Author Topic: 1975 CB400F Build in New Zealand (Read 4145 times)

fishman_Phil · « **on:** April 28, 2018, 03:54:41 PM »

Here is a 1975 Honda CB400F that I purchased about 9 years ago from Dannevirke, New Zealand after going to the Wellington Classic Nationals with the CB350F I had just done up. Purchased the bike off TradeMe and when I went to collect it, found that it was parked up under a tree exposed to all the weather. Well she has waited long enough, I am currently selling off some bikes and parts to make room and finance the work that is required to the bikes that I wish to keep. I should really keep this bike, but have decided (on the basis that we get the engine running sweet) to tidy her up to a reasonably high standard and move her on. I have asked a friend, Larry Saunders to come over and lend a hand and we will see what we can do to making her look and run good again. Will add progress to this post so follow along.

minimo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2018, 04:59:40 PM »

Awesome! Welcome aboard! I just wrapped up on my ‘75 400F rebuild. Most of it is semi-fresh in my mind so here to give support. Cheers!

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scunny · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2018, 05:17:49 PM »

Looks like a good buff and she will be all go.
Whats that metal canister thingy hanging off the bike ?

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #3 on:** April 28, 2018, 05:37:49 PM »

The canister thingy is a coby car muffler a PO had tried to use for it's exhaust. Heavy damn thing.

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2018, 10:24:46 PM »

Well this afternoon it was see if the engine will fire up. Put on an old set of 400F headers I had amongst my parts. Connected up a throttle cable as it was hanging in the breeze. The ignition switch was stuffed and had no spare so after installing a battery, ran a feed from the plug that goes to the switch, red wire and took this to both coil inputs. Shorted a screwdriver across the starter solenoid. Yes, the engine spun over and after removing a plug found I had spark at the plugs. Next check the oil level. No sign of it on the dipstick. Started feeding some oil in and found it was coming out under the bike as fast as it went in. My first thought was there was no drain plug installed. Oh no, you were so wrong. For some reason a PO had removed the sump completely.
Yes, no sump at all. If you purchase a car or a motorcycle, one would expect to have the sump left on the engine would you not? got one from my spares, found the correct screws, new gasket and installed it. In goes more oil. Now to fire it up.
Nope, no interest in firing at any of the cylinders even with the ether being sprayed into the carbs. Why was there no points cover on the engine? Checked the points and found the points plate had been turned hard round clockwise. Backed it back to mid position and tried starting again. And yes, it was trying but not hard enough. Turned back anti-clock a bit more, and yes it tried even harder to start.
Okay, that is it for today, tomorrow I will go to town get some more Easy Start (ether), clean the carbs out, install a new set of points and set the timing and see how it all goes then. I do not want to proceed down the build track until I have heard the engine running.

calj737 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2018, 05:33:06 AM »

Also might want to adjust the valves to their correct settings.

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2018, 12:57:58 PM »

Quote from: calj737 on April 30, 2018, 05:33:06 AM

Also might want to adjust the valves to their correct settings.

Certainly will be. I see some old seepage from around the head gasket, so when the engine comes out the head will come off and do an inspection and will lap the valves in and readjust.

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2018, 11:09:05 PM »

Spent some time on the girl this arvo, replaced the points, 2 sets being a 4 cylinder, set the timing, cleaned the carbs out and vrrrrm, she ran and she idled nice as well, no rattles and knocks. Gave it a compression test and she came up between 135 and 150 lb on each cylinder. If she had a good run they would probably all even out the same close to the 150 mark. Next is to document what needs straightening, replacing, chrome plating etc.
Here in New Zealand I have only seen red and blue paint jobs. Did they ever have a yellow, as a mate has plenty of 2 pack yellow that would look great on it.

calj737 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2018, 03:24:00 AM »

In the US, Yellow was available, maybe not in '75 though? Others will pop along who know these details.

Andych · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2018, 08:42:59 PM »

Quote from: calj737 on May 01, 2018, 03:24:00 AM

In the US, Yellow was available, maybe not in '75 though? Others will pop along who know these details.

75 model were only Red and Blue.
Looks to be a nice project. Hang onto those headers if they are not rotted out or flattened and ground away after being thrown down the road.

I have the same year as yours, I haven’t started on it yet but you will find everything you need in this forum.

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fishman_Phil · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2018, 09:51:37 PM »

The next stage now done, strip it down and prepare to work on each part. My friend Larry, is taking away the frame to work on while I clean up the engine. Then the frame and engine will come back together and give us some inspiration to continue and move onto preparing other parts. I always find it easiest to lay the engine on it's side and lower the frame down over it. That way there is no paint damage, squashed fingers, strained mussels, foul language and very little time taken to perform the job.

