Topic: CB650C - how important is the oil strainer?

[GapaGapa]

Hi Everyone, long time first time.

I picked up an 81 cb650c with 19k miles in running condition. Running condition is a relative term. The engine runs, but . . .

Part of my refurbishing plan with this bike is to replace the oil, filter, and clean the pump\strainer. I drained the oil, replaced the filter, and got the oil pan off and surprise! No strainer.

Good news is that the sludge at the bottom of the pan is part-free, and appears to be fleck free. The bad news is that it doesn't have a strainer, and I don't what the po did previously, or how long he ran it without a strainer.

Core question: how important is the strainer? Without flecks and parts in the oil pan, is this a sign that the strainer isn't that big of a deal? Could I return the bike to service without the strainer, or should I replace it and worry about the condition of the engine?

Second, How does the oil strainer connect to the oil pump? I found the mechanics manual that illustrates the 650 once had a strainer, and it's diagram indicates oil leaves the strainer to the pump, but through what kind of a connection? I can't feel for anything above the metal oil strainer holder. Is there a hose that I need to replace? Does oil magically leave the pan to the pump by pressure?

My many thanks!

Andrew

[cb650]

I think there is a o ring that holds it in place.   I think I have one laying around if you want it.

[DH]

The parts diagram shows the strainer and 2 o rings that fit into a pipe
that leads to the pump itself, if I'm seeing it correctly. I looked on the
parts diagram at cmsnl.com. You need a strainer. ANY debris of ANY
sort going into the intake of an oil pump is never good. If I'm reading your oiling schematic right, You run a real chance of the locking up the pump, or at the least contaminating it,
causing a slow death. Not to mention the potential damage to the rest
of the engine, due to blockage of oil passages/starvation. Not sure if that part is still available new any more, you might need to look for a used one , but do get one. 
Don't mean to borrow trouble for you, just passin a little insurance
along.