Author Topic: Project 13 CB400F. Now putting on the miles... (Read 60010 times)

HondanutRider · « **Reply #175 on:** April 28, 2010, 04:52:08 AM »

Quote from: fasturd on April 27, 2010, 08:09:53 PM

I have been itching to ride so I tore into my S/Os 400 again tonight. The neutral light had not been working and neither was the oil pressure light. So out comes the tester and I start checking connections.
Not getting the result I want I remove the shifter and left side engine cover to test the oil pressure switch and the neutral switch... Hmm functioning fine. OK so you are in there clean up all the accumulated goop from 30 years of riding. Back to the lights, hmmm time to check the dash, nope all the bulbs are good. Check the wires they are OK too. Back to the headlight, D'oH!!! The black common connection for the dash lights was NOT hooked to the proper connector. (yes I smacked my self in the head) Plugged it back into the proper location and everything was working again.
So reassembled the dash and headlight and thought OK lets start her up. As posted a few days back this little bike rips. Well after I had mounted the pipe it was not really tearing it up like it usually did and the timing chain was sounding a little loose. So off come the carbs and a I do quick cleaning of all the common bad bits and sure enough the jets had bits-O-crap in them. Buttoned that back up and she fired right up. Then I went through the factory procedure of setting the timing chain and of course it was stuck. I went to my trusty 400 parts stash and in the drawer was a nice Poker-adjuster-thingy I copied from the internet a few years ago. It is an 8 mm stainless Allen head bolt that the tip has been gound into a nice taper point. You thread a nut (for locking) onto the bolt and then remove the upper bolt from the adjuster area. Then thread the Allen into the hole a short way. Start the engine loosen the adjuster lock nut and bolt. Then while the engine is running gently turn the Allen in. Once the bike goes quiet stop and back the Allen out a bit then use the lock nut you threaded on to lock it in place. Make sure you get the factory sealing ring in place too or you may have oil seepage. I have done this on 4 400s so far and it is by far the easiest way to adjust a stubborn tensioner. Do not force anything be careful and you will be rewarded by a smooth running quiet 400.

This sounds like it should have a picture or two, and then be posted in "tips" section. I adjusted my 350F in a similar manner by gently pushing down with a screwdriver in the hole where the upper bolt goes. Then I tightened the adjuster holder back in to hold it at the best spot. Your technique seems better and would be easier to perform without "over-doing" the tensioning.

fasturd · « **Reply #176 on:** April 28, 2010, 05:29:44 AM »

Hey Honda nut I agree... I should have photographed this one like project 13 but some times you get caught up in the moment!

I think I will go get some more parts (stainless allen, flange nut and sealing rings) and I will make another and show the process. I don't remember where I got the info from it was a few years ago and I too was just a little worried that I would jab the screw driver in just a bit to far and I would be grinding away at the damper.
If I stole it from someone here I send my thanks as it is a great way to solve the stuck damper issue.

bp

fasturd · « **Reply #177 on:** April 28, 2010, 10:45:53 PM »

275 miles on Project 13!!!

HondanutRider · « **Reply #178 on:** April 29, 2010, 05:25:15 AM »

Quote from: fasturd on April 28, 2010, 05:29:44 AM

Hey Honda nut I agree... I should have photographed this one like project 13 but some times you get caught up in the moment!
I think I will go get some more parts (stainless allen, flange nut and sealing rings) and I will make another and show the process. I don't remember where I got the info from it was a few years ago and I too was just a little worried that I would jab the screw driver in just a bit to far and I would be grinding away at the damper.
If I stole it from someone here I send my thanks as it is a great way to solve the stuck damper issue.

bp

Well, I found an allen head bolt and fashioned it like you described. Its now installed with a nut and the sealing washer from the original plug that was on my 350F. I didn't loosen and adjust the cam tensioner bolt as it seems already to be at the correct tension from my previous "screwdriver poke" adjustment, but in the future it should prove to make the fiddle much easier.

This was a good tip, and one almost as worthy as following the read on Project 13.

fasturd · « **Reply #179 on:** April 29, 2010, 07:08:00 AM »

The funny thing is as little as these bikes ever get ridden I would be suprised if we ever need to reset the tension again.

Rotating through 4-5 bikes doesn't help pile on the milage either, but at leaset we know we are prepared for the next service that is due in 13 years.

fasturd · « **Reply #180 on:** May 02, 2010, 06:46:32 AM »

Thanks to all of you who help me achive a good solid 3rd place in the BOTM.
The VJMC show is comming up in less than 22 days. I am going to sneak in a few more rides before I re-start the show detail process. I want to bring it to the show with 300+ miles on her, 13 is not a trailer (or back of the van) queen!
I have a tack day on the 15th and I picked up a new seat of leathers, boots and a back protector! Pretty jazzed about having good protection.
I will be riding my ZX12R but I may bring 13 and sneak it out for a session.
So what do you think, would a track day be good for the old gal?...lol.

Zaipai · « **Reply #181 on:** May 02, 2010, 07:32:41 AM »

I say take her out.. Just be careful doing it. She may like being out there..

.: Scott :.

traveler · « **Reply #182 on:** May 02, 2010, 08:37:55 AM »

VJMC.....kind of a snobbish group aren't they?

~Joe

fasturd · « **Reply #183 on:** May 03, 2010, 01:24:18 PM »

VJMC has a lot of different participants

. Lots of different views on how bikes should be presented. I have never won at the local VJMC show in 8 years of attendence but I enjoy bringing my stuff. There are always people who appreciate my slightly hot rodded projects vs bone stock show stuff... So I keep bringing nice hot rods...lol.

