u51uf0p1dv6m29q/Honda%20CB400%20F%20Parts%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

 What I find as a non-pro is that if the cross head screws are chewed up a bit, reform the cross as best as you can with hammer and flat head punch. Then whack the punch against the head with a hammer to jar the threads and then use a decent fitting crossherad driver to remove. If you hit the head of the driver with a hammer it will reform the crosshead in the screw. If totally knadgered , either use a cold chisel on the side of the screw head to try to tap round or drill out. ALL with great care and attention of course. Impact driver useful of course if you have one but take care not to hit it too hard and not much use if the screw head is f'ed.

Ash

[FrasMac]

I can see that you guys and gals know your stuff! Thank you very much for all the helpful replies, I have elected to replace the plates and bougty a service kit from Silvers. I will let you know how I get on!

[Tiny Tim]

Hi from a boiling hot Kent coast.
Tim

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

and watch out for jaws in Herne bay just read it somewhere
Cheers
Bitsa

[Trigger]

Welcome to the mad world of the SOHC, loads of 400 members on here. Enjoy