Topic: Tips for a newbie, looking at a bike soon (CJ360t)[Pictures added!]

[dangerranger01]

Hey guys! So pretty soon here i might be looking at a 77 CJ360t. the guy put a ton of new stuff on it and rode it over the summer for 300miles, then he said it started stalling on him and acting up so he drained the gas and garaged it for a rainy day. Anyways, now it isn't running and he is selling it.

I was wondering what things i should look at when i check it out? By looks, it seems like a really nice bike. I bet it needs carbs cleaned but that is just a guess.

Thanks guys for your time!!


PS I'll try to resize some photos he sent me.

[Johnie]

1977...ton of new stuff on it...no mention if PO did anything with the carbs.  As long as he is square with you and did not do anything to the bike like run it with no oil.  Be sure it turns over with the battery or foot crank to be sure the engine is not seized.  Take a look in the tank to see if there is rust and crap in there.  Tank might need a cleaning and to be sealed.  Then I would get into the carbs.  Heck, a 1977 bike that has never had any carb work will need a cleaning.  Just 2 carbs on that bike should not take much time for you.  Could also pull a plug and see if there is spark.  Good luck with it.

[dangerranger01]

Okay, that was basically what i was thinking. I asked him if there was rust in the tank, he didn't think it was that bad, but there was crude in the gas when he drained it for storage. This makes my think a good carb cleaning will clear it up. I'd seal the tank too...easy cheap fix.

I am pretty sure the CJs only had a kickstart. PO said battery went dead from sitting....would i still get spark if i try to kick it over???

The PO said he put new plugs, points, chain, fork seals/fluid with overhaul, pitcock, rear brake pads, tachometer wire assembly, tires and battery.


here are pictures

[Johnie]

Yes, if the coils are good you should get spark when you kick it over.  Just have your girlfriend hold the end of the wire and kick it over.  She will tell you if there is spark there.     If he got crud out of the tank when he drained it that will tell you what you need to do with the carbs.  I did a bunch of carb work on CM400's and was able to clean the carb jets and remove everything without removing the carbs.  Just take the bowls off and used a mirror to remove stuff.  Be careful not to wreck those brass jets as they strip easy.  If you really want to do it right take them off.  Your call...good luck and let us know how it comes out.  Looks like pretty fresh paint on there.  Not my choice of colors as I like to restore to OEM, but that is just my opinion.  Looks sort of pink but that may be just the lighting.

[cb650]

Looks good.  Remember if you need to buy body parts the CJ is a bunch diff from the cb/cl.
Can you take a pic of where the starter is supposed to be?

[dangerranger01]

Thanks Johnie for you help. I don't have a gf, will a little brother do? Hahaha. I'll definitly just take the carbs off to clean them. Did you submerge yours into one of those gallon buckets of carb cleaner??

I think i'll pick it up. Not to bad priced. It'll be a nice bike to work on and learn to ride.

cb650, thanks for letting me know they have different body panels. What do you mean where the starter is suppose to be? I think they only came with kick-starts only. I read somewhere that the CJs were a poor-man's CB (well suited with me as i am in college--no money, lol).

Thanks again guys!

[cb650]

Your second pic shows the lefthand side with the "boss" of where the starter goes.  Just like my CB.  Is the otherside pluged not finished machining ?   

[Johnie]

Thanks Johnie for you help. I don't have a gf, will a little brother do? Hahaha. I'll definitly just take the carbs off to clean them. Did you submerge yours into one of those gallon buckets of carb cleaner??

Yes, I used a gallon can of Gunk Carb Cleaner.  Came with a drainable basket inside.  many of the guys here like Simple Green too.

[dangerranger01]

Your second pic shows the lefthand side with the "boss" of where the starter goes.  Just like my CB.  Is the otherside pluged not finished machining ?   

You're talking about at the very front of the engine right? Well from pictures i've seen, it looks like a cap is screwed onto the inside of the bulge at the front there. I'll be able to post pics when (hopefully) i get it this weekend.

[cb650]

Just wondering what stock looked like on them.   Going to remove the starter on my CB.

[dangerranger01]

OKay. From looking at the manual, it looks like the 'tang' that sticks out for the starter is covered on the inside by another 'tang' off the engine case. I don't know what you'd have to do to put it on your CB...maybe switch cases?? not sure without have a better look at it...

[crazypj]

I know quite  a lot about them as I've been modifying them for at least 20 yrs.
The CJ doesn't have starter boss machined and case isn't drilled for starter motor bolts.
The rear frame, seat, tail piece are different to CB, as is the fuel tank.
 In Europe we had CJ250 which had disc brakes, I'm pretty sure you can retrofit swinging arm caliper from just about any CB, 1973 to 1978 (except the CB750 one)
 Its ony 5 speed instead of CB360 6 speed transmission but either cluster will fit, you do have to change shift drum and selectors though.
It wont start without a battery.
 The Later CB/CM 400 has electronic ignition and is totally different motor ( 6 valve, balancers, etc)
PJ

[cb650]

In his pic the boss is there and it is part of the case on my cb.  Guess they just didnt machine it.  I know some of the racers make a plug for the cb's. I was just wondering how the stock CJ was.  Funny they were a "economy" model but many things diff about them in the US market.  Hardly ever see them.

[dangerranger01]

Dam, the guy sold it already. Looks like my search continues!!

cb650, it looks like the plug was molded into the case so i don't htink you'd be able to make something work off a CJ.

[crazypj]

I posted this before but it was so much fun I'm doing it again.
 1977 CJ250 with CB 6 speed tranny ( waste of time, gear spacing isnt as good as the 5 speed)
 Also has 390cc conversion and is supposed to look 'odd'
 I posted story about it and racing program I think?
 Its a 120mph POS
PJ

[cb650]

Dam, the guy sold it already. Looks like my search continues!!

cb650, it looks like the plug was molded into the case so i don't htink you'd be able to make something work off a CJ.

Not without a case repacement atleast and thats more than I'm going to do.  Figured they just left it blank.