Topic: Not a mechanic !!!

[dhall57]

I can change oil, replace spark plugs, adjust drive chain, and do other minor things to my 76 CB750. But sooner or later I'm going to have to face up to a seeping headgasket. I rode today about 40 miles or so and when I returned home I checked over the bike like I always do and once again I noticed where the wind had blew a little bit of oil back on both side covers. Its not very bad, but just knowing its doing this and its not suppose to bothers me. A couple swipes with a cloth and a few sprays of cleaner between the fins and you would never know it seeped any oil period. I know by reading info on this forum that to to any major engine work the engine must come out of frame. I don't want to do this, I repeat, I don't want do to this. I'm just not that sure of my mechanical skills to be able to do this correct and right. And at $60 or more a hr. for a shop to do this could be big $$$$. Can anything be done to some what fix this without major surgery. I noticed at both outer sparkplugs there is a bolt or nut. I think these are head bolts aren't they. By torquing these would that help any. It looks like this is where it is seeping at the corners. Or I'm I just going to have to grit my teeth and start demolition and hope for the best. Can a virgin mechanic pull this off??

[bmwright]

I don't doubt that with the help of the guys here and freed up weekend, you get it taken care of! Any buddies you know that have experience that could come over?

[Gordon]

Can a virgin mechanic pull this off??

Yes!!  If you have any amount of patience and can follow instructions, you can rebuild the entire engine yourself.  It's not like you'd be entering untouched territory.  You have manuals and this forum full of experienced sohc4 mechanics at your disposal.

Just keep in mind that everybody had their first time!  

[Alan F.]

Getting to know your local members is always helpful.  As has been said it's not new ground, the hard part is beginning the job.
Read through the 'rebuild' threads, they're very confidence inspiring.
-A

[Steve F]

What you're talking about is one of the basic repairs, and isn't difficult to do.  Just think of it as a bunch of small steps to get to the end, and not as one "big job".  Take it a step at a time, thinking logically as to what needs to be done.  Disconnecting the carbs and removing, disconnect the wiriing and removal of the exhaust and the mounting bolts.  The engine comes of with a bit of wrangling, and I would recommend having a freind or two to help with this.  The top end is all that needs to come off, valve cover, cam and cam towers, and then the head to get at the leaking gaskets and the rubber "pucks" that cover the bolt holes.  If I can do it, you can too.
Steve F

[69modelj]

I did my first one in '75 at age 17. Get a manual and take your time like everyone has suggested. You may surprise yourself

[cookindaddy]

I'd like to second Steve F's advice. It is not like it is an easy job but if you break it into a series of small steps and with the help of the great folks here with TONS of experience, you can do it.

I am not a mechanic but I did the same job last summer for the first time. For me getting the engine out of the frame was the hardest part, but now that I have done it and put it back in again, I know the machine much better than before and it won't be so difficult the next time. The learning was the best part.

You CAN do it.

It will take longer than a weekend I think though, the first time....

[campbmic]

To me a major difference between a mechanic and a noobie is the willingness to go through with the instructions in the manual amd actually do the work. The manual is simple enough that if you follow each step anyone could do it.

My advise to you is to work with good quality name brand tools. A name brand socket set, torque wrench, and a good hefty impact driver. Don't use the socket set out of your girlfriends pink toolbox. These were only created for aesthetic reasons and have no place in the garage.

Aside from that removing and installing the engine is very easy. Just take your time, read and understand everything before you attempt it, and if you run into any problems ask on here. I would estimate for a beginner its probably a 10-20 hour job.

[ev0lve]

To me a major difference between a mechanic and a noobie is the willingness to go through with the instructions in the manual amd actually do the work. The manual is simple enough that if you follow each step anyone could do it.

I am living proof of this statement  and no, there isn't an easy out to fix the weep.

That said, if you're not into pulling the thing apart, wipe it down and ride it till there's more oil outside than inside.

If you do decide to pull it apart - source all your parts first. It sucks to get in there and then have to wait for something to ship.

Get some heavy duty studs to replace your stockers.

And lastly, take the heads to a machine shop and get them machined flat. DO NOT NOT DO THIS  I still have a little weep even with new gaskets and HD studs and that's the only thing I can think of I skimped on inside the engine.

Good luck and if you do pull it apart these guys will jump all over themselves to help cause this board is, like, you know... awesome and stuff. 

