Topic: CB400 Four, version 9.0 for ME I flip for 400 fours

[MoMo]

Still haven't finished version 8.0,which is to be donated whenever the welder comes over and I buy a new muffler.   http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,125365.msg1424825.html#msg1424825  is the thread .  The latest version was offered to me by a forum member and even though I had sworn off projects I purchased this 400 four sight unseen when he offered it.  Of the 8 previous 400's  I bought the amount paid for this was the second highest(and the bike in the worst condition by the way) -I've managed to not spend more than 600 for any of the previous bikes. Lots of problems with this:  Number four cylinder is seized up tight; case has a chip; number 4 plug hole is buggered; r/h switch trashed; no headlight; ding in tank; wrong handlebars; all cables shot; tires shot; chain and sprockets shot.  On the plus side:  got a very nice extra front fender; tool kit; new side covers and...........................................nothing else. Am I a glutton for punishment or what???



Notice the brackets welded to the frame- shock mount alternative?  more to come...Larry

[NobleHops]

SUBscribed!

[sbeckman7]

Glutton for punishment doesn't begin to cover it... Maybe you should get that checked out    Looking forward to the build.

[MoMo]

Glutton for punishment doesn't begin to cover it... Maybe you should get that checked out    Looking forward to the build.

I am thinking of getting a brain transplant




Trashed aftermarket muffler, but the rear wheel seems decent .  S&W rear shocks could be a plus if they are rebuildable

[MoMo]

No battery, header passable.  Quite sure the clutch plates are in dire need of cleaning.  Actually, I intend to completely pull this motor apart.  I had a fairly large inventory of spare motor parts but either sold cheaply or gave away since I had no intention of building yet another 400

Goofy bars, seized MC, faulty switch, bad cable, missing instrument cluster cover, 37K.  On ver. 8 I replaced all hardware with stainless allen-will do the same here

[MoMo]

Missing headlight, broken turn signal, mangled fender, chipped headlight shell.  On the plus: forks aren't pitted, I have a bunch of turn signals and I was given a very nice extra fender with the purchase

[MoMo]

Just noticed the missing alternator plate. Bent center stand, leaky head gasket, bad chain and sprockets.  I think when washed the frame paint will be passable.  Oh yeah, the frame is in good condition where the side stand attaches

[MoMo]

Tank is dented below that silver spot, but the tank is very clean inside. 

[MoMo]

Last inspected  in Iowa 1985




Although cracked and beat up, having the complete tool kit with cover is a plus. Think I saw somewhere that the cover is being reproduced-not all that sure I saw it though

[MoMo]

Started to disassemble the motor so I could see which cylinder is seized. Note the special rusty condition of the oil passage tubes.







 

[MoMo]

Plug from alternator to harness, repairable but I may have one somewhere hidden in the barn/shop.


The chip in the case.  I have a polished spare set but most likely will have this repaired

[MoMo]

I am thinking of getting a brain transplant

A transplant requires you to possess what is given (a brain, in this case). It's apparent that with your fixation and lack of judgement about these projects, you're having a brain is called into question. 

Perhaps a "cerebral donation" is what's in order? 

Like you, I'd rather take the worst possible project and begin anew. No matter how it ends up, it will be far, far better than it was. And knowing you, it will be sumptuous when you obsession takes a holiday finally. 

Definitely a fair assessment Cal-it does require possessing one in order to donate.  Tentative plan is a multi-colored, primary color bike from which proceeds will go to St. Judes Hospital in Philly

[MoMo]

#4 exhaust valve stuck open



#4 piston  

[MoMo]

[MoMo]

Still have a modified valve spring compressor from my old days of wrenching at several local MC shops.  I was able to tap the stuck valve to free it, plus I had to grind the lip of one valve that had been hammered from running loose clearance in order to remove it.


Before



After

[strynboen]

nice that the piston vas stuck in upper posision..so most of the bore is.. prob.. not rusted..a sqvz of aft and diesel and some heat..and it vill boil.. and free it up...dont use asetone and fire at same time

[zammykoo]

#4 piston  

That almost looks like ground taco beef. Yummy 

[NobleHops]

#4 piston  

That almost looks like ground taco beef. Yummy 

All of a sudden I am HUNGRY.

[NobleHops]

Larry,

Compile a "parts needed" post when you feel like it. I'm certain I have items that you could use. Would feel good to repay past kindnesses.

N.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

#4 piston  

That almost looks like ground taco beef. Yummy 

I was going to say that it looks like what is left in the toilet AFTER cheap ground beef tacos.

[thirsty 1]

#4 piston  

That almost looks like ground taco beef. Yummy 

I was going to say that it looks like what is left in the toilet AFTER cheap ground beef tacos.

Don't squeeze the Charmin!

Subscribed

[MoMo]

Gotta agree with the toilet aftermath reference.   After all the bike is a pile of crap so it is appropriate.


Just got back from an auction, where there was an absolutely immaculate Kawi 2003 ZR7 with 1400 miles that I went to bid on.  My limit was 1700, which I thought would be able to purchase the bike but two guys ran it up to 2250-that is darn close to top retail dollar at a dealer.  Plus the winner had to pay 10% buyer premium plus 6% sales tax. Add that and he paid more than top dollar.  But.................it was showroom mint.



Thanks for the offer Nils...Larry

[MoMo]

Carb damage:  one slide is stuck and number 4 body eaten away.  Hopefully, Jim French can work his magic on it.  I had quite a few spare carb parts along with three spare bodies but I sold everything to a forum member real cheap.  Still haven't figured why I bought this.

[MoMo]

nice that the piston vas stuck in upper posision..so most of the bore is.. prob.. not rusted..a sqvz of aft and diesel and some heat..and it vill boil.. and free it up...dont use asetone and fire at same time

Heat gun or torch?   I have the cylinder filled with Kroil.  Thanks for the input

[RAFster122s]

Momo,
You can't standby and let one of these bikes be crushed, you must like raising the dead...

Is that a sulfur yellow?

You have something to keep your hands busy with now.

It might keep you out of trouble.

Watching this one develop...

David