Author Topic: CB360-T first ever Cafe Racer project, New Member looking for engine advice  (Read 1107 times)

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TexForce

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Howdy,

This is my first forum post so I apologize if this is the wrong area for this type of question but here goes.

I've recently aquired a 1975 Honda CB360-T. My intention is to recreate a Cafe Racer style bike from it. My goal for the look of the bike can be seen in the attached photo titled GOAL.PNG

I have torn down the bike chassis to a roller. Engine and drive train are still intact, engine hasn't been started in 10 years but was kept in good condition. Bike did start ten years ago before I was given it. When I removed the gas tank it smelled of varnish inside. Not much fluid drained from it. Exhaust has been removed, pipes were rotted out. Have not yet looked at the carbs but I assume they need replacing.

I've attached some additional photos of the bike before and after I stripped it down.

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what I should look to do next with the intake, engine, and carbs. I was wondering if there are special ways to help me on deciding to try to kick the engine over. Basically where would one begin to ascertain where to go forward with the build. I am a novice in this department and simply don't want to ruin anything if I can avoid it.

Super pumped for this project and coming to this forum is like going to the well! Thanks for any advice and for all the posted information.

All the best,

- TexForce

Offline calj737

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Tank: fill with Acetone (1 gallon) and soak it, swish it around, and drain. This will help with dissolving the evaporated fuel.

Engine: remove spark plugs. Spray some penetrating oil directly into the cylinders and let soak. If the motor will allow you to rotate it with the kick starter, do so several times with the plugs out. If all is decent there, drain oil, remove filter, and replace these. Rplace plugs with new set. Attempt to start the bike (this after carb rebuild and tank service).

Carbs: remove bowls, soak them in a solution to dissolve all varnish, remove jets, needles and emulsion tubes. Clean, clean, clean them. Reset float heights. Basically, you are rebuilding and restoring them to factory settings. Tons of threads on here about carb rebuild and the approximate settings and sources for parts.

Download a copy of the manual, and perform the 3,000 mile service also. This will entail servicing the brakes, the master cylinder, adjusting and lubricating the clutch, brake and throttle cables. Change and replace the fork oil. Check the swing arm bushing for play, the steering head bearings for wear, and of course, the wheel bearings.

All this will likely take about 2 weeks if your diligent and reference the manual as you go. When you get stuck, post up a question and some pictures, and many knowledgable members will come running to your aide.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

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Offline seanbarney41

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CalJ has got the basics down for you above.  Get it running and riding good.  Learn to ride(this is a never ending journey really).  You will have your hands full just keeping a 30 year old bike maintained and operational, plus learning to ride.  When you feel like you have a firm grasp on this stuff, you will have a much better understanding of what the bike needs as far as improvements in the performance and looks departement. 
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Pecantree

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Get a set of JIS screwdrivers.
Also a good impact driver.
http://www.harvestclassic.org/

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Offline Rodger

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Check:  Hondatwins.net

69 Honda CB350, 71 Honda CB350K, 72 Honda CB350K Café,
75 Honda CB400F Blue, 75 Honda CB400F Red 73 Honda CL175 and 76 Honda CJ360

Offline calj737

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Get a set of JIS screwdrivers.
Also a good impact driver.

This is the best advice!

The slotted screws on the bikes are not "Phillips" they are "JIS" and attempting to extract them if they're frozen, you will round them out (that's where the impact driver comes in). Pre-soak them in penetrating oil, use an impact, and then use JIS screwdrivers. You'll need to order them, but do so.

Upon reassembly, replace them with stainless steel Allen heads (alloyboltz.com has sets for the entire motor covers http://alloyboltz.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=316_358_382&osCsid=5flrj3a3qvrf8i05vnlv62n9o5 )
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis