Topic: missing a cylinder block dowel - '78 750F

[superchode]

not sure how this happened, but i installed the cylinder block over my pistons today and was getting ready to drop my newly rebuilt and re-assembled head on top... but i appear to be a dowel short.  i've only got 3 out of the 4 dowels that F head requires around the center of the block.  [side note: the manual calls for 8, but i think this is only for the K head - if someone knows for sure, i'd appreciate the feedback].

can anyone on these boards quickly send me out this dowel - i was hoping to have the engine back in the frame in a day or two... it's killing me that i'm hung up.  even a source for the dowel would be much appreciated.

edit: i'm also a bit confused about the seals that go around these dowels - i have an athena top end gasket kit and it's got a bunch of rubber cylinders that seem to be what's appropriate - but they don't fill the hole, just surround the dowel - is that what i'm supposed to use?

[Tim.]

Honda sells them I think (I bought for my 550 last year).

[HondaMan]

The K0-K5 only has 2 dowels on the cylinders (center, rear 2 studs), 2 more on top of the head (cam bearings).

The 0-rings go around the dowels or insets (or studs) where there are recesses in the faces of the head/cylinders. They don't fill the whole area, but compress to fill about 50% of it when torqued down.

If your Honda shop can't get some, let us know again: some of us have parted engines lying about.

[scondon]

Hey 'chode,

     Sorry I can't help with the dowel. I've got 7 and need 8. I'll be scrounging the garage tomorrow to find the final one, if two show up I'll be happy to send ya one (lots of engine bits in boxes).Hopefully someone will have one to send ya.

     You're correct in assuming that your F2 only needs 4 dowels. 77-78 K's have 8(maybe '76 as well).  The seal fits around the dowel and both are inserted into the hole/recess in the cylinder. They should both fit in the recess.The seal will not "fill" the hole and may sink beneath the surface. This area is prone to oil seepage so I add a thin film of Yamabond 4 sealant to the outer and inner surface of the seal. Here's a pic of a dowel and some extra seals to compare.

      Also, got your mail. Glad the parts arrived quickly

[oldbiker]

Those dowels are easily made if you have access to a lathe. they are not critical to a couple of thou. I turn mine on a Myford and finish off by polishing with fine emery.

[Tim.]

Didn't realize you were in Hamilton - I know I have a dowel new in the Honda packaging for a 550 - will it fit your application?  What Honda part number are you looking for?  I'll dig mine out and post later.

Would take a couple days to get to you by mail from Toronto where I am.

[superchode]

if you're going to make them - what material do you start off with? some sort of thin wall tubing?

[superchode]

ordered a couple from the dealer (this habit is worse than crack) - hopefully it comes straight in and isn't discontinued.