Topic: Loctite in big end bolts

[madsundaysurvivor]

hello,
reading several manuals and articles on honda cb400f engine reconstruction, (not the workshop manual) I have seen that they suggest using loctite on the connecting rod bolts In other engines,
 I never use loctite on these bolts, in some they are even wet in oil before tightening. Is it really necessary on the CB400F? thanks

[bryanj]

Never used it on any Honda rod bolts and nowhere else unless specifically called for in genuine manual.
I am talking about standard built engines and not tuned, overbored or otherwise played with engines

[pekingduck]

I would only follow the factory manual as to their recommendation (usually just engine oil) and torque to spec.  What you put on the threads affects the torque applied.  Never heard of rod nuts backing off when torqued to spec.  CB400F uses the same rod nuts as CB750.

[BenelliSEI]

No Loctite. I do like to replace rod bolts and nuts if the engine will be run hard…..

[Mark1976]

   Having had (have) both stock and modified 400f's, never used loctite on anything. Inspect all fasteners being reused and replace (if necessary) if needed . Bottom end of a modified (highly) has always been it's weakest point thus the use of aftermarket rods, using loctite doesn't make a rod or rod bolt any stronger or better. Get your clearances right, break it in, it'll rev to 10k everytime with nary a complaint.

[madsundaysurvivor]

Thank you very much for your answers. It's what I was hoping to hear.
I am rebuilding a CB400F engine and I try to read all the articles I can find on the restoration of these engines so that I don't miss anything. Many times I find contradictory or erroneous data

[Mark1976]

  Install a new primary chain and primary dampers, you'll thank yourself, believe me....

[bryanj]

Primary chain from kawasaki as half the honda price, dampers are honda only im afraid

[pekingduck]

Another consideration, as far as replacing rod nuts and bolts with new -  remember that any new part is untested.  Parts that have seen normal service are basically, proven through use. 

[Mark1976]

Primary chain from kawasaki as half the honda price, dampers are honda only im afraid

   +1 on the primary, there's "a guy" on ebay whole reproduces the damper 3d printed, and whether you get it from him as a printed part or a honda part, its still a bit pricey, especially since its its gotta be shipped from across the pond....

[bryanj]

I think the ebay one is the clutch damper which honda never sold, the primary one is in the primary/starter gear setup and has 8 rubber bits still available

Kawasaki chain part number is 920571011 the dampers are the same as 500 and 550 if the parts book is easier

[Mark1976]

I think the ebay one is the clutch damper which honda never sold, the primary one is in the primary/starter gear setup and has 8 rubber bits still available

Kawasaki chain part number is 920571011 the dampers are the same as 500 and 550 if the parts book is easier

  Yes, that's it, my mistake.... eitherway those primary dampers are awful expensive little pieces of rubber....

[bryanj]

They are now, they trippled in price about 2-3 years ago but at least still available

[madsundaysurvivor]

Thank you very much for your advice.

I actually have that problem with the clutch, the engine sounded a lot like idling (tock, tock, tock) and it was not a crankshaft or primary rubbers.

 The clutch crown had a lot of play, I removed the rivets and saw that the rubbers were completely hard and moved in their center seat at least 2mm back and forth.

Is there only one person who sells them on eBay?
Has anyone assembled them?
 Are they made of the correct material or will they only last a few hundred kilometers?

Nobody in Spain knows about this solution, I talked with a guy and he tell me that bought a NOS basket clutch for €300, but I don't think it is the correct solution, since those rubber bands were manufactured 40 years ago and will have lost their properties.
Muchas gracias por vuestra ayuda