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Project Hobber - Bigg's Big Adventure

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 2:53 pm
by Bigg
Well this if officially my project after hours when I'm not at work :) I'll update this week by week, take pictures and post updates in this thread.

Currently working on;

1) Removing ignition to get code to order new key
2) Completing pre-start prep outlines below
3) Removing Damaged parts (engine protectors, highway pegs, fender)
4) Good cleaning!

Finished items

1) Got the bike in my garage :lol:


Project Hobber Photo Albums
http://s1150.photobucket.com/albums/o61 ... t%20Hobber

Before Pictures
http://s1150.photobucket.com/albums/o61 ... 0Pictures/


Fun starts this weekend when I go to retrieve my old 650. Now I'm trying to remember if I left the key in it (I've since moved 4 times so as for it's whereabouts, I have no clue, but I hope it's in it).

It's been in a barn for over a decade, it's not been in the elements and it's been stored and kept relatively dry. She hasn't been started over that period and the battery in it is probably long dead.

My mechanic experience is zilch (learning as I go as it's something I've always wanted to do), so please correct me on any mistakes I should not make.

I was planning on trying to start it by;

1) Drain and remove the tank (don't think it had much gas when she went away) Done!
2) Removing old battery and plugs Half done, battery is out, plugs are next!
3) Spraying penetrating oil into the cylinders (suggest a brand?)
4) Let it sit for day or two
5) Replace plugs and battery
6) See what happens

Should I even try this?

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:11 pm
by cb650
Clean the tank. Toss the battery. Acetone and tranny fluid mix is best but its personal preff and any lite oil is ok. After the tank is CLEAN drain the bowls and see what comes out before trying to start. It was a 81 right? youll have issues with the vacum shut off. First time the carbs come out toss it too.

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:22 pm
by Bigg
yup, she's an 81.

50/50 mix for the acetone and tranny fluid?

Thanks for the advice!

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 6:07 pm
by cb650
yes on the mix. Diesel fuel or kerosene (#1 diesel) is good too.
After the tank is clean and it turns over good and you check the bowls see what happens. Just try to clean the bowls and certainly clean the tank first.
Did I say clean the tank!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:33 am
by Volker_P
Nothing serious to add, except maybe: clean the tank! :wink:

After soaking, I would try to turn it first carefully by hand with a 24mm socket at the right side of the crankshaft.
Then I would crank it with the starter and open valve covers until I see oil coming out of all four camshaft bearings. If all right, close covers, mount (clean!!!, did I mention? :lol: ) tank and try to start. You'll probably need a car battery for support for this procedure.

Use the opportunity of tank being removed to bypass vacuum shutoff at least for that early stage.

I would maybe not like to use the new plugs immediately still with the penetrating oil but mount them not before it stopped smoking.

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:06 am
by Bigg
thanks for the great info guys, pics up this weekend.

Image

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:07 pm
by cb650
Finally someone gets it. :lol:

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 1:11 am
by Volker_P
We could make it the forum background picture? :lol:

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:16 pm
by Bigg
wooo boy this is gonna be fun, keys aren't in it. Anyone know a spot online to order replacement keys or should I just swap the whole ignition switch out?

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:29 pm
by onepieceatatime
I have not used this site, but the SOHC4 forum has several people who are happy with them: http://hondakeys.com/

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 9:32 am
by Bigg
the years haven't been kind (though they've been a bit kinder) to mine either. I didn't get a chance to get her out of storage yet (parents truck isn't registered on the road again this year, and I don't think it would fit in the back of my Jeep :lol: ) so I had to leave her there a little longer.

Did snap a picture though, after moving 2 storm doors and a bunch of stuff that my father had piled ontop of her.

Image

I found a key but I don't think it's it (it's been 10 years since I held it in my hand but I could have swore it was 2x the length of this key. I wanted to say it was from a 70's Honda but I don't think my father owned one in those years.

Image

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:22 am
by Volker_P
Does not look that bad. Build it up again could still make sense also with regard to money and effort here.
I confirm this is no CB650 key. Maybe from the steering lock at the frame in case you had these over there at all. Not sure if Canada got the U.S. models however.
However this would be typically a "Neiman" key without a Honda number.

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 10:30 am
by Folsoml
Before you start working, say goodbye to those nice clean fingers and nails. :lol:

Re: Resurrecting my baby from her deep sleep

Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 12:33 pm
by Bigg
Lol I'm no stranger to dirty hands, but I've just been spoiled as my job involves servers and computers all day. I've left plenty of blood on our server racks, servers and PC cases.

I honestly can't wait to get my hands dirty on this project. Wish I still had my old GMC truck, I'd have started already :P

Re: Project Hobber - Bigg's Big Adventure

Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 12:44 pm
by Bigg
lol renamed the thread to a friends suggestion for the project name.

Honda + Bobber style bike = Hobber :lol: