Topic: 1974 CB350F - First Restoration

[mark9331]

Tonight was a hit and miss...  I got the rear wheel all cleaned up and put it back on the bike.  Right after I tightened the last bolt I saw a finger print on the chrome and wiped it off holding the tire... No air pressure... So I pulled the tire off and plan to try to change the tube or just take it to Honda to have them do it hopefully cheap.  I did clean the chain and got it ready to go.  I also started looking at the electrical and testing it.  I have the rear turn signals disconnected since I have new ones coming.  The front signals and the headlight works both high and low beam.  I know it starts up due to the test last week.  The brake light/running light does not come on at all.  I did a quick check of the connections and they seem to be good however I did not spend too much time on it.  In doing these checks I started to wonder if there is a fuse box for this bike as I have not come across one.  So far I have seen a total of 1 fuse on this bike.  It might be the stupidest question but is there a fuse box that I am missing?  The manual I am looking at is for the CB350F and the CB400F.  The part that shows the fuse box is from the 400F. 

I do not know if I will make the Memorial Day personal deadline I set because the seat is not here and probably is not expected for another week.  However, I do think that it will be ride able the week following.

Also got the piston out of the brake.  It seems to be corroded and same with the body.  I did not want to take a chance so I ordered an entire new set (definitely the big expense I was not expecting).  So with that purchase to get her running (not the extras) I will be pushed over the $1000 mark for the entire build .  Personal goal to keep it under $1000 but I would rather be safe than sorry!

Interesting route my rear turn signals are taking...

Expected Delivery Day: Thursday, May 15, 2014
Product & Tracking Information
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May 19, 2014 , 1:56 am Depart USPS Sort Facility DES MOINES, IA 50395
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May 15, 2014 , 3:21 pm Processed through USPS Sort Facility CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20790
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May 13, 2014 , 2:33 am Processed at USPS Origin Sort Facility CINCINNATI, OH 45234
May 12, 2014 , 2:51 pm Acceptance VEVAY, IN 47043
May 11, 2014 Electronic Shipping Info Received

On another note I am still waiting on my brake lines from Slingshot Cycles....  Its been a week and still no word if they shipped or what?!?!

• Remove Tires
• Replace Tires/Rim Strips/Tubes
• Install Seat
• Clean Exhaust Clamps
• Install Exhaust
• Install Jets in Carbs
• Install Carbs/Air box
• Install Fuel Lines/Overflow Lines
• Install Battery
• Install Throttle Cables
• Clean Master Cylinder
• Rebuild Master Cylinder
• Clean/Refurb Caliper
• Install Brake Line/Brake Parts
• Install Rear Turn Signals
• Finish Cleaning Tank
• Install New Latch on Tank
• Install Petcock
• Finish Cleaning Chain
• Inspect Sprockets and Hope they are good
• Grease Swing Arm Bushing
• Grease Steering Head Bearing

[calj737]

I spoke to Shawn on Saturday about my brake lines. He said he was knee deep in orders and that mine would ship this week, with 15+ orders in front of me. So I suspect, yours are in front of mine. Hang tight, he's a "To-order" guy.

[mark9331]

I got the turn signals in tonight.  I like them even though they did not quite fit the hole.  I had to slightly open it up a little however it was not bad.  They are 2 wire but I hooked them up with 1 (red) and they worked fine.  I was also testing and of course the front brake will not work but the rear running light came on.  I pressed the rear brake and it did not activate.  I wonder if I have a bad switch and need to purchase a new one...  I traced the wiring and it seems to be connected properly.  The light also turns on for the driving light.  Filament looks good inside the bulb.  Hmm I guess a $10 investment into a brake light would not be a bad thing.

The exhaust clamps seem to be cleaning up nicely in the vinegar.  I do not think they will be as nice as the other stuff however it is free so I am not going to complain right now.  I also was able to install the overflow lines and purchase brake fluid to I am ready to go when the parts and brake lines come in!  On Thursday I am going back out and repairing or replacing the tube...

Anyone know where I can get 1 speed nut (the thing that holds the emblem?  I have 3 however 1 was missing.  4into1 is out of them online.

