Topic: New guy to Hondas

[Priscbs]

I am very excited.  Last week I picked up what I believe are a '72 and '73 (CB500-200****, and 210****).  Weird part is that the '72 has the different tail light and low angle gauges.  Anyway, they both have around 10k on the clock, motors froze from sitting since '82, and are in unbelievable shape considering.  Yesterday, I made my "custom" spark plug socket from the tech tips.  The guy told me I would probably need new tanks because they are rusted out.  However, I actually took the 5 seconds to stick a screw driver in there and discovered that there wasn't hardly any rust at all, just what appeared to be an entire tank of gas dried to red/brown goo which I am currently cleaning out.  The cylinders are currently soaking in MMO and one tank is soaking in B12 Chem-dip.  From what I have observed so far, finding exhaust will be my biggest challenge.  The ebay pickins are slim.

[Gordon]

Welcome!  Those look to be in pretty nice shape, overall.  Too bad about the missing side covers and mufflers, though.  Items like those, in good shape, tend to be the hardest to find and most expensive, unfortunately.  Perhaps a decent, used, aftermarket 4-1 exhaust for them?  Anyway, good luck with your projects!  These bikes are very rewarding to work on. 

[burmashave]

Welcome! It sounds that you're on your way to getting them running soon. By the way, is that you in the bottom pic? ;-)

[Bob Wessner]

Welcome! It sounds that you're on your way to getting them running soon. By the way, is that you in the bottom pic? ;-)

If it is, I think his next question might be about lowering blocks.

[steven400/4]

welcome from the uk 
steve

[Priscbs]

I found some repro covers, so that isn't too bigga deal.  Getting the cylinders free and finding exhaust are my first focuses.  Anyone got any good tips for freeing up cylinders?

[burmashave]

[snip] The cylinders are currently soaking in MMO and one tank is soaking in B12 Chem-dip. [snip]

Missed that one. Do some searching about if you haven't already. It's a topic that comes up every once in a while. I don't think there's anything in the FAQ or Tips and Tricks about it, though.

[scunny]

welcome
a good way to free up your motor is to take the spark plugs out and put some diesel in the pots and let it sit for a day or so

[Priscbs]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I am REALLY excited to get one/both of these bikes back on the road.  I did a little research on freeing cylinders and found something interesting that I thought might be doable.  It is a request for a patent that came up on a google search.  Enjoy

The device invented by the petitioner is a simple one-piece device made of durable steel measuring in length about 13/4 inches overall. Its purpose is to facilitate the introduction of lubricants under pressure into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to free a cylinder immobilized by corrosion. The device would be useful only in cases where the corrosion has not physically damaged or changed the internal engine configuration in any way. This device closely resembles a conventional automotive spark plug minus the porcelain-sheathed electrode, but including on top a conventional grease fitting. Its design would allow it to be screwed or inserted into an engine block or head with a conventional wrench. To use the the spark plug or injector must be removed and replaced by the device, which must be fitted into the block in the same manner a replacement plug or injector would be inserted. Before inserting the device, a few ounces of penetrating oil must be poured into the combustion chamber to loosen the rust. Then, heavy (SAE 80 to 90 transmission or gear type) oil must be added to fill the combustion chamber up to the spark plug or injector hole. Before any oil is added, however, the intake valve for the seized cylinder must be seated tightly. With the device inserted in the spark plug or injector hole, a conventional hand or air pressure grease gun is adjusted to the fitting on top of the device. Then, grease under normal grease-gun pressure is added to the oil in the now sealed combustion chamber in an effort to force-saturate with lubricant all corrosion-affected metal to the point where the immobile piston will be freed. The pressure may also expand the cylinder wall to facilitate breaking the corrosion bond and allowing piston travel once again.