Author Topic: 1977 CB750A question before purchase  (Read 714 times)

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Offline Flyin900

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1977 CB750A question before purchase
« on: April 20, 2025, 07:22:32 PM »
I realize this should be in the Hondamatic section, yet I think this will get more exposure to answer my questions which are more generic to the 1977 CB750 motors regarding oil seepage.

I am looking at the above bike shortly and the bike has 5000 original miles and looks quite pristine. The owner notes it has a very small oil leak when hot. He doesn’t know where that is coming from at this time.
Do these models suffer from head gasket seepage or other areas that may be the culprit? It also has a couple of small holes in the twin muffler system. Given the very low mileage I suspect it was not enough heating of the system and condensation in the muffler at a baffle area. Again is this a common issue with the exhaust?

The bike has brand new tires fork seals and battery last season. Paint and chrome is pristine and the aluminum is very good in the pictures. He is looking for $3500. Firm for the bike. That is in Canadian dollars.

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
1983 CB1100F - Super Sport - Pristine example
1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline CycleRanger

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2025, 07:39:45 PM »
Regardless of the mileage after almost 50 years the pucks are probably leaking.
Fortunately I believe you can pull the top end without removing the engine on the "A".
« Last Edit: April 20, 2025, 07:49:24 PM by CycleRanger »
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline Don R

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2025, 08:11:58 PM »
Aside from the smaller carburetors, the top end is very similar to a 76F so the top will have the same issues as any other 750.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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Offline Flyin900

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2025, 08:28:49 PM »
Aside from the smaller carburetors, the top end is very similar to a 76F so the top will have the same issues as any other 750.

Don I have never owned a 750 so no experience with the motors. Could you enlighten me please.
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
1983 CB1100F - Super Sport - Pristine example
1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline Flyin900

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2025, 08:30:22 PM »
Regardless of the mileage after almost 50 years the pucks are probably leaking.
Fortunately I believe you can pull the top end without removing the engine on the "A".

What are the areas the oil will migrate from if the pucks are seeping? I have never owned a 750 or worked
on one.
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
1983 CB1100F - Super Sport - Pristine example
1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline CycleRanger

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2025, 08:40:39 PM »
Regardless of the mileage after almost 50 years the pucks are probably leaking.
Fortunately I believe you can pull the top end without removing the engine on the "A".

What are the areas the oil will migrate from if the pucks are seeping? I have never owned a 750 or worked on one.
The pucks are under the cam towers and the oil will appear to seep out from the underside of the head.
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline Don R

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2025, 09:22:14 PM »
 I see CycleX has designed a metal washer with o ring grooves to replace the "pucks" otherwise known as nickel washers. That seems prudent.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline newday777

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #7 on: April 21, 2025, 03:34:00 AM »
As has been said above the oil seep is probably the pucks under the cam towers from the lack or running and shrinkage of the pucks. It isn't usually the head gasket.
Sometimes the pucks will swell back from running on a regular basis. Someone wrote of rolling up a sheet of paper towel into a tube as a diaper to catch the oil as a temporary thing, clean out the oil stains with brake cleaner and paper towels, then stuff the diaper in the fins just below the head while cycling heat and cooling of the motor to get the pucks to swell back to sealing.
I did it on my K5 when I brought it back to life successfully. I would do it on a pristine bike like you said it is before pulling the pucks out and replacing.
As to the holes in the mufflers, yes it is common from not riding any exhaust in any temperature long enough to burn the condensation out of any motor and exhaust. Many people wrongly think they need to run their bikes during a winter sleep for a few minutes to circulate the oil and the gas in the carbs or to keep the battery up. That does more harm than good, especially to the exhaust systems.
Finding good 750A exhaust to replace them will be a hunt that will take lots of time....
But, if the holes aren't too bad they might be able to be cut out and make stainless steel patches to fit the cutout and tig welded in, then buffed to look like the chrome. There's a guy on fb that did a nice job on some 500/4 mufflers a year ago. Before seeing his postings on it, I had patched a friend's 750 mufflers making sheet steel patches over the outside of the holes and having them tig welded then painted with high heat paint. So far they are holding up for him and sounds good now.
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline CycleRanger

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2025, 06:14:40 AM »
I see CycleX has designed a metal washer with o ring grooves to replace the "pucks" otherwise known as nickel washers. That seems prudent.
Wow, I hadn't seen those. Brilliant!
My K5 needs pucks. Hmmm...
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2025, 06:16:34 AM »
I see CycleX has designed a metal washer with o ring grooves to replace the "pucks" otherwise known as nickel washers. That seems prudent.
Wow, I hadn't seen those. Brilliant!
My K5 needs pucks. Hmmm...

Has anyone tried these? Looks very clever indeed!

