Topic: copper washers...

[Markagnew]

Hey guys, front fork question -

i have a 1977 cb750f1 super sport, the 8mm socket bolt and 8mm copper washer needs replacing, these two parts go into the bottom of the fork case to keep the fork pipe attached to the bottom fork case. Maybe two stupid questions here but ill ask...

1) do I have to replace the cooper seal with an original honda part or is the same size cooper seal say from a department store the same? I know the job it does and so I would say yes but first time venturing into forks.

2) the 8mm hex socket bolt, can I replace that with an identical s/s version rather than a original honda part - as very hard to get hold of cheaply in uk

thanks and again please go easy on me...

[bryanj]

Yes to the bolt no to the washer as the washer has to be specific id and od to fit and generic 8mm id are way too big od. Unless the washer is damaged you can anneal and re use it.

[Markagnew]

Unless the washer is damaged you can anneal and re use it.

How do I do this and thank you for your response!

[Deltarider]

Hold it in a flame till it is glowing red. Don't forget to throw it some water before you pick it up.

[calj737]

Hold it in a flame till it is glowing red. Don't forget to throw it some water before you pick it up.

Actually, drop it in cool water promptly while cherry red. Allowing it to cool “naturally” undermines the annealing process. Use a propane or Mapp torch to heat it. Thread a small wire through the center, dangle it in front of a flame for safety. Plop into cold water. Presto! Reinstall once cold (about 3’ after immersion). It’s now ready for reuse.

[Markagnew]

Absolute wizardry at its finest! thank you so much for your help!

[bryanj]

Mark, if you are in the UK have you tried the UK site?

[70CB750]

Hold it in a flame till it is glowing red. Don't forget to throw it some water before you pick it up.

Actually, drop it in cool water promptly while cherry red. Allowing it to cool “naturally” undermines the annealing process. Use a propane or Mapp torch to heat it. Thread a small wire through the center, dangle it in front of a flame for safety. Plop into cold water. Presto! Reinstall once cold (about 3’ after immersion). It’s now ready for reuse.

Yup, reverse process for steel.

[Markagnew]

no I haven't what is the UK site?

[2wheels]

I am not sure about the UK.
I just go to my local honda car dealer.  Give them the part number of the bolt and washer.  They order and I have it in 2 days.  I think it was less than 20 dollars (canadian) for 2 bolts and 2 washers.
I did my 1978 forks a few years ago because my copper washer was leaking.

Did you phone your local honda car dealer and ask if they will order parts for you.  They just need a valid honda part number.  If the part you get is wrong that is your problem, they will not refund.

[bryanj]

Sohc.co.uk mate.
There are more bike dealers than car dealers in UK

[PeWe]

I have tightened same copper washer under forks several times without any heating. Same with the small washers for small fork oil drain plugs. CB750 K6 fork

[Markagnew]

Thank you everyone, really appreciate all your help!!!

[rotortiller]

Take several copper washers with the larger OD having the correct ID and mount to a suitable bolt and nut, chuck it in a drill press and file the OD to size should you want it now.

[spotty]

also measure the original washer and check ebay for matching dimensions, they may not be listed as motorcycle parts but there will probably be something that matches
i did this for brake banjo washers and found what i wanted for a fraction of the price of factory
also you can use aluminium washers as well as copper but they are one use and throw away but when you think about how often you will be taking your forks apart its prob not that big a deal ( and alloy ones are faster than copper, everyone knows that )

[Stev-o]

Hold it in a flame till it is glowing red. Don't forget to throw it some water before you pick it up.

Actually, drop it in cool water promptly while cherry red. Allowing it to cool “naturally” undermines the annealing process. Use a propane or Mapp torch to heat it. Thread a small wire through the center, dangle it in front of a flame for safety. Plop into cold water. Presto! Reinstall once cold (about 3’ after immersion). It’s now ready for reuse.

Yup, reverse process for steel.

Pull it out of the water and then heat it?!

[70CB750]

Hold it in a flame till it is glowing red. Don't forget to throw it some water before you pick it up.

Actually, drop it in cool water promptly while cherry red. Allowing it to cool “naturally” undermines the annealing process. Use a propane or Mapp torch to heat it. Thread a small wire through the center, dangle it in front of a flame for safety. Plop into cold water. Presto! Reinstall once cold (about 3’ after immersion). It’s now ready for reuse.

Yup, reverse process for steel.

Pull it out of the water and then heat it?!

I kinda remember you were machinist too - making fun of me?   

Anneal steel means let it cool down slowly, annealing copper is to cool it down rapidly.

[Stev-o]

Hold it in a flame till it is glowing red. Don't forget to throw it some water before you pick it up.

Actually, drop it in cool water promptly while cherry red. Allowing it to cool “naturally” undermines the annealing process. Use a propane or Mapp torch to heat it. Thread a small wire through the center, dangle it in front of a flame for safety. Plop into cold water. Presto! Reinstall once cold (about 3’ after immersion). It’s now ready for reuse.

Yup, reverse process for steel.

Pull it out of the water and then heat it?!

I kinda remember you were machinist too - making fun of me?   

Anneal steel means let it cool down slowly, annealing copper is to cool it down rapidly.

Just razzin ya!    Yes, I was a machinist, wish I had the space and machines needed for some of my engine projects but it really wouldn't make financial sense.