• Remove Tires
• Replace Tires/Rim Strips/Tubes
• Install Seat
• Clean Exhaust Clamps
• Install Exhaust
• Install Jets in Carbs
• Install Carbs/Air box
• Install Fuel Lines/Overflow Lines
• Install Battery
• Install Throttle Cables
• Clean Master Cylinder
• Rebuild Master Cylinder
• Clean/Refurb Caliper
• Install Brake Line/Brake Parts
• Install Rear Turn Signals
• Finish Cleaning Tank
• Install New Latch on Tank
• Install Petcock
• Finish Cleaning Chain
• Inspect Sprockets and Hope they are good
• Grease Swing Arm Bushing
• Grease Steering Head Bearing

Rear Signal

[calj737]

Indicators look retry nice!

Exhaust flanges: after soaking and rinsing them, do yourself a favor and treat them with some durable, high temp paint. They'll corrode very quickly after you soak them and get them clean.

Those "speed nuts" are a real headache. You might be able to find them via Amazon or eBay.

My strongest recommendation for wiring gremlins is: Tequila and a single shot to the brain! I'm in the midst of a 5 day re-wire from scratch to exorcise all prior demons from my bike. What the EF did I get myself into!!!!

[mark9331]

Boo seat just shipped...  Expected Thursday next week   I will miss my Monday personal deadline and my Wednesday bike night.

In other news I am tentatively planning on attending Vintage Motorcycle races at Road America in Elkhart Lake June 6-8.  Anyone else going to be there?

http://www.roadamerica.com/buy-tickets/vintage-motorcycle-classic-ahrma.html

[hoodellyhoo]

In other news I am tentatively planning on attending Vintage Motorcycle races at Road America in Elkhart Lake June 6-8.  Anyone else going to be there?

http://www.roadamerica.com/buy-tickets/vintage-motorcycle-classic-ahrma.html

I'll probably be there on saturday as long as it isn't too rainy.

[mark9331]

I'll probably be there on saturday as long as it isn't too rainy.

Sweet!  I am holding off until the 29th to buy tickets to hopefully have a better look at the weather.  I am thinking of staying with friends in Sheboygan and going back and forth.

[mark9331]

Actually got quite a bit accomplished yesterday and today.  Exhaust clamps were cleaned up to looking pretty good.  I plan on painting them black however I wanted to see how the chrome would contract with the black exhaust.  I also got the rear wheel tube fixed.  I took it out and patched the tube.  There was a small hole in it but nothing major.  It now holds air.  I also re installed the rear wheel and the chain.  Everything seems to look pretty good and is working nicely.  The master cylinder is back together but geez the C Clip was a pain in the butt!  Installed new front brake.  Basically I am waiting on the tank which should be finished this weekend.  The brake lines that arrive on Saturday!  The seat which arrives next Tuesday...   I guess it will give me a chance to get her cleaned up and everything installed.  I also plan on riding her around the parking lot with or without a seat.  I can use a towel or something!!  Shes coming along.

• Remove Tires
• Replace Tires/Rim Strips/Tubes
• Install Seat
• Clean Exhaust Clamps
• Install Exhaust
• Install Jets in Carbs
• Install Carbs/Air box
• Install Fuel Lines/Overflow Lines
• Install Battery
• Install Throttle Cables
• Clean Master Cylinder
• Rebuild Master Cylinder
• Clean/Refurb Caliper
• Install Brake Line/Brake Parts
• Install Rear Turn Signals
• Finish Cleaning Tank
• Install New Latch on Tank
• Install Petcock
• Finish Cleaning Chain
• Inspect Sprockets and Hope they are good
• Grease Swing Arm Bushing
• Grease Steering Head Bearing

Exhaust clamps all cleaned up after their vinegar bath



New front brake installed.  It is shiny versus the stock dull color but still look good.  Got from Everett Motorsports A+ (David Silver Spares Body)



Rear wheel finally holding air and chain all cleaned up and back on.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The punch list is ever shrinking!

[mark9331]

I know!!!!  I am mostly waiting on stuff to arrive/complete.  Pretty good feeling that I am not the bottleneck.

[calj737]

Mark - what's the condition of the tires? If they're the ones that came with the bike, you should plan to replace them sooner rather than later. There is a production date code on them to let you know the exact age of them too. Always check them for dry rotting and cracks in the sidewalls.

I mnetion it because the rear tire in one of your pictures looks to be an older tire...

[mark9331]

Mark - what's the condition of the tires? If they're the ones that came with the bike, you should plan to replace them sooner rather than later. There is a production date code on them to let you know the exact age of them too. Always check them for dry rotting and cracks in the sidewalls.