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2018, 08:22:05 PM »

My friend Larry is working away on the frame and I have been cleaning up the engine. Am I right in thinking that the complete 400 engine is painted and no polished metal apart from the chrome pieces?

Don R · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2018, 09:23:56 PM »

I believe mine was painted silver all over. I've scotchbrited and painted where it needed something. It needs more on the case it's self. I usually paint the dyno cover black and polish the letters.

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2018, 09:52:38 PM »

Quote from: Don R on May 06, 2018, 09:23:56 PM

I believe mine was painted silver all over. I've scotchbrited and painted where it needed something. It needs more on the case it's self. I usually paint the dyno cover black and polish the letters.

Cheers Don, going to save a bit of metal polishing like I did on the 350f

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2018, 10:18:07 PM »

A mate, Larry Saunders toiled away on the frame and has it all ready to bring back to me. I have been cleaning up others parts including the engine ready to go back into the frame and also sourcing replacement parts either from my own spares or purchases off the web. From my spare parts: front mudguard, front and rear wheels, clutch cover, ignition cover, generator cover, correct horn, handle bars, instrument housing, speedo cable, chain, gearshift linkages, side stand, exhaust headers, muffler, rear shocks, seat, front forks, airbox, air cleaner cover, tank and side cover decals, chain guard, carburettor induction rubbers, kick start shaft, petrol cap and catch. Lucky I carry some spare parts. From the web: new ignition switch, master brake cylinder and mirrors. Once the bike has been revinned and tested on the road, that is when I will decide what to spend on other things like rear mudguard and new exhaust system. Still need to source a couple of side covers for it.

marting100 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 15, 2018, 07:50:45 AM »

Quote from: calj737 on May 01, 2018, 03:24:00 AM

In the US, Yellow was available, maybe not in '75 though? Others will pop along who know these details.

I believe Candy Antares Red and Parakeet Yellow came available for US and Canada in 1977. ...and there's variances (some have the "older" lower bars and passenger foot pegs on swing arm like mine and some have the height extended bars with re-positioned passenger foot pegs).

Nice project you got there! good luck, ...following
Cheers!
M

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #16 on:** May 17, 2018, 04:46:04 PM »

The engine and frame are now back together. Guy in one of the pics is mate Larry who prepared the frame for me. Installed the engine just as I have done in the past with the CB350F bikes I have. No scratching and no squashed fingers.

jaytee-nz · « **Reply #17 on:** May 17, 2018, 06:02:21 PM »

Looks great Phil - you'll be finished before I complete my 500/4 !
John (the starter motor guy)

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #18 on:** May 17, 2018, 07:53:51 PM »

Quote from: jayteenz on May 17, 2018, 06:02:21 PM

Looks great Phil - you'll be finished before I complete my 500/4 !
John (the starter motor guy)

cheers John

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #19 on:** May 26, 2018, 04:48:03 PM »

Progress may look a little slow on the bike at present, but there are lots of other things to prep before they go back on the bike. I recovered the wiring loom and have that in place again along with most of the electrical bits that could be fitted at this stage. Had a nice big cleanup of an original exhaust system that will also be installed on the bike. The rusty rear shock is only in place at present to hold the swingarm up until I get some tidy units to install.

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2018, 08:26:10 PM »

A bit more progress, as we now have some rear shocks back in the bike. Not perfect but tidied up to make presentable, so that when the bike is revinned to go on the road, I can wait and see how it goes before throwing more cash at it. Rear wheel in. One from my CB350F spares. What I have to get sorted next is the front forks. Then we can add a front wheel, brakes, headlight, gauges and bars, etc.

jaytee-nz · « **Reply #21 on:** May 30, 2018, 08:36:03 PM »

Great progress Phil.
What paint did you use on the engine ?
John

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #22 on:** May 30, 2018, 09:35:00 PM »

Quote from: jayteenz on May 30, 2018, 08:36:03 PM

Great progress Phil.
What paint did you use on the engine ?
John

Hi John ... I used Dupli-Color Engine Enamel with Ceramic. Stands up to 500 deg F. Resistant to oil and fluids. I am in New Zealand, but you could probably get a little more info from where I purchase it here www.supercheapauto.co.nz
Cheers

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #23 on:** June 04, 2018, 10:35:07 PM »

project slowed down at present. Doing some fiddly bits and waiting for parts from Taiwan, England, Australia, Japan and here in New Zealand.

fishman_Phil · « **Reply #24 on:** June 05, 2018, 10:19:14 PM »

My fork seals have just arrived so all going well tomorrow I can get the front forks reassembled, installed and get a front wheel back onto the bike. The exhaust is back on the bike today. Never had any header pipes before but I did have this reasonable set of OEM headers to use. Not so many bits left now on the bench. Paint job coming up for the petrol tank and side covers.

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Author Topic: 1975 CB400F Build in New Zealand (Read 4145 times)