engine build - slowly but surely

[Dick Eastman]

This is beautiful work.

I see that the carb bodies and bowls look like they are new. I looked back in the thread but could find no reference to how they were cleaned. So, how were they cleaned?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks - I soaked them in a gallon bucket of some fairly fresh Gunk carb cleaner, then laquer thinner.

[Dick Eastman]

I'd like to know too, if you don't mind. Also, how'd you clean that engine so nicely?

This is beautiful work.

I see that the carb bodies and bowls look like they are new. I looked back in the thread but could find no reference to how they were cleaned. So, how were they cleaned?

Thanks in advance.

The engine case halves, cylinder, head, valve cover were all vapor blasted. I sent them to Vapor Honing Technologies in Connelly Springs, NC [828-202-5563]. They sell these machines, but also blast customer's work [$25/hr]. The owner is John, and he races a CB 350. He did an excellent job. My parts were absolutely clean when I sent them, so he did not have to contend with any grease/crud. It took him about 6 hrs to do my engine - worth it.

[Dick Eastman]

A couple better pics of the carbs; also polished points cover today

[Dick Eastman]

Inquiries about vacuum ports on carb spacers: These were fittings I had on hand, the thread size is 10-32, and location was centered on carb spacer flat. Hole thru is 3/32, counter- drilled with #21 as deep as I could go without breaking thru, then carefully hand tapped. I put these on the spacers to allow use of my oil manometer to balance carbs. I think I put up a post, showing the oil manometer in use; very easy and inexpensive [$5] to make, much more accurate than mercury sticks. I used it extensively on my fours.

I machined the head surface, both sides of the spacers, and the mating side of the carbs - everything flat and parallel for a good seal.

[G-Man]

Excellent work, Dick. The vacuum ports are really neat. Many years ago I built and an 'averaging' water manometer to tune my CB400F.

G

[jensey]

Hi,

Nice vacuum ports. I placed them to the inside instead of outside. This way they are hard to see when looking at the bike. I also make them on my CB450's, also pointed inwards.

It saves a lot of hassle, especially on the early 450's (the carbs are known as very sensitive).

Very nice build anyway !

[Dick Eastman]

Excellent work, Dick. The vacuum ports are really neat. Many years ago I built and an 'averaging' water manometer to tune my CB400F.

G

Thanks, Graham
I wonder if there is any diff between the two? My oil manometer uses a wood yard stick, 12' of clear tubing, and a few screws/clamps - about $5.