Topic: Paddy - '78 CB750 - Version 3.0 Coming Soon!

[MCRider]

Stev-O and flybox1, thanks for the kind words, fellas!

I started Paddy Version 3.0 and . . . he's alive!  He's not running great and needs some tuning, but he runs and revs nicely off idle (flybox1 & Lucky - I attribute that to the tubes)!

I pulled the 1 & 4 exhaust rocker covers, and it appears oil is getting to the top end!  That said, 4's exhaust pipe was noticeably hotter than the others. Maybe running lean on that cylinder?

After running two minutes, I checked the oil tank, and it was dry. I topped it off, but I need to see if it happens again - I really don't like the idea of the scavenge pump not working.  So, I'm hoping that was normal and just a matter of oil being pulled into the engine during its first start.

Side covers are on:



A tune up and some better pics are in order!

In the meantime, I'm REALLY happy to have this dude in the garage:

Ah seems the wet sump has struck again. Usually its the stopper valve in the pump. Either it is hardened, or it is polluted and it leaks past. IF your tank doesn't fill up in short order from the wet sump (dry tank) condition, you'll need to remove the pump. Lots of rumors about someone making new stopper valves but not yet. In my case the stopper valve was stuck wide open, held that way by teenie tiny debris.

Curious, does your engine smoke out the exhaust during running with no oil in the tank?

[MCRider]

If you know you've got a full load in the engine/tank, topping off the tank will ultimately result in the oil coming out on the floor, I think.

[theofam]

MCRider, I think the stopper valve is what I rebuilt when I had the oil pump apart after Paddy 2.0. I figured there might be debris in there, so I disassembled it. The stopper valve was stuck open, but I fixed it (at least I think I did)!

I initially only put in about three quarts and ran him two minutes. The manual calls for 3.5 liters, which I ended up close to (a bit over) to have the dipstick at the full mark.

I'll keep a close eye on it, as I don't want excessive oil to build pressure and blow any gaskets.

Thanks for weighing in - I appreciate the input!

[theofam]

I ran Paddy another five minutes today over three different starts. The good news is the oil tank is staying full, so the scavenge pump is working and the stopper valve is closing.

I took him for a quick jaunt up the street. He died on me upon applying more throttle. Tune up time.

In the past, I had only static timed Paddy and figured it was time to shell out $45 for a timing light. My timing was a bit retarded on 1-4 and early on 2-3, so I'm gald I used the timing light.

He's still stalling when I roll on the throttle, although he's now idling nicely. This weekend or early next week I want to sync the carbs with my manometer. If that doesn't work, I'll have to pull the carbs and dig deeper.

[calikid]

How'd you clean the engine surface so it deals on the gaskets?

[Terry in Australia]

I ran Paddy another five minutes today over three different starts. The good news is the oil tank is staying full, so the scavenge pump is working and the stopper valve is closing.

I took him for a quick jaunt up the street. He died on me upon applying more throttle. Tune up time.

In the past, I had only static timed Paddy and figured it was time to shell out $45 for a timing light. My timing was a bit retarded on 1-4 and early on 2-3, so I'm gald I used the timing light.

He's still stalling when I roll on the throttle, although he's now idling nicely. This weekend or early next week I want to sync the carbs with my manometer. If that doesn't work, I'll have to pull the carbs and dig deeper.

You may have already done this mate, so apologies if you have, but if it's dying as you roll on your throttle I'm guessing that you've got a problem with your accellerator pump. The "Pumper" carbs run much leaner than the early carbs, so if the pump isn't working in the transition between your idle jets and main jets, that could be the reason for it crapping out. Cheers, Terry.

[lucky]

Did you get this bike to run correctly?
What happened?

[theofam]

Lucky, is three years too long to reply to your inquiry?  Wow, I've been off sohc4.net FOREVER!  Yes, Paddy ended up running great.  Once I got him running well, I promptly parked him a couple years.  Put a new battery in him in August 2017, had the carbs cleaned and sync'd, and he ran like he was eager to get out and see sights. 

I've had him on a battery tender with non-ethanol gas in the tank since then.  He hasn't come out of hibernation in 2018.  This seems unfair, so Paddy will soon be up for sale on what is now his 40th birth year.

Anyone have guidance on what a well sorted, torn-down-to-the-frame, mostly accurately restored 1978 CB750K will bring?

[Stev-o]

Anyone have guidance on what a well sorted, torn-down-to-the-frame, mostly accurately restored 1978 CB750K will bring?

I had an all original K8 in excellent condition that I sold for $3K a few years ago.

However, winter is not typically a good time to sell for top dollar. Maybe wait til Spring?

[theofam]

Dang, Stev-O, it’s been awhile!  Thanks for your input. Might be worth hanging on to Paddy over the winter.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Stev-o is right.  Winter is a great time for bargains.  Riding weather creates higher demand and prices.

[theofam]

Is there a craigslist for Australia?! 

[Stev-o]

Is there a craigslist for Australia?! 

Yes, Gumtree!  And here's your bike for sale for $8900!   [$6500 U.S. dollars]


https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/seaforth/motorcycles/honda-cb-750/1200457172


Fly out there with your bike, tour the Island, then sell it for a "free" trip!!

[theofam]

That’s more like it!  I was thinking $5-6K. We’ll see what Spring 2019 brings!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Where have you been hiding?

[theofam]

Fellas and Ladies,

Well, Paddy has moved on to greener pastures.  In case anyone is curious, he sold on craigslist Monday for $5,000 to the first guy who saw him.  Here he was posing for his CL photo:



It was the first time I ever accepted a business check for a bike.  Two young(er) guys bought him and told me he would be on display in their showroom.  I was told they restore cars and motorcycles.   

I was born at night, but not last night.  Anyhow, they seemed to be good guys, and I've an adage "people are inherently good."  So, I trusted them, took the check and kept the title until the check cleared.  All went as planned and, with money in my account, I delivered the title and receipts of Paddy's numerous iterations . . . to a gated building.  Behind the gate stood one of the young gentlemen who purchased Paddy.  "You want to see where it is?" he asked.  "You bet!"

See if you can find Paddy in the pano shot. 



If you guessed, "right next to the pristine 1932 Chris Craft," you're correct!



He couldn't have gone to a better place, because they drive and ride everything you see in the photo.  Pretty cool!

And with that, I'm out.  Thank you to everyone who helped me quell my CB curiousities since 2009.  This forum is such an excellent example of "people are inherently good!"  I'll be sorting through leftover parts and putting them in the classifieds if they're worthy of putting on a bike.

Take care,

Sean (theofam)

[Stev-o]

$5K is a great price for that bike, good for you.

And could not have gone to a better home, thx for closing it out for us.

-S

[theofam]

Stev-O,

You bet, and thanks for all your help over the years!