1978 Honda CB400 TII Hawk Restoration - Work Continues
November 18, 2007: Step 1 - Get it running - continued.
I started today by rebuilding the carburetors. The week long soaking I did managed to rid the carbs of the varnish. The jets managed to clean up as well.
I ordered intake O' Rings, which was a good move. As i started removing the old ones, they broke apart and were extremely brittle. I found the "push" throttle cable to be seized so for now I didn't install it. I did purchase all new cables (throttle, choke and clutch) but I really don't want to install them until I am past the break down stage and into the rebuild stage.
Next I changed the plugs but put a couple of drops of WD-40 into each opening before installing the new plugs.
What would I find when I drained the oil? When I checked its level earlier the dip stick barely showed anything. I considered two possibilities. Either it was just low or the oil had turned to sludge. To the moment of truth. I loosened the drain plug and was immediately relieved to have the oil ooze all over my hand. The oil didn't appear to be in too bad shape. The oil filter also looked ok. So the Hawk was just low on oil.
Now it was time for the battery. I connected it and turned on the key. Nothing. I rubbed my chin for a moment. I know the battery is fully charged because I just disconnected it from the Battery Tender. I pulled the cover off the fuse block. At first glance, the block didn't look corroded, but looks can be deceiving. I pulled three fuses. The 7A for the headlight broke when I removed it. I sprayed the fuse block with contact cleaner and cleaned the two remaining fuses. I put in the cleaned fuses and replaced the one for the headlight.
I turned the key on again. Ah, there was a heartbeat. I had dash lights, partial directional's, a brake light but no headlight. Good enough for now. It was time for the starter test. I pressed the starter button and it turned.
Now I was really ready to try to start it. What to do for gas? I did drain the tank in between the steps above. I was hearing what sounded like rust moving around inside the tank. There was no way I was going to destroy the nice clean carbs.
I looked around the garage. The gas tanks from the CBR and NT650 won't work - they are California models. There was no way I was touching the STs and the 82 Silverwing's tank was just to bulky. This left the XR100. It perfect actually, plastic and light weight.
Looks funny...
Now I was ready to give the Hawk a try.
Play video in external player.
What blew out the crossover.
No. 5 is alive! The Hawk runs, but it sounds like a Harley.
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