Topic: '71 CB750 Cafe Racer Engine Build

[750ccdan]

Well, after my long post was lost to internet space, I'm going to keep this attempt short. I'm building a cafe racer and want a reliable, strong engine. I've got the head off and I'm seeing good things! Actually, I don't see much bad at all. A little piston skirt scratching and some carbon buildup is the worst of it. I'm going to do my due diligence and inspect all of the critical dimensions, making sure they're in spec....but if everything is good, do I keep going? Do I keep tearing this engine apart to find that everything is good, or do I stop where I am, replace the gaskets and see if she runs? I've got Hondaman's book coming, which should help, but I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks.

[750ccdan]

Also, I can't get the jugs separated from the heads! Any tips?

[NewOldSchool]

You may have missed the 4 bolts holding the center of the head to the jugs. Look under the rubber plugs in the center of the head. The four outer plugs have bolts under them.

You will need new ones if you remove them.

[750ccdan]

Thanks NewOldSchool. I did remove the four bolts under the pucks. You can't stick around here too long without hearing about those bolts! I think there's just some super-villian type adhesion going on with that gasket in between. I don't want to break any fins by prying, but the rubber mallet and my skinny arms pulling just aren't cutting it. Is there something I can soak the joint with that will loosen it up?

Here's some more pics just for the heck of it.
My CL90, both bikes, carbs off for the first time

[NewOldSchool]

Just double checking. You have removed the bolts over where the cam chain tensioner would go and the one dead center on the exhaust side as well?

I would try lightly prying between the head and cylinder block in a thicker area. I had to do that to mine and one little pull had them apart.

[azuredesign]

Wouldn't a hot air gun help here?