I mnetion it because the rear tire in one of your pictures looks to be an older tire...

Actually these are new cheap tires... They look old because of the tire goop I had to use to mount the tire & a little chrome polish got on the rear tire.  Granted they are crappy cheap tires and I really only plan to get a season or two out of them.  The original ones on the bike were basically stone so those were a no go.

[mark9331]

So today was an interesting and exciting day.  First I saw that my brake lines were going to be delivered today instead of Saturday so that was a major win!  Second I got a call from my paint guy and he said the parts were complete and I could pick them up after 5!!!

So I got home from work and immediately started installing the brake lines.  It really was not a hard job and pretty straight forward.  I then filled and bled the lines which was a first for me.  Not a ton of clear explanations on how to do it but I found a video that showed some people doing it on a sports bike.  Pretty easy to do once you know how.  Tested them out by rolling bike and pulling brake.  They work great!

So then I went to pick up my tank and side covers.  They do look pretty good!  Well I am comparing them to 10 yr old rattle can so I guess I cannot say much but he did a good job for a good price so no complaints at all!  After I got them home I went straight to work installing the gas tank lid and my new latch.  Was very straight forward but I had to scrape some paint off the locking mechanism to get the latch to fit.  No biggie as it is all hidden underneath.  There is some rust in the tank as it flash rusted but it is not too bad.  I ended up pouring gas into the tank and shaking to get most of it out.  I am not sure if I want to put vinegar back in since it is all nicely painted now.  I wanted to start her again today but ended up not because I was struggling with the exhaust.

So the exhaust I understand that the crush washers go in first.  Then the exhaust with the collar pieces (flange away from engine) and the decorative piece last.  All my double sided screws are fully into the engine block and only the smooth part and the last threaded part remains showing.  When I try to put the exhaust on it seems the pieces are too short and I cannot compress the washers and everything enough to get a bolt on the end.  what am i doing wrong?  I have attempted to look up how to install the exhaust but it seems everyone knows how but me lol.  I was thinking I might need to back the screws out of the engine block a little but I am unsure how to do that as there is no easy way to do that (that I know of).  Other than that I know I will have to trouble shoot stuff as it comes up but it seems that I am simply waiting on the seat and this stupid exhaust.  So yeah any help on the exhaust or points to tutorials would be great!!!!  I am installing the MAC 4 into 1.

I just found out today that I am headed up to Wisc for the long weekend to see some friends so I might get to work on her some Monday but probably not much

• Remove Tires
• Replace Tires/Rim Strips/Tubes
• Install Seat
• Clean Exhaust Clamps
• Install Exhaust
• Install Jets in Carbs
• Install Carbs/Air box
• Install Fuel Lines/Overflow Lines
• Install Battery
• Install Throttle Cables
• Clean Master Cylinder
• Rebuild Master Cylinder
• Clean/Refurb Caliper
• Install Brake Line/Brake Parts
• Install Rear Turn Signals
• Finish Cleaning Tank
• Install New Latch on Tank
• Install Petcock
• Finish Cleaning Chain
• Inspect Sprockets and Hope they are good
• Grease Swing Arm Bushing
• Grease Steering Head Bearing

Freshly painted tank!



Mock up of bike (seat pan just sitting there and no exhaust)

[mark9331]

Hmm I might have solved my own problem.... My exhaust nuts are large decorative ones but in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq3lMJKAgf0 it seems that they are "normal" nuts.  Can anyone comment on that?

[calj737]

It's possible that your old exhaust gaskets (copper crush rings) are still in the engine thus not letting the new crush rings to fit inside. Are you certain you removed them? The factory nuts should be standard 6mm hex nuts (with a washer beneath).

The exhaust pipe should just fit inside the exhaust port allow enough thread to put the flange and nut and washers on. DO NOT ALTER the mounting stud! It's seated how it is for a very good reason. And likely, you'll shear it off at the head should you attempt to remove it.

Fitting the exhaust is a bit tricky and takes some "finagling". Compare the parts you have to the factory parts fiche. If they're the same, take your time and get an extra set of hands to help hold and squeeze and shove the exhaust into place.

