'81 CB750F trying to get it road ready.

[Chicago Ted]

I did not investigate the color of my plugs after I swapped them. What colors should I be looking for?

Also I do not know how to do a plug chop, but I have read about the. How should I go about that?

[Chicago Ted]

Hello everyone. I know it has been a long time since I have posted on the forum. I wanted to give an update and ask some new questions.

My last problem I was asking about was indeed ignition based. I got a set of used coils installed, and that did the trick. Now, the bike runs like a champ.

With the mechanical issues set aside, I decided it was time to work on some of the aesthetic bits. My first thought was to replace the burnt out bulb lighting my speedometer. I followed my manual's instructions to get to the speedometer (which was no mean feat), and then had to tear off the rubber mount in order to pull out the bulb socket. So, now it is in there with no mount. Is that an issue? It seemed to run just fine like that.

Additionally, I replaced the broken oil pressure warning light on the console. As soon as I turned the key after that, the light appeared lit. I hadn't changed anything in the lubrication system, so I was more tempted to assume it was a fault in the light, than with my oil pressure. I have put 600 miles on it with that busted light, and none of my issues were related to oil.

While researching possible causes of that light, I learned that a short will cause the light to illuminate. I also learned what that frayed wire coming from above my transmission was. I have some pictures of my situation down there. My question is, how can I repair this most easily and inexpensively? I guess it would be good to have a functioning oil pressure sensor, so I suppose it would be best not to just remove that new bulb.

[TOOLS1]

I would put heat shrink tubing over the frayed wire.
TOOLS

[Chicago Ted]

Thanks for the quick reply Tools, you really are a huge help. I tried fiddling with the wire for a bit, just to see if I could hold it in such a way that it would not short, to no avail. Should I take off the cover to the starter motor and follow the wire down? Do I have to drop the carbs to do that? Will I need to buy a heat gun to use the heat shrink tubing? Can you recommend one?

[TOOLS1]

If you have small hands that will fit in-between the carbs, and case there would not be any need to remove the carbs. You do not need a heat gun to activate heat shrink tubing, you can use a lighter, or any heat source, but I recommend a heat gun. You can get one really cheap from Harbor Freight that will do most any job you would encounter.
TOOLS

[Chicago Ted]

Okay, I will try that method. To clarify, is the fact that I have run 600 miles with no oil pressure related incidents sufficient evidence that this light is caused by a short? Would completely disconnecting the lead to the sensor confirm or disprove this?

[TOOLS1]

If you went 600 miles without oil pressure, you must have pushed the motorcycle, because I doubt you would go 6 feet without oil pressure. The way to test the oil pressure warning light system is to disconnect the wire. If the light stays on, it is shorted between the unit, and the light. If the light goes out, take the end of the wire, and ground it to the case. If the light comes on, the wire is good.
TOOLS

[Chicago Ted]

Okay, I disconnected the sending switch, and the light stayed on, no matter which way I wiggled the wire. I think I will have to take off the cover to the starter motor to find where the short is, but for the life of me I can't get off the hex bolt holding it on. I think I lack the correct sized wrench to get it off, and my socket set can't fit in under those carbs. I ordered a set of metric combination wrenches, which ought to do the trick. I also sprayed the bolt with some WD40, thinking it couldn't hurt. I will update with progress.

[TOOLS1]

Should be 10mm.
TOOLS

[Chicago Ted]

Just from dropping my socket set over it, I think this one is actually 8mm. That said, hardly any bolt on this machine is still stock. Regardless, the set I ordered has both. You really are a fountain of knowledge Tools. I appreciate it very much.

On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 11:44 PM, TOOLS1 [via Honda CB750'S] <[hidden email]> wrote:

Should be 10mm.

