Topic: installing top end

[bikerbart]

So,since people are unreliable,I am thinking of doing my top end by myself.How hard is it too install the cylinders alone?Any tips would be appreciated.73 CB750

[markb]

Not hard at all if you take your time and have a good manual (or two) and a torque wrench.  Check some of the build threads, there's a lot of good info here.
Mark

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Might as well learn another process in engine building. None of it is extremely difficult. Get a good manual and ask questions. Take your time and don't get impatient. I have 4 manuals and they are all different. It makes understanding the processes easier if you can't determine what any one means.

Installing cylinders alone isn't bad. I mostly prefer to do the work alone anyway to avoid distractions and looking stupid    Plus I only have to buy half as much beer.  

You basically install the rings on all 4 carefully as to not break them. Get some wooden blocks, 2 X 2 maybe, to support the pistons/hold them steady over the cases/under the cylinders. Rotate the crank until 2 & 3 are at the top. Place the supports. Feed the middle 2 cylinder's pistons first by compressing the rings and lowering the cylinders slightly. Turn the crank and do the same with 1 & 4. Some guys just squeeze the rings by hand and some use a tool.  

[markb]

I use hose clamps to compress my rings.  First I stagger the ring gaps 120 degrees (I've heard opinions whether it matters or not but it can't hurt).  Of course make sure they're all "green" side up.  There's usually a "T" mark near the gap on the top side.  Then oil them up good and put on the clamps.  I snug them up and then back them off a turn so they won't scratch the pistons when they slide off.  Then like Jerry said with the blocks and 2 & 3 first.  I use a block to keep the cylinder from going down too far also so I can get at the hose clamps to remove them.  Main thing is to go slow.  How soon are you planning on doing it?  That just happens to be what I'm planning for the weekend.  I'll take some photos and post them on my build thread.  Click on the link below.

Edit: I just finished my cylinders.  I had a couple of problems.  You have to put the hose clamps on after the gasket.  I used 1" blocks under the 2 & 3 pistons to hold them straight and they went right in.  After those are on there really is no good way that I saw to hold 1 & 4.  Its been 2 years since I did this last so I guess I was a little fuzzy on what to do.  So I had to wiggle them in.  It took me a while.  One problem was the hose clamps.  They were fatter where the screw was so when the sleeve hits the clamp on that side it moves down first.  I think I had different clamps befoer.  I might have to rethink this one.

[bikerbart]

well,thus far I have been methodical and patient.I have 3 manuals,clymer,haynes and the original shop manual in the green binder,(complete with instructions and photos on uncrating your CB750)A basic good Sears craftsman manual torque wrench,beer,music,1/2 a pack o smokes(wait,I dont smoke,but I have em just in case)hondabond,and this website,I'll be fine.Wish me luck.

[lrutt]

gaskets?

[bikerbart]

Duh.Of course.

[markb]

And you shouldn't need any Hondabond for the top end.

[bikerbart]

lower cylinder gasket?I have it just because.So,no glue huh?Just the gaskets themselves?

[markb]

Maybe others pipe in here too, but I've never put gasket sealer on anything from the crankcase up.  I have put a light coating of motor oil on them just before I install them but I don't always do that.  Not necessarily making a recommendation but that's what I do.

Edit: Check my earlier post, I had a few issues with my procedure.