[trent]

welcome to the group. We are very close to each other. I did a bike just like that one a few years ago. They are so much fun to ride! I have another waiting in line in the barn. I'm headed to Elkhart to the vintage also. Good luck, and just my two cents, these bikes are not that plentiful, I believe they will increase in value if it isn't one that has been cut up. All in all it is yours, have fun and enjoy.
Trent

[mark9331]

So after the long weekend I got home tonight and was able to put some of my ponderings into attempt.  For the exhaust.  I took some nuts with me just in case I stopped at a hardware store on the way.  I figured out that the nuts are completely aftermarket and stripped on most of them.  This would explain why I could not get them to hold the exhaust.  So I stopped and picked some regular chrome plated nuts and washers up so I could see if that would work on the exhaust system.

Luckily when I got home this was the first thing I did.  It was super easy to install after I had the right nuts.  The muffler was also really easy.  I simply put the clamp on and the rear part attached directly to the passenger peg so definitely a 10 for ease of install for the mac!

I figured I was ready to start her up now the exhaust was installed!  Had a difficult time getting her started but it was the first time but now she starts fine.  I think I have a ton of trouble shooting when it comes to setting everything.  When I start it it seems to idle.  Then when I give it some gas it wants to die.  I am not sure how it is supposed to work but when I mess with the choke it revs higher and lower.  I messed a little with the idle screw and not sure if I did more good or bad.  I might have to defer to my boss for some expertise on settings and what could be causing some of this.

One issue is I think I have a stuck float so it is remaining open and running fuel out of my overflow lines.  I think this is a relatively easy fix just to remove the carbs and make sure all the floats are good.

On a side note I replaced the brake switch with a new one and it works now but I think it was a slight short somewhere because both the front and rear started working where they were not before.  Either way I think it is resolved but I will have to watch that moving forward.

As for the list.... it seems to be nearly 100% complete.  I am going to do the greasing at the same time I sync the carbs since I will be at my bosses house and be able to bum some grease.  The airbox I will put back on after I pull the carbs off and make sure the floats are good.

Seat is scheduled to be here on Thursday so I am looking forward to that!  Then I will have a complete looking bike if nothing else 

• Remove Tires
• Replace Tires/Rim Strips/Tubes
• Install Seat
• Clean Exhaust Clamps
• Install Exhaust
• Install Jets in Carbs
• Install Carbs/Air box
• Install Fuel Lines/Overflow Lines
• Install Battery
• Install Throttle Cables
• Clean Master Cylinder
• Rebuild Master Cylinder
• Clean/Refurb Caliper
• Install Brake Line/Brake Parts
• Install Rear Turn Signals
• Finish Cleaning Tank
• Install New Latch on Tank
• Install Petcock
• Finish Cleaning Chain
• Inspect Sprockets and Hope they are good
• Grease Swing Arm Bushing
• Grease Steering Head Bearing

Pic of installed exhaust

[calj737]

You might try and pull the top clamp and steering nut now, before you assemble too much more. The steering head bearings are in the "neck" of the frame, where the steering stem runs. These bearings are what manages the bars rotating smoothly from side to side.

If you remove the top clamp, be prepared to catch the front end from slipping apart. Restrain the front wheel to help keep the fork tubes from sliding out and dropping the stem out and all the ball bearings onto your garage floor.

In essence, this is not the same as taking a grease gun and squirting grease into a fitting. It's a bit involved and is generally not well maintained on most bikes. You can determine if it's due by steering lock to lock. If the steering isn't smooth as silk, time to re-grease.

[mark9331]

welcome to the group. We are very close to each other. I did a bike just like that one a few years ago. They are so much fun to ride! I have another waiting in line in the barn. I'm headed to Elkhart to the vintage also. Good luck, and just my two cents, these bikes are not that plentiful, I believe they will increase in value if it isn't one that has been cut up. All in all it is yours, have fun and enjoy.
Trent

Ah I see we are indeed very close!  I do not plan on cutting her up at all.  She is staying mainly stock with changing a few bolt on parts like exhaust, rear signals, seat, etc.  We have a small group here in IC that are looking at doing some weekend rides (all types of bikes) so if you want to join let me know and I can send you some info!