TOOLS

Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-K X 2
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/81-CB750F-trying-to-get-it-road-ready-tp4042282p4049373.html

To unsubscribe from '81 CB750F trying to get it road ready., click here.
NAML

--
Mark Salvaggio

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute '12

Computer and Systems Engineering

Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity

[Chicago Ted]

Well, the 8mm combo wrench I ordered is not doing the trick. The bolt still slips. I plan to order some PB blaster, and maybe that will do what I need. Failing that, I really don't want to drop the carbs just for this, so, I may just try fishing some insulation down into that hole, blindly, hoping to find the short and mend it.

On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 12:18 AM, Mark Salvaggio <[hidden email]> wrote:

Just from dropping my socket set over it, I think this one is actually 8mm. That said, hardly any bolt on this machine is still stock. Regardless, the set I ordered has both. You really are a fountain of knowledge Tools. I appreciate it very much.

On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 11:44 PM, TOOLS1 [via Honda CB750'S] <[hidden email]> wrote:

Should be 10mm.

TOOLS

Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-K X 2
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/81-CB750F-trying-to-get-it-road-ready-tp4042282p4049373.html

To unsubscribe from '81 CB750F trying to get it road ready., click here.
NAML

--
Mark Salvaggio

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute '12

Computer and Systems Engineering

Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity

--
Mark Salvaggio

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute '12

Computer and Systems Engineering

Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity

[TOOLS1]

Which bolt is it? Can you post a picture?
TOOLS

[Chicago Ted]

The left of the two bolts holding on the panel over the starter motor. Directly under the carbs. I can post a pic when I get home.

On Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 6:05 PM, TOOLS1 [via Honda CB750'S] <[hidden email]> wrote:

Which bolt is it? Can you post a picture?

TOOLS

Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-K X 2
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/81-CB750F-trying-to-get-it-road-ready-tp4042282p4049428.html

To unsubscribe from '81 CB750F trying to get it road ready., click here.
NAML

--
Mark Salvaggio

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute '12

Computer and Systems Engineering

Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity

[TOOLS1]

Cooll!
TOOLS

[Chicago Ted]

Here is the wonky bolt.


As an aside, ever since replacing a bulb in my speedometer, now, my tachometer needle seems to have no damping. It bounces all over the place. I see a warning in my Clymer's manual that says not to hold the meters upside down too long, because it could cause the damping fluid to leak. I fear I may have done just this. Is there a way I can correct this?

[TOOLS1]

I do believe that "wonky" bolt is an 8mm, but looks rounded off. Have you tried a 6 point wrench/socket? Sorry I can not help with the instrument issue.  I have never experienced it myself.
TOOLS

[seestheday]

For what it's worth, I had a speedo that bounced all over the place, and I fixed it by repacking the grease in the speedo part that attaches to the front axle.

[Chicago Ted]

It has been rounded off a bit, through a few failed attempts at prying the darn thing off. I can't get a socket on there without dropping the carbs. I would rather buy a 6 point wrench than do that. The combination wrench set I bought only has 12 point wrenches. I did not see any 6 point wrenches on Amazon, when I last checked. Perhaps you could refer me to a proper tool?

On Sun, Mar 23, 2014 at 6:19 PM, TOOLS1 [via Honda CB750'S] <[hidden email]> wrote:

I do believe that "wonky" bolt is an 8mm, but looks rounded off. Have you tried a 6 point wrench/socket? Sorry I can not help with the instrument issue.  I have never experienced it myself.

TOOLS

Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-K X 2
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)

---

If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion below:

http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/81-CB750F-trying-to-get-it-road-ready-tp4042282p4049508.html

To unsubscribe from '81 CB750F trying to get it road ready., click here.
NAML

--
Mark Salvaggio

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute '12

Computer and Systems Engineering

Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity

[TOOLS1]

Don't you have a Sears store near you? You can also get Craftsman tools (my favorite) at K-mart, and Ace stores. Also Home Depot (Husky), and Lowe's (Cobalt) has some decent tools.
TOOLS

[Ray]

The  gray plug is  a seal for your  cam chain tension-er
  PLUG (11.5X7) (Honda Motorcycle Code 0689414)
and auto parts store should have it .




Ray