Topic: CB350F: Kickstart not always engaging?

[jpschroeder]

Quick disclaimer: I’m a noob with my first classic honda: a '74 CB350F

I’m still slowly going through the bike/engine to try and guage where im at with it. THe kickstart works great and the bike even started (albeit with flooded carbs http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,195360.0/topicseen.html) right away using kickstart.

However, after the kickstart occasionally wont engage the engine and just kicks freely. Today for example, i was doing some compression testing using the kickstart (brand new battery was dead again, but I suppose thats another topic — ie do these things have lots of phantom drain?). In neutral I kicked it over a few times, and it was reading compression fine and there was, what felt like, appropriate resistance in the compression strokes. I paused a bit, and then went back to kick it and the kick start swung way too easy. I kept doing this for a while and it was clear it just wasn’t engaging the engine. Then I pulled the clutch lever and let it go, and and on the next kick we were suddenly we were back in business.

Is this normal? Is there some sequence with the clutch that is expected?

[Flyin900]

So a couple of questions there. The kickstarter could be an internal issue inside the right case where its pawl and gear engage the mechanism, or the clutch could also be suspect. Since I believe it transfers the kick starter action through the clutch assembly. Does the bike have a working electric starter too?
The electrical system should not cause a drain resutling in constant run down of the battery when sitting. There is something there that needs further investigation. Disconnect the positive battery terminal and use a volt meter in between the positive battery terminal and the disconnected battery + cable. The meter may show a parasitic draw which now can be traced by disconnecting different wiring connectors to isolate the circuit(s) and then the culprit.

Frankly, it is my suggestion to clean every wiring connector on the entire bike big or small, using a proper electrical circuit cleaning product. It makes a difference to the old electrical wiring and switches by giving you back some needed power. All these early bikes have marginal charging systems, so no extra power there to lose.

[jpschroeder]

Update on the battery I assumed was flat because the starter solenoid was clicking but the engine wasn’t turning over. I had a bit of time today so I tested the voltage, it was fine. Then I tested the solenoid, it was good. So just a bad starter? Nope - turns out the battery terminal was slightly loose. Just enough to let voltage be normal but not allow enough cranking amps. Dumb on my part. Tightened it up and it worked a treat.

I think the kickstart issue is related to the clutch. Are clutch rebuilds something I can do without tearing the whole engine down?