I like the free hot dogs and the farmer tan I get from standing around all day!

fasturd · « **Reply #184 on:** May 03, 2010, 01:25:30 PM »

Quote from: Zaipai on May 02, 2010, 07:32:41 AM

I say take her out.. Just be careful doing it. She may like being out there..

.: Scott :.

Dude she TOTALLY loves being out there!!!

fasturd · « **Reply #185 on:** May 12, 2010, 03:13:31 PM »

For some reason I was compelled to sell my ZX12R last night... OK I admit it was for the money, one cannot start new a project with an empty toy account!

Anyway, I was signed up for a track day this weekend (on the 12R) and after much discussion with a few respected vintage Honda friends I am compelled to take project 13 to the track just as Mr. Honda would have wanted.

After the track day I have 7 days to clean it back up and take it to the MN VJMC show!

There must be bonus points for showing a vintage bike that just had a track day grinding its rubber off!?!?!?

If I can manage some pictures I will post asap after the event.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #186 on:** May 12, 2010, 04:12:53 PM »

Good luck man, those 400s are pretty fun on the track I hear.

fasturd · « **Reply #187 on:** May 12, 2010, 07:22:15 PM »

I agree, as fun as they are on the street they have to be more fun in an environment without cars trying to kill you.

Zaipai · « **Reply #188 on:** May 12, 2010, 08:18:03 PM »

Quote from: fasturd on May 12, 2010, 07:22:15 PM

I agree, as fun as they are on the street they have to be more fun in an environment without cars trying to kill you.

+1 .... Don't forget pic's of her in action!

.: Scott :.

cb544 · « **Reply #189 on:** May 13, 2010, 04:49:04 AM »

Thanks for the show!

Man, I love your bike. Keep up the great work!

traveler · « **Reply #190 on:** May 13, 2010, 01:04:49 PM »

Yeah the VJMC clowns will probably want to show a frown when they find out you gave her a light thrashing at the track.

Honestly can't see why you want to be around that crowd...better you than me!

~Joe

fasturd · « **Reply #191 on:** May 14, 2010, 06:33:30 AM »

Hey Joe.

Mostly because the local club has really cool t-shirts!

I think the track is really going to let her shine and running all my old bikes at the track is going to be a new goal.

Screw the new stuff I am going to thrash my old stuff.
(in a respectful caring sort of way...lol)

Vrooooom!

Bill

theofam · « **Reply #192 on:** May 14, 2010, 07:35:58 AM »

Bill, I hope to see some pics of you dragging a knee on 13! Can't wait to find out what you're going to spend the ZX12R money on, too.

fasturd · « **Reply #193 on:** May 14, 2010, 08:10:01 PM »

I will do my best to get a knee somwhere near the ground. My Dr. Pumped me full of Cortisone and Lidocaine to help my newly trashed knee function as well as can be until he gets to dig in there in a week or two. So, if I can get my knee off the bike I will get it as far as age and wisdom will let me stick it out! lol.
Getting ready to load up for the track (Friday PM).

Zaipai · « **Reply #194 on:** May 15, 2010, 06:52:15 AM »

Man that is a nice picture.. That bike is so clean you could eat off it.. tho I would not recommend it..

.: Scott :.

theofam · « **Reply #195 on:** May 15, 2010, 09:36:47 PM »

Quote from: fasturd on May 14, 2010, 08:10:01 PM

I will do my best to get a knee somwhere near the ground. My Dr. Pumped me full of Cortisone and Lidocaine to help my newly trashed knee function as well as can be until he gets to dig in there in a week or two. So, if I can get my knee off the bike I will get it as far as age and wisdom will let me stick it out! lol.

Dude, you crack me up! Doesn't getting into your 40s suck sometimes? Just this week, post MRI and x-rays, my doc diagnosed me with ARTHRITIS in my knees and shot me up with cortisone. I think we're living parallel lives, except your bikes are in one piece!

fasturd · « **Reply #196 on:** May 15, 2010, 10:02:59 PM »

Dude maybe we were separated at birth? I have pics coming and there was a professional photographer at the track so hopefully there will be some action shots! 13 performed flawlessly. I never got passed and I passed and pushed a bunch of modern 600 & 1000cc sportbikes. The track was approx. 1 mile long and I got just over 55 miles of track time in!!!
It was one of the best motorcycle days I have ever had. The 400 got lots of attention and everyone was amazed I was actually using it on the track!
More info to come when the photos become available.

fasturd · « **Reply #197 on:** May 16, 2010, 07:23:56 AM »

The track photographer hasn't posted photos yet but here is a couple trackside...

The Pirelli's performed very well considering they are nicely aged...25 years to be exact... Wore them right to the edge. The scuff stops right where they roll back towards the rim.

Me looking a little like Andre the Giant on Project 13, but man did she perform!

And for all you vintage fans... I did NOT get passed once in 55 miles of track time. And we spanked more than a few modern 600 and 1000cc sport bikes! Though I have to say the instructors were AMAZING!

More comming when the track phots get posted!

Zaipai · « **Reply #198 on:** May 16, 2010, 08:12:20 AM »

That is truly awesome.. Can't wait for the photos..

.: Scott :.

Zaipai · « **Reply #199 on:** May 17, 2010, 10:34:46 AM »

Well looks like you inspired Carpy..

Can't wait to see what he does with her..

.: Scott :.

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Author Topic: Project 13 CB400F. Now putting on the miles... (Read 60010 times)

traveler

cb544

traveler