[mark9331]

So I got home from work today.  I tried to start the bike last night with no avail since the battery seemed to have died from my attempts.  I hooked it up to my battery tender to charge the battery.  2 Issues that I have found that need attention:

• Today I pull the bike out and after a little tinkering it starts right up with the choke open which I know is normal.  However, when it starts it wants to immediately rev up to 5K RPM while the choke is open.  I am then able to "control" the revs by slowly opening and closing the choke.  With the choke completely closed the bike drops to about 800 RPM and dies.  I know the low end could be due to my idle screw set too low and I will mess with that later.  I am more concerned with the fact that it wants to start and rev to 5K and stay there.  Any suggestions?
• I also put the bike in gear on the center stand to see how it would run.  With the clutch pulled all the way in the rear tire spins not fast but still at a decent pace.  I was able to stop it with the rear brake but I am not sure why it is spinning.  I am going to check the clutch cable to see what will happen if I remove some additional play (even though there is not a lot in there now).  Any other suggestions?  I am hoping this does not mean I need to tear the clutch apart.....

I know you guys have tons more experience than me and I hope this is something wrong with my settings more than something wrong with the engine.  I have the air screws set at 7/8 turn out.  I have also posted a video I hope it works let me know if it doesn't.

http://youtu.be/4ZoXzoxjD7g

[flybox1]

So I got home from work today.  I tried to start the bike last night with no avail since the battery seemed to have died from my attempts.  I hooked it up to my battery tender to charge the battery.  2 Issues that I have found that need attention:

• Today I pull the bike out and after a little tinkering it starts right up with the choke open which I know is normal.  However, when it starts it wants to immediately rev up to 5K RPM while the choke is open.  I am then able to "control" the revs by slowly opening and closing the choke.  With the choke completely closed the bike drops to about 800 RPM and dies.  I know the low end could be due to my idle screw set too low and I will mess with that later.  I am more concerned with the fact that it wants to start and rev to 5K and stay there.  Any suggestions?

  this is normal. take the choke off when it does this and hold the idle at 1000-1200 with the idle set screw.  nothing is wrong.

• I also put the bike in gear on the center stand to see how it would run.  With the clutch pulled all the way in the rear tire spins not fast but still at a decent pace.  I was able to stop it with the rear brake but I am not sure why it is spinning.  I am going to check the clutch cable to see what will happen if I remove some additional play (even though there is not a lot in there now).  Any other suggestions?  I am hoping this does not mean I need to tear the clutch apart.....

this is normal.  no need to service your clutch because of this

I know you guys have tons more experience than me and I hope this is something wrong with my settings more than something wrong with the engine.  I have the air screws set at 7/8 turn out.  I have also posted a video I hope it works let me know if it doesn't.

http://youtu.be/4ZoXzoxjD7g

[mark9331]

So I got home from work today.  I tried to start the bike last night with no avail since the battery seemed to have died from my attempts.  I hooked it up to my battery tender to charge the battery.  2 Issues that I have found that need attention:

• Today I pull the bike out and after a little tinkering it starts right up with the choke open which I know is normal.  However, when it starts it wants to immediately rev up to 5K RPM while the choke is open.  I am then able to "control" the revs by slowly opening and closing the choke.  With the choke completely closed the bike drops to about 800 RPM and dies.  I know the low end could be due to my idle screw set too low and I will mess with that later.  I am more concerned with the fact that it wants to start and rev to 5K and stay there.  Any suggestions?

  this is normal. take the choke off when it does this and hold the idle at 1000-1200 with the idle set screw.  nothing is wrong.

• I also put the bike in gear on the center stand to see how it would run.  With the clutch pulled all the way in the rear tire spins not fast but still at a decent pace.  I was able to stop it with the rear brake but I am not sure why it is spinning.  I am going to check the clutch cable to see what will happen if I remove some additional play (even though there is not a lot in there now).  Any other suggestions?  I am hoping this does not mean I need to tear the clutch apart.....

this is normal.  no need to service your clutch because of this

I know you guys have tons more experience than me and I hope this is something wrong with my settings more than something wrong with the engine.  I have the air screws set at 7/8 turn out.  I have also posted a video I hope it works let me know if it doesn't.

http://youtu.be/4ZoXzoxjD7g

Ah great to know!!!  Did you see the video?  Did it sound like it should?  I plan on messing with the screw tonight.

[flybox1]

Sounds like it needs valve lash and cam.chain adjusted. 
Just use the choke to get it started, and as the rpms climb as it warms up, take.the choke off.  Your idle set screw should be turned in more than it is to hold the idle.....

[trent]

Mark, feel free to send me some info, I'd like to get together with some locals. trentbrendel@hotmail.com

[mark9331]

Question on carburetor slide gap. I gapped them by using wd40 straw for spacing. Should I have left more of a gap?