This is "Mouse," my 1978 CB750K project.
Mouse has led a hard life, and is not what I'd call a "survivor." Nor is it a candidate for stock restoration. The engine is seized, and there are a few parts that are both (a) important and (b) missing. But it was practically free (and worth every penny!), and it's mine, so I'll be getting it back on the road in a few weeks. (Stop laughing.)
The electrical system is non-functional. I've expertly diagnosed the problem as a "missing power cable" issue.
There's also the small matter of the ignition switch being packed with sand to the point of, well, not-turning. A new one is on the way.
The chain adjuster on the right side is missing the little "key" that HOLDS THE REAR WHEEL ON.
I'm not sure what this hose is supposed to attach to, but it looks important.
The PO put crash guards on it, but then apparently crashed them, so they are both bent. But that's not all -- the alternator cover bolts were probably leaking, so he installed longer bolts and inserted little brass sleeves over them to act as a kind of washer-type system, and then cranked the living **#$ out of them. This backyard mechanic scheme plugged the leaking cover, but because they stick out even when fully inserted, they are susceptible to being
bent, which they were. By the aforementioned crash guards. And ... then started leaking again.
The brakes will need a little cleaning.
I removed the airbox (which is in good condition, actually), and discovered something that gave this project its name -- a rodent nest. It probably interfered with the air flow. My 11 year-old son came up with the name. It fits, I think.
When I removed the carbs, I found a strange problem -- intakes for Nos. 1, 2 and 4 are coated in chalky substance. I assume that's bad.
The carbs themselves seem to be intact, on the outside, apart from missing two of the little bolts that hold the crass-brace on.
The carbs don't look that good on the inside, though.
This one has a moisture problem
This one has sand inside. Also bad, right?
I now assume the bike was stored at the bottom of the ocean -- the exhaust outlet (especially No. 1) has sand inside. Sand. Not crud. Not carbon. Not miscellaneous gunk. I'm using my expert powers of scientific diagnosis and speculate the sand might have something to do with the engine seizing.
Here's spark plugs 1 through 4. No. 4 wasn't seated more than about 3 turns. No. 1 was welded in so tight that it broke my breaker bar. But, I was victorious in the end.
Getting the transmission cover off proved to be difficult. The upper-most rear bolt (the long one) didn't want to budge, no matter how many different tactics I threw at it. I McGuyvered a "tool" to cut a new slot in the head --
I said a few curse words, and maligned the invention of the Phillips head screw/bolt/whatever and its use on motorcycles. But I was victorious in the end.
This is what I found when I finally got the cover off.
And the sprocket area is a little ... dirty.
So, the next step is to remove the engine, de-gunk-ify it, and get Mouse back on the road.
