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Author Topic: If I didn't laugh, I'd cry  (Read 1758 times)

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Offline ultragoat

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If I didn't laugh, I'd cry
« on: April 17, 2011, 02:33:00 pm »
I've been working on my 78 750 for a while now. Had the engine out twice (don't ask). This second time out, I've went through the motor doing things like cleaning, changing gaskets, oil seals, lapping valves, making sure everything is within spec, etc. While trying to get the valve cover back on I first broke a cylinder head bolt (a week wait till my bolt arrived), then broke a cam tower stud (another week to find one), and then I stripped out a 6m bolt that holds down the cam bracket (helicoiled).

Well, I finally get everything buttoned up, get that mongrel of an engine back into the frame, put the bike back together and just when I thought I was almost done and about to put the airbox back on, I noticed these little guys hiding under the airbox on the table:


 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
I couldn't believe that I forgot to put these bolts back on the cam towers!! Frustrated, I went inside, grabbed a beer and then came up with a plan to get those bolt back on without taking the motor back out. Anyway, with some tricky manuvering using a floor jack, jack stands, and a motorcycle lift I was able to get just enough room to move the valve cover around so I could get the bolts back in without taking the whole motor out.
 
Just thought I'd share/vent about how stupid it was of me to not triple check to make sure everything was bolted down correctly while the motor was out. I'm sure none of you have ever done something so mindless (and if you have please feel free to share so I don't feel so bad). ;D
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Offline madmtnmotors

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Re: If I didn't laugh, I'd cry
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2011, 04:24:03 pm »
I have never done anything like that...

except when I'm awake... ;)
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Wilbur



Projects:
"Evolution": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=100352.0
"P.O. Debacle": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,126692.msg1441661.html#msg1441661
F2/F3 O-rings: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113672.msg1300721#msg1300721
Cam Tower Studs: https://www.mcmaster.com/#93210a017/=t19sgp
Clean up that nasty harness: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=137351.msg1549191#msg1549191
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,148188.msg1688494.html#msg1688494
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,139544.msg1579364.html#msg1579364
                                          
Charging system diagnosis: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1012.msg8345#msg8345
Get the manuals: http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb750k/
The Dragon: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675
Headlight Switch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113986.msg1283236#msg1283236
Branden's leak free top end thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107040.0
Engine Lifting Made Easy: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,58210.msg1684742.html#msg1684742
                                      http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1675840.html#msg1675840
Static and Dynamic Timing: http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/carb_info/timing/timing1.html
Airbox Gasket Replacement: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,114485.msg1290000.html#msg1290000
"Café" : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,84697.msg953814.html#msg953814
PD Carb Choke Linkage: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1669248.html#msg1669248
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,110931.msg1248354.html#msg1248354
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,48858.msg515204.html#msg515204
Follow up on your damn posts: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,144305.msg1791605.html#msg1791605
Taiwanese Cam Chain Tensioners:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,155043.msg1774841.html#msg1774841
Gumtwo Seat Cover: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,164440.msg1897366.html#msg1897366
Primary Drive: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,166063.msg1919278.html#msg1919278
Tank Latch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,165975.msg1919495.html#msg1919495
Shorten your forks: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-shorten-forks-td4042465.html DO NOT CUT THE SPRINGS!
Clutch How To: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-change-and-adjust-a-clutch-SOHC-td4040391.html
Late model K7/K8/F2/F3 front sprocket cover removal: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,178428.msg2072279.html#msg2072279
630 to 530 conversion: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180710.msg2094423.html#msg2094423

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Offline Grabcon

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Re: If I didn't laugh, I'd cry
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2011, 04:27:38 pm »
Welcome to the world of the undead. Only dead people don't make mistakes.
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CB750   1974 - Gone
CB750F 1976 - Gone :(
CB550   1978 - Gone & now back
CB900F 1981 - Gone
ST1100 1991 - Gone
ST1100 2000 - Gone
VFR800 2008 - Gone
ST1300 2008 - Gone
BMW F700GS - Wife's
VFR1200X 2016 - Mine

Offline Mandic

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Re: If I didn't laugh, I'd cry
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2011, 04:37:36 pm »
Are those the bolts that keep the rocker shafts from spinning?  They look way too big but I bet it is just hte picture being deceiving.  If they ARE, here is a kicker for you, they aren't necessary.  Though technically you need to modify the cam towers for better oiling, they just keep the shafts from spinning, which isn't a required thing.
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77 CB750F - Cafe/Daily Rider

Offline Mandic

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Re: If I didn't laugh, I'd cry
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2011, 04:42:29 pm »
Could be like me, I cut my frame tubes to pop the head and cylinders off my bike.  Just when I thought I was ready I dropped the valve cover on, and welded up the frame tubes.  Only to remember afterward, that I couldn' install the cam towers and camshaft with the frame tubes back on...  My bike currently doesn't have frame tubes, again.  Waiting on a kit to make them bolt in.
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77 CB750F - Cafe/Daily Rider

Offline Gaither

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Re: If I didn't laugh, I'd cry
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2011, 06:53:36 pm »
I'll never forget my first engine swap ('55 Chevie V/8). Working on the basement floor, we slid the 3-speed into the clutch/bell housing. The main drive went in easy as pie.

Then when I reached for a tranny bolt, I saw the new throwout bearing beside the bolts - on the floor! (Can you say "stupid"?) It took 20 minutes to get the main drive to line up and in after I put the throwout bearing in and that tranny got very heavy in the process.

We've all done something "in the rush on things" that a bit of thought and planning could have prevented. But, we survive and keep tinkering.

Ain't these ol' bikes fun!!!
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Offline ultragoat

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Re: If I didn't laugh, I'd cry
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2011, 08:22:45 am »
Quote from: Mandic on April 17, 2011, 04:37:36 pm
Are those the bolts that keep the rocker shafts from spinning?  They look way too big but I bet it is just hte picture being deceiving.  If they ARE, here is a kicker for you, they aren't necessary.  Though technically you need to modify the cam towers for better oiling, they just keep the shafts from spinning, which isn't a required thing.

They're the 5X16 Bolts that hold down the cam towers (#6 in the parts fiche), so I'm not sure if they were needed or not, but I'm just glad I got them back in there. 

Thanks to the others for letting me know I'm not the only one doing some questionable wrenching.
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