Author Topic: CB400f rebuild  (Read 5515 times)

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Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #25 on: January 14, 2015, 02:00:10 PM »
Looking good!
Make sure you do a good job of grounding the battery box too. I usually run a wire between frame and battery box just to be sure it has a good ground.
If it isn't grounded well you will have battery charging issues as some of the electrics are bolted to it and use it as their ground.
Thanks Kevin for the info,I was reading noblehops project and it had a section about a green earth wire with a connector that bolts near the battery box and I have that same wire,would that be the one to bolt to it?
Tez.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline Kevin

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #26 on: January 14, 2015, 02:06:08 PM »
Hi Tez,
I'm not sure which wire you are referring too....
On my last build I thought I had done a good job of grounding everything.
I started having charging issues and was chasing my tail trying to figure out what the deal was.
In the end I ran a ground wire from the battery box to the frame and it solved everything.

I think the forward mounting bolt on the battery box is meant to also be the frame ground, along with the green wire off the wire harness, but in my case it just wasn't enough.

You can never have too good of a ground, especially in these old bikes.....well unless you are shorting out your positive   :o

A couple of 400F's and a
'98 Suzuki Intruder VS1400 ~ for long rides

Offline MoMo

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #27 on: January 14, 2015, 02:08:20 PM »
Kevin is right the forward mount of the box is where the green wire grounds, make sure everything is clean and free of coatings.  Satin or semigloss comes close to replicating the original finish

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #28 on: January 14, 2015, 02:14:39 PM »
Kevin is right the forward mount of the box is where the green wire grounds, make sure everything is clean and free of coatings.  Satin or semigloss comes close to replicating the original finish
Thanks MoMo,I'll be doing some more wiring tomorrow so I may be calling for help again ;)
« Last Edit: January 14, 2015, 02:16:50 PM by Tezrhc »
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline jackseattle

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #29 on: January 14, 2015, 09:08:32 PM »
Subscribed
1976 400F
1971 450

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #30 on: January 16, 2015, 12:13:46 AM »
More wiring problems today,2 wires that connect to the starter relay and I only have 1!  I wonder if this loom I bought is off a different model.
After all tests have been done decided to strip the insulation tape off to trace wiring and after a few unwinds there was the wire,had been cut or broken,so a new piece soldered in and all is well again.
The main head scratching problems are routing the wiring,I think I have it right.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline NobleHops

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #31 on: January 16, 2015, 02:43:51 AM »
Have a look at my thread, I spent some time on this too and posted pics and other folks helped with pics too. Hopefully it's helpful.

Can't wait to see your bike with those polished cases. Looking forward to the "reveal" :-).

N.
Nils Menten * Tucson, Arizona, USA

I have a motorcycle problem.

My build thread: NobleHops makes a 400F pretty for his wife: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=131210.0

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #32 on: January 16, 2015, 10:04:46 AM »
After what you said Noblehops I was looking at your thread and saw I'd fitted the rectifier the wrong way round ;D
After testing the lights which were intermittently working I found the fuse box terminals suspect.
So took the fuse box off ripped the terminals out and dunked them into vinegar for about 3 hours.
Even some connectors in the headlamp shell needed cleaning even though they looked ok.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline NobleHops

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #33 on: January 16, 2015, 10:25:57 AM »
Very happy you found that helpful!
Nils Menten * Tucson, Arizona, USA

I have a motorcycle problem.

My build thread: NobleHops makes a 400F pretty for his wife: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=131210.0

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #34 on: January 25, 2015, 11:41:29 AM »
Fitted carbs,contact breakers and Set gaps and static timing.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline NobleHops

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #35 on: January 25, 2015, 11:44:28 AM »
Getting closer....closer... ;D
Nils Menten * Tucson, Arizona, USA

I have a motorcycle problem.

My build thread: NobleHops makes a 400F pretty for his wife: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=131210.0

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #36 on: January 25, 2015, 11:51:14 AM »
Getting closer....closer... ;D
Yes,I'm itching to start it but I need to sort the exhaust out.
I've got two sets of down pipes with dented right hand pipe and scratches under collector,don't know if I should get a set rechromed or just buy a pattern set off david silver.
Also 1 and 4 ht leads are too short,does anybody do a connector to lengthen them?
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline Kevin

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #37 on: January 25, 2015, 12:33:50 PM »


Also 1 and 4 ht leads are too short,does anybody do a connector to lengthen them?
[/quote]

If 1 and 4 HT leads are too short you probably have a set that are meant to be 2 and 3..... You really can't splice them.
Are your #2 and 3 HT leads extra long? Maybe you just have the coils swapped.
A couple of 400F's and a
'98 Suzuki Intruder VS1400 ~ for long rides

Offline strynboen

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #38 on: January 25, 2015, 12:55:29 PM »
i have solderet nev heigh volt vires oin old coils..it gives new life to old coils..and is more vater resistens..a big problem on this bikes..
have also shiftet the low volt vires..

the cut in the coils must be done so the nev vire can be pushed inn in a hole..and pressed in to the solder point..so cut only a small hole dovn direk to the solder point..do not cut the hole vay inn from front..