[dhall57]

Thanks guys for all the positive encouragement. You've got me thinking I can do this. As for parts whats the best way to go. Is there a complete head set kit that includes everything needed if so what company? Or can I still get every thing needed direct from Honda. I just want to be sure to get the right one for my year make and model. Don't want any surprises in the middle of putting things back together like wrong size o-rings etc.

thanks

[jkot55]

I agree that there is likely no quick fix but I had a guy at a dealer suggest something that is so easy you might want to at least try it.   He suggested:  1.  clean the area with a small brush and laquer thinner or some degreaser but minimize leaving any residue as best you can.  2.  Get some engine paint and paint over the gasket seem between the fins.  Use a few coats. 

It won't cost much and who knows, may at least slow it down so your side covers stay clean. 

If that does not work you have lost nothing and can proceed with the full job doing it the right way.

I will be trying this with mine as it may have the same problem.  I also had a fork leak that may have caused the oil residue so I fixed that and will monitor it for a while to see if there is any difference.

Good luck.

[Loki]

you can go to honda and get the gaskets youll need but it will cost a pretty penny. most people find good quality after market sets. i usually just buy from ebay. heres a few, do you reseach and see whats the better type. im in the middle of doing my first top end rebuild and its nto as bad as you may thing, just do exactly what these gentleman said and youd blow through it in a breeze. cheers!

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Honda-cb750-gasket-set-Chopper-Cafe-Bobber_W0QQitemZ200437744518QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eab054386

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Honda-CB750-1970-1971-1972-1973-1974-Gasket-Set-SOHC_W0QQitemZ380207556964QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item588622e964

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HONDA-CB750-K-F-ENGINE-GASKET-SET-1974-1978_W0QQitemZ220552567030QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSnowmobile_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3359f518f6

[fastfred]

Try this.

Go to a local auto store.  Get a can of Sprayn'seal  leak repair.

It is an aerosol spray.  It might just work or at least delay things. I have used it before.  Make sure the joints are clean before using it.  Follow the instructions. After a little while it almost solidifies but can be taken apart at a later date.

Where in NC are you?  I am in western NC and am busy working on a '76 750 K.

Good luck.

[dhall57]

Thanks for the suggestions jkot55 and fastfred about paint and spray sealant. I will defintley try this, anything to prolong engine removal. Who knows it sounds so simple it might work for a while. Hey, then if it does'nt I know what I have to do right. Duck thanks for info on gasket sets and where to get them.
fastfred - Greensboro

[dhall57]

Just a after thought, is there any chance of spray sealent seeping through and getting into engine oil and stopping oil passages up.  That would be bad news!!!!

[Loki]

i dont see spray sealent really working so well, no experience is this , id just rather fix the problem then cover it up and create a lager problem.i also dont see the sealant actually getting into the engine at all.

[754]

The 2 hardest parts;
 getting the motor in & out..

 following the instructions in the manual..


 the only drawback to this repair, you may find more that needs attention..

 good tools are your friend, try to get 6pt sockets.

 The CB 750 is one of the easiest engines to work on..

 There are ways to check if your cyinder/head are flat, before machining.. folks seem quick to start cutting on here. Often it can be checked and done at home..

[seaweb11]

1st ,You can do it. take lots of photos as you tear down.
or
 Take a bit of paper towel roll it up in a ball, stick it in between the front fins where it's leaking. Works till your next wash. Repeat

[dhall57]

I know its just covering up the problem, but I did the paper towel thing seawel and it worked. No oil dots on side covers on this ride. You even have to look close to see anything between the fins. Thats all I was looking for just a temporary solution until am ready to tackle the engine take out.

thanks for all the advice everyone

[seaweb11]

Thats Right....I am the SOHC King of problem solving!!!!!!!
 

[Markcb750]

Do you have this bike for sale on Craigslist in the charlotte area?

I am not on my own pc, so I do not have the link but a guy towards Albamarle has on CL that looks a lot like your avatar.

My K6 also leaks a little at the head gasket. very common on these motors.  My friend who worked for a Honda dealer in the 70's recomends living with it until the valves need to be done.  I clean mine after every ride with a little greased lightning.

Cannot imagine any sealant applied from the outside working very long.  The tissue idea is interesting, I may try it on my K6.

[Hinomaru]

dhall57,

Have you seen the Gordon Frame Kit? Allows you to service the top end without removing your engine.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64333.0

If you end up pulling the engine, consider modifying the lower engine mount as seen in this photo:

http://gallery.sohc4.net/main.php?g2_itemId=302979

Allows for easier engine removal and installation.

(Thanks to forum member: KevinD for posting his frame mod photo)