1982 Honda CB450T-Hawk Oil Question

[yossef]

it's quite a common old honda's problem. when the motor is hot, the inner ally clutch hub expands and rubs against tired and deformed clutch springs. Tear it open, get the springs out, fit new ones (cheap) and while there, enlarge with a dremel bit the internal diameter of the spring cavities.

-Yossef-

[yossef]

t's quite a common old honda's problem. when the motor is hot, the inner ally clutch hub expands and rubs against tired and deformed clutch springs. Tear it open, get the springs out, fit new ones (cheap) and while there, enlarge with a dremel bit the internal diameter of the spring cavities.

-Yossef-

[rbitra]

I am finding that Shell ROTELLA T SAE 15W-40 seems like good choice for a dino oil. Any one have any experience with it?

[nolaandy]

For a number of reasons synthetic is not a good choice for this bike. Rotella T 15W-40 is a good choice, as are all the diesel-specific non-synthetics. You can also look for Delo or Delvac, but Rotella is much easier to find.



Synthetics will indeed find leaks where currently there are none.

[The_AirHawk]

Better yet: take the springs that are in there - use a screwdriver between each coil (or some other means) to "expand" the springs. Cover a cookiesheet with foil and then "bake" them at 350deg F for 4 hours in your oven to re-anneal them (it goes without saying to clean them thoroughly if you'd like to use the oven again for food).



Whilst it's apart, take the clutch STEELS (noting which order they came apart) and toss 'em down on a flat sidewalk. Use your foot to move them around, "scuffing" the surface of each side. The coarser the better. Don't overdo it, just get the surface good and scratched-up. Clean these thoroughly, re-assemble with clean engine oil in the reverse order, with your newly-annealed springs.



Button back up with a thin bead of Yamabond or Hondabond (hylomar) sealant.



There you have it - Zero Dollar clutch rebuild. (you should already have the hylomar in your toolbox. WhaAAAT? You say you DON'T? Why not?)

[The_AirHawk]

Go for it.



Good Muthaf@#$in' Oil, Muthaf@#$a'!

[TomSmith]

If you are just now getting around to changing it (for the first time since 1982?), why bother? The old oil is probably barely broken in.

[schizuki]

Especially if he uses the rear brake a lot.

[TheFox]

You are officially never allowed to work on my bike.



--Foxy

[The_AirHawk]

You think that I'm joking about that technique?



It seems to be pretty common amongst moto-cross racers; it's been related to me by three different people (but only one suggested the spring-annealing trick).



I admit, I have yet to actually try it. BUT, I fully-intend to use it next time I have a bike with a "soft clutch". (actually, I have one that's softening-up a bit right now, and will likely employ this method early this summer)



I'd say it's no less-valid than enlarging the openings around the pressure-plate springs. If Honda had wanted them bigger, they'd have made them so at the Factory, right?



I'll report-back on my success (or lack therof) soon enough.







P.S. Those of you who change your own tyres: If you don't have a Mojo-Lever tyre bar, WHY THE HELL DON'T YOU?!!!! That thing is FAN-tastic!