Offline newday777

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2025, 06:32:11 AM »
Aside from the smaller carburetors, the top end is very similar to a 76F so the top will have the same issues as any other 750.

Don I have never owned a 750 so no experience with the motors. Could you enlighten me please.

Does the leak look like this?
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline denward17

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #11 on: April 21, 2025, 07:19:21 AM »
The cam tower studs are something else to watch for, if threaded all the way through to the spark plug area.  Leaks from the studs will show up in the fin area near the spark plugs, and of course wind from riding will help spread the leak.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2025, 07:27:27 AM »
I see CycleX has designed a metal washer with o ring grooves to replace the "pucks" otherwise known as nickel washers.

Link?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MauiK3

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2025, 07:42:08 AM »
Pucks with o rings, brilliant!
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline Remcod

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #14 on: April 21, 2025, 08:22:40 AM »
Where is the oil leak?
If its under the torque converter cover it can be the 2 small orings between the case and the cover at the oil passages there. In that case there should only be oil at the bottom of the cover. If its all around the cover it could be the main seal of the torque conver that is hard to get.

Then it may leak behind the sprocket. Or the sump. Or the head. Or the filter case.

My advice: diagnose the source of the leak first.

Mine cb750a leaks at the orings i mentioned.

Regards,
Remco


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« Last Edit: April 21, 2025, 08:24:11 AM by Remcod »

Offline Flyin900

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #15 on: April 21, 2025, 01:12:39 PM »
Guys thanks for the input on what to look for on the bike.

It is local and looks excellent in the pictures he has posted. I haven't been up to see it yet, so I was asking these questions before hand to be prepared. So I should be looking around the spark plug hole areas for stud leaks and around the head and the barrels for the puck leaks I believe. I restored a 80's CB450A a number of years back so I have been into the torque convertor and I am comfortable in doing that kind of service.

I have sold off most of my bikes recently and I am looking for a vintage Honda bike that is reasonably smooth and not too heavy. This is 550 lbs which is fine for me, as I am used to vintage litre bikes normally. Arthritis now in the hands is why this one is appealing with less shifting and the novelty of a CB750 which is rare as a unique model. If that makes sense.

If the pucks need attention can they be serviced in frame by removing the valve train cover and access them there? Is it a motor out if not?  Again a 1977 CB750A model if that makes any difference.
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
1983 CB1100F - Super Sport - Pristine example
1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline Tracksnblades1

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #16 on: April 21, 2025, 01:19:34 PM »
I see CycleX has designed a metal washer with o ring grooves to replace the "pucks" otherwise known as nickel washers. That seems prudent.
Wow, I hadn't seen those. Brilliant!
My K5 needs pucks. Hmmm...

Too bad they aren’t screw in also…but defiantly an improvement…Perhapsan improvement, I won’t know for sure..doubt if I’ve got another 50 to see..😁
Age Quod Agis

Offline Remcod

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #17 on: April 21, 2025, 01:41:36 PM »
Its not motor out for the cb750a. The only cb750 that you can service like this, you can take the cover and even head and cilinder off with the engine in the frame.

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Offline Don R

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No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline scottly

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #19 on: April 21, 2025, 07:39:17 PM »
The Autos came with an emergency kick start lever which can be hard to find; does this bike have one?
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
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Offline scottly

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #20 on: April 21, 2025, 10:07:06 PM »
Where is the oil leak?

My advice: diagnose the source of the leak first.

1+ The top end of my K1 motor hasn't been touched since I assembled it in 1979, and doesn't leak.
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline newday777

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #21 on: April 22, 2025, 01:12:58 AM »
Where is the oil leak?

My advice: diagnose the source of the leak first.

1+ The top end of my K1 motor hasn't been touched since I assembled it in 1979, and doesn't leak.
During that time has it sat unused for more than a couple years at a time? Or has it been run every year consistently?
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline MauiK3

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #22 on: April 22, 2025, 07:46:19 AM »
At that age, some leakage is hard to avoid.
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline Flyin900

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #23 on: April 22, 2025, 07:19:51 PM »
Thanks for the suggestions fellows. I am heading there tomorrow and will take some pictures of the bike. I will look for the kickstarter. It seems this model uses a number of the 1976/77 Goldwing parts. The front fender is Goldwing and the aluminum rims too. The remote kickstarter lever is also a Wing feature used on the early models too.

It looks really good in the pictures. I don’t know the history other than only 3 owners, yet with 5000 miles it has been stored somewhere dry and not ridden much.
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
1983 CB1100F - Super Sport - Pristine example
1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline scottly

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Re: 1977 CB750A question before purchase
« Reply #24 on: April 22, 2025, 07:22:45 PM »
Did anyone mention that the A doesn't have a tach?
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....