Topic: TOTAL beginner's guide to CB750 engine rebuilding?

[Mercutiojb]

Ok, so I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but I've never rebuilt a motor before.  I'd very much like to rebuild a CB750 motor (probably an extra, don't want to mess up the only one I have!).

My problem is, I have no SPECIFIC knowledge about rebuilding.  I feel like every resource I've seen assumes too much.  Assumes that I know certain steps, or that I'd notice something being 'wrong'.  For example, when I pull a cam and inspect it, I have no idea what I'm looking for.  I have no idea what's OK and what's not.

So, are there resources for a guy like me? Both general, and CB750 specific?

[Mo]

Yeah! Mark's Book (Hondaman)

Also the owners manual. Building an engine is like following a set of decent instructions. Follow directions, ask for help when you need and don't lose any pieces.

Search using the left bar to see dozens of these posts...

[flybox1]

Hondaman's Book. +1000

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=65293.0

[Mercutiojb]

The search is sometimes difficult to use, and can be cumbersome.  I had searched and didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

It also seems that many people either already know what they're doing, but need very specific info related to the CB, or they know nothing and are simply wondering where to send it.  I'd love to take the project on myself!

I'll certainly check out Hondaman's book, thank you!

Yeah! Mark's Book (Hondaman)

Also the owners manual. Building an engine is like following a set of decent instructions. Follow directions, ask for help when you need and don't lose any pieces.

Search using the left bar to see dozens of these posts...

[davesee]

rebuilding your engine is an intimidating idea, but with the shop manual and this forum, it's really not as hard as it seems.
like anything, it's a learning process, but definitely have some sandwhich bags and a sharpie to keep parts organized, and a camera on hand to take a picture of each thing that you remove (also so you can post pictures here when you run into trouble).

other than that, use a torque wrench, and don't break any bolts!!!!

[PeWe]

CMSNL has schematics of the entire engine that will help to identify the parts. If the engine has been done before, there is a risk that something is wrong or missing.
http://www.cmsnl.com/search/index.php?spbmbrand=HO&spbmmodel=Honda+CB750+four&spbmvin=

I double check the bolts here when its easy to forget where everything was placed before. Simlilar bolts but different in lenght.

I hate to find a Honda marked bolt as left over after assembly.

[Blasbo]

Another vote for Hondaman's book. I wish I had it before I even took my engine out. It will give you the foundation information you are looking for.
I agree the shop manual assumes a certain level of experience, but it was written for professional mechanics. I like to read Hondaman's book and the shop manual for the same task. Usually between the two of them I can figure it out.
If you get stuck on a particular thing search the forum and if you can't find an answer post your question. People here are always helpful.

[Mercutiojb]

other than that, use a torque wrench, and don't break any bolts!!!!

Ugh, I've already learned that lesson with my oil pan drain plug!

[Mercutiojb]

CMSNL has schematics of the entire engine that will help to identify the parts. If the engine has been done before, there is a risk that something is wrong or missing.
http://www.cmsnl.com/search/index.php?spbmbrand=HO&spbmmodel=Honda+CB750+four&spbmvin=

I double check the bolts here when its easy to forget where everything was placed before. Simlilar bolts but different in lenght.

I hate to find a Honda marked bolt as left over after assembly.

I've been using motogrid, but this looks much better, thanks!

[Mercutiojb]

Ok all, time to break down and buy Hondaman's book, and maybe a printed shop manual in addition to the digital one.  At least I have another bike to ride now ;-)

[bollingball]

+100000000000000000000000000 On Hondamans book and a camera. You can not take to many photos.
Ken

[70CB750]

That's the spirit 

Nothing beats reading the book and having the engine disassembled in the same time for illustration. 

I used egg cartons to store parts and excessive sharpie marks and notes.  Also for parts like cam towers I used Harbor Freight letter/number punch set to mark permanently what goes where.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Letter+and+number+Punch+Set

[Mercutiojb]

Also for parts like cam towers I used Harbor Freight letter/number punch set to mark permanently what goes where.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Letter+and+number+Punch+Set

Oooh, now that's a good idea...

[bollingball]

Also for parts like cam towers I used Harbor Freight letter/number punch set to mark permanently what goes where.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Letter+and+number+Punch+Set

Oooh, now that's a good idea...

Good idea to mark in some way. I use a little electric engraver.
Ken