CB350F top end rebuild

I finally got around to finishing off the CB350F top end rebuild last week. I gave the cylinder head a quick (re)surface, I deglazed the cylinders with a coarser grit flex hone, and made sure to seal up the head gasket with Copper Spray-A-Gasket. I thought to add a little Hondabond on the troublesome jets for good measure.

The rings have seated, the jets are, um, jetting! and the engine is oil tight again! Next up, rebuilding a troublesome clutch....

XS650 rebuild continues

progress continues on the XS650 rebuild. While the crank and cam being shipped out to Hugh's Handuilt, top end progress continues on the head and cylinders....

After the new Kibblewhite valve guides are installed, the I.D. must be taken down to size. Gene showing me the ropes as we hone down the Kibblewhite valve guides to perfect clearances.

After the guides were dialed in, the seats were cut and the head resurfaced.

Here, the cylinders are being rebored up to 750cc.

Back to the Grinding Stone

Today I got word that my position at the engine machine shop will be (more) permanent. Although it is only part-time for now, it's a huge opportunity for me to challenge myself as I hone my engine building/machining skills. The staff I get to work with are truly amazing and genuine. Because of them, I look forward to coming in every morning and seeing what the day has in store. Love my job.

The Infamous Leak

If you are familiar with 350 Fours then you'll be familiar with the leak. The dreaded CB350F head gasket leak. Even a fresh, resurfaced head is impervious. From what I'm told, the main factor stems from modern day aftermarket head gaskets not compressing like the OEM stock ones. The Result: Oil getting around the jets sandwiched between the cylinder head and barrels, out the side of the engine, and soaking into your sneakers.

The plan this week is for an educated attack; Armed with insight, Hondabond and Copper Spray a Gasket.

Wheel Rebuild

Converting the CB750's front brake to drum has been an interesting challenge. I'll be installing all new bearings once everything is cleaned up, along with new spokes and a pair of alloy shouldered rims. I always digged the front drum brake on the 750 prototype. Too bad it didn't stick. But maybe that was the problem.

Prime time

After trying different combinations of primer and paint, I've found a solid match that I'm happy with and have started priming the CB750 frame and misc parts. The weather looks to be pretty stellar this weekend so I'll get the base paint on in the next couple days.

Waiting For The Paint To Dry

I found myself with some free time tonight and I figured my tool pouch could use an upgrade. Lex at Jovee walked me through the steps as I hand stitched some nice brown cowhide. Pumped. Check out the Jovee website if you want one made up. $40 plus shipping.