Author Topic: CB350F Leak Proof?  (Read 1659 times)

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Offline JerryRice

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CB350F Leak Proof?
« on: August 06, 2008, 08:46:13 PM »
Does anyone here have any experience/advice on leak proofing the CB350F engine?
Any special techniques and materials?

I am a new CB350F owner and I hear so many bad things about the leaks.
In fact, I just repared my head cover leak and now I see it is leaking
down below at the head gasket.

I want to do this job once and make it perfect and would appreciate
solid fool proof advice.

Thanks
The Real JERRY RICE
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My Dream Bike
www.CB350F.com

Offline mattcb350f

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2008, 08:54:53 PM »
Honda gaskets if anything else.

Sadly, my 350F is showing a little oil seepage around the front outside corners of the head after 2400 miles, post rebuild.

I was meticulous in rebuilding the engine and all I can guess is that the aftermarket (Athena) gaskets weren't up to the job.


 Matt.
1974 CB350F,  1980 CB125S,  1981 XL80S
Non Honda's: 86 & 87 Husqvarna 400wr's

My CB350F resto: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=30467.0
Gallery at:
http://gallery.sohc4.net/main.php?g2_itemId=298318

Offline JerryRice

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2008, 09:03:25 PM »
Oh man... I just bought an entire set of Athena gaskets.
Does anyone have any positive reviews on them?
The Real JERRY RICE
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My Dream Bike
www.CB350F.com

Offline Trevor from Warragul

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2008, 02:26:32 AM »
It's impossible, I'm afraid.  The studs are too short & can't be torqued down hard enough.  This design fault was rectified with the CB400F.  You could try using ThreeBond 1104...
1971 Kawasaki H1A
1972 Honda CB350F
1976 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport
1978 Honda CBX
1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200
1999 Ducati Monster 750

Offline JerryRice

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2008, 06:10:25 AM »
Morini, would I coat the gasket with ThreeBond 1104?
The Real JERRY RICE
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My Dream Bike
www.CB350F.com

Offline mkramer1121

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2008, 08:23:38 AM »
Morini, would I coat the gasket with ThreeBond 1104?

Don't use three bond on a head gasket.  The paper itself should seal.  Also, Athena should be fine as somewhere on here there's a thread stating Athena, as well as Vesrah, at one point made OEM gaskets for Honda.  You can Three bond every other gasket if you like, just not the head or you'll never be able to get it off again in the future...

Online dusterdude

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2008, 08:30:17 AM »
leaks on a honda?,say it aint so. :o
mark
1972 k1 750
1949 fl panhead
1 1/2 gl1100 goldwings
1998 cbr600 f3

Offline heffay

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2008, 08:44:45 AM »
don't ever expect to just do it and have it be perfect... torque it, run it, watch for seepage, when it seeps don't just say "damn cheap gaskets!", GO IN AND RETORQUE!

it is often part of any gasket job on older machines.  it sucks but its better than just giving up when all you had to do was remove the valve cover and retorque.

i used honda gaskets on my 350... after a strenuous 300 mile ride over 4 mountain passes it was puking oil... i re-torqued and all has been good for 1500+ miles... keeping my lips crossed  :-X since it seems i have no fingers.   ;D
Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f

Offline kghost

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2008, 10:49:55 AM »
Every manual I have says torque....run...retorque.
Stranger in a strange land

Offline heffay

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2008, 11:04:44 AM »
 ::)  SEE   ;D
Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f

Offline schneider419

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Re: CB350F Leak Proof?
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2008, 01:13:11 PM »
i found it helps to smear some white grease on both sides of the gasket. not too much, then put part together. makes it easier to take apart too.