..klick on the photo to make it bigger..so the presise cut can be made...then there are less to glue..to seal the cut
« Last Edit: January 25, 2015, 01:00:32 PM by strynboen »
i kan not speak english/but trying!!
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=60973.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144758.0
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Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #39 on: January 25, 2015, 01:10:42 PM »


Also 1 and 4 ht leads are too short,does anybody do a connector to lengthen them?

If 1 and 4 HT leads are too short you probably have a set that are meant to be 2 and 3..... You really can't splice them.
Are your #2 and 3 HT leads extra long? Maybe you just have the coils swapped.
I have a spare set Kevin,I will have to check the length of wires,if they are the same size I will have a go at extending the wires.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #40 on: January 25, 2015, 01:16:31 PM »
i have solderet nev heigh volt vires oin old coils..it gives new life to old coils..and is more vater resistens..a big problem on this bikes..
have also shiftet the low volt vires..

the cut in the coils must be done so the nev vire can be pushed inn in a hole..and pressed in to the solder point..so cut only a small hole dovn direk to the solder point..do not cut the hole vay inn from front..

..klick on the photo to make it bigger..so the presise cut can be made...then there are less to glue..to seal the cut
Thanks strynboen for the information,I may try this on a spare set i have.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #41 on: January 30, 2015, 03:27:32 PM »
Well,not much more done at the moment,I've decided to order a pattern exhaust system from Mr Silver and also some other small details.
Had trouble finding a seat hinge as the one I bought from USA is not off a 400/4 as advertised but not worth sending back,especially as I've painted it before trying it.managed to buy a complete seat with the hinge on so that's another tick off my list.
Hopefully next week will be starting up,I will try and get a video done with a link on here with pics of bike complete.
So until then bye for now.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #42 on: February 14, 2015, 12:04:07 PM »
Got my exhaust from Dave Silver and some other bits,it's fitted and the bike is running,checked the timing with a strobe after setting up with a 12v bulb and its ok,balanced the carbs,there is a small amount of smoke out the exhaust and the plugs are sooty so I'll have to check that out,but it sounds ok.

« Last Edit: February 14, 2015, 12:13:45 PM by Tezrhc »
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline Kevin

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #43 on: February 14, 2015, 12:33:21 PM »
Looking Good!
Man, you sure don't mess around do you! You must not have a wife and kids sucking up all of your free time!
A couple of 400F's and a
'98 Suzuki Intruder VS1400 ~ for long rides

Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #44 on: February 14, 2015, 12:48:46 PM »
Looking Good!
Man, you sure don't mess around do you! You must not have a wife and kids sucking up all of your free time!
Your right I don't but Olive the cat and a busy social life + shift work keeps me busy.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline NobleHops

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #45 on: February 14, 2015, 12:51:53 PM »
That has got to be a world record time. Incredible. Bike looks amazing man, well done!
Nils Menten * Tucson, Arizona, USA

I have a motorcycle problem.

My build thread: NobleHops makes a 400F pretty for his wife: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=131210.0

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #46 on: February 14, 2015, 02:41:50 PM »
Nominated for BOTM.  Can we get a second?
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
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"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

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Offline Tezrhc

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #47 on: February 15, 2015, 09:08:03 AM »
Nominated for BOTM.  Can we get a second?
thanks for the nomination but I think some of the other bikes are well good and professionally done,maybe next year if I strip down and redo some of the bits,I've got two origional sets of headers to get rechromed for starters,
Cheers Terry.
Previous bikes-NC30 x 5,RD350LC x 2,TDR250,CB250G5,SUZUKI GT750,CB400f x 2,Z650,Gilera 50 trial,RD250 x 2,DT125,DT175,IT175,BMWK100RS,KLX650,GSXR1100M,GSXR6/750SRAD,GS1000E,CR500 Supermoto x 2,GS400L,KLE250,KLX250 x 3,CB750f x 2,TS125,CM250,TDR250 x 2.
Now- NC30,RD350LC,CB400f.

Offline HondaMan

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Re: CB400f rebuild
« Reply #48 on: February 15, 2015, 07:47:45 PM »
Tank painted,only 1 fly landed in the clear coat which I was able to sand out  ;D

DANG!
I hate that...when I painted the bike on the cover of my book, it took 3 times to get one without "bugs" in the parts. They always showed up during the final color or the clear. I wonder what it is about that paint?
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

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