Topic: 1975 Honda CB400 Four Supersport Cafe South Africa - #SuperTramp

[Leonardovans]

So i finally got the carbs clean and assembled. I bench synced them and installed them last night.

At first she really struggled to start and I thought I did something wrong. Then after about 5 minutes of trying she eventually ran. She idled very well.

I think I got the timing set OK, but I bought a timing light and will set it tonight. First time, but I am sure I can do it.

The third cylinder is still running colder than the others, but eventually gets hot. I need to figure out what is wrong here.

I will take her for a ride and see how she runs.

[straat-toe]

Good progress Leo.  4 is harder than 2 is harder than 1. Could just be fuel supply/clogged jets. or a bad plug on the 3rd cylinder. Thanks for the rings. I started my rebuild last night.....eventually. 

[Leonardovans]

Thanks!! Looking forward to yours getting done.

I think i finally solved the problem. The only thing i never did was change the plugs.

The previous owner told me he had done that less than 1000km ago. So I decided to do it anyway, it's only $10 after all. Also, the bogged carbs obviously fouled the plugs.

So david Silver sell the DR8ESL for our bikes. Now I have read conflicting stories regarding the difference, the R being resistor plugs that should actually be used only with new resistor-less plug caps, and the D8EA that should be used (and were removed today), but the DR8ESL were the only ones available from the bike shop and OMG what a difference. She runs like a rocket now.

I should probably get the stock D8EA eventually, but I don't even know if these caps have resistors in, unless someone with knowledge can tell me otherwise. Or if someone has cut one open to show me. Wait, one of my plug caps are broken, I will cut it open and post the photo here.

I have done the "resistor removal/ replace with brass rod" mod on my CX500, but they actually have resistors, an aluminium rod, and springs that can be removed. I don't see that in the CB400 caps.

Here is a pic of the plugs I removed. From left to right, 1 to 4. Notice no.3 is BLACK.



Stay tued for the cut open plug cap.

[straat-toe]

Cool. Good job. I can come have a look. You can get new ngk resistor plug caps at tracmac or Craigs,part # xd10f.  I run those and the D7ea plugs on my 550s . Easy start and no hassles.

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[01Thomas]

Just note that not all resister plug caps are the same, the number in the p/n usually(!) denotes the resistance. For one of my other bikes fitted with an aftermarket Silent Hektik electronic ignitin the resistance must be 5 kOhm, not the more common 10 kOhm.

cheers
Thomas

[Leonardovans]

So I said I was going to cut the CB400F spark plug cap in half, because I wanted to see the resistor.

Well, here it is. No more wondering.

[straat-toe]

oooooh. nice cutting.

[Leonardovans]

Dremel, awesome little tool.

Photography, not so much.

[straat-toe]

Yup. Have Dremel will cut.

[Leonardovans]

So, while looking for parts for Supertramp, someone contacted me with another 400F for sale.

Needless to say, I bought it.

Has anyone seen this fuel gauge on a 400F?? Apparently all original from the factory.

[straat-toe]

Hey. Leave some for the rest of us! Ha. Another nice one. That fuel gauge is definitely after market. 

[Leonardovans]

I am sure there are plenty more out there.

It does say "Made in Japan", maby an option from Honda?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The fuel gauge is definitely aftermarket. I just ended up getting sick of mine. The float sloshes around and bangs against the tank interior - that gets annoying. And it's not very accurate.

[Leonardovans]

I think I'll try to restore it. Even if it doesn't work, it looks cool. 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I think I'll try to restore it. Even if it doesn't work, it looks cool. 

Looks cool, yes. Annoying sound of the plastic float pinging the inside of your gas tank, priceless. No worries.