Motorcycle Repair: HONDA CB350, starter clutch, woodruff key

Question
Hi i have a CB350, and when i start it up, a sqeak comes from the starter ,and it wont start up, it was running about 3mths ago ,and i dont know what to do to fit it ,can you help me

Answer
Justin, the squeal is coming from the starter clutch rollers skidding across the starter clutch hub.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350-super-sport-350-k2-usa_model431/partslist/E++11...
#2, #3, #13 are the key components there.

You will need a K&N rotor puller tool, to remove the rotor so you can access the starter clutch components.

K&N 30-0038 ATC90, ATC110 (Breaker Points only), CB175, CB350 Twin, CB350-4,
CB400-4, CB500 Twin, CB500-4, CB550SC, CB650SC, CM185, CM200, CM250, CR125M, CR250M, CT90 (77-79), SL175, SL350 (replaces Honda #216).   Or equivalent from Motion Pro or Stubblefield Sales.

The process requires putting the bike on the centerstand and removing the left side dyno cover.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350-super-sport-350-k2-usa_model431/partslist/E++10...  #4

When you pull the cover, oil will probably come out so put a drain pan beneath the motor to eliminate unnecessary mess.

Air tools are helpful here to remove the center rotor bolt. Sometimes, you can put the engine into gear and use a long handled 14mm wrench and strike it with a hammer/mallet a few times. Once the bolt is out, the special tool threads in against the end of the crankshaft stub. Tighten it up as much as you can, strike the end of the tool ONCE on the end of the tool and it should pop off of the end of the crankshaft. Remove the tapered woodruff key from the end of the crankshaft and set aside.

Once the rotor is off, turn it around to access the rollers, caps and springs. You will find that the springs have all collapsed, which is the main issue. If the bike has been running like this for awhile, then there may be further damage to the rollers/caps and the inner clutch hub where the rollers ride against.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb350-super-sport-350-k2-usa_model431/partslist/E++12...  #2

BE SURE that the starter clutch outer is secured to the back of the rotor. If the screws are broken or loose, remove them all, buy new screws, clean the thread holes and install the screws with Lock-tite adhesive and an impact driver to secure the screws.


Clean out the spring passages of any remaining bits of spring material, then install the springs, caps and rollers. Reinstall the woodruff key, into the crankshaft end. When you reinstall the rotor, you will have to do a turn/push routine to back the rollers off enough to go over the edge of the inner clutch hub, while you engage the key with the slot on the rotor.

Tighten the rotor bolt down firmly and reinstall the cover, making sure that the gasket and screw o-rings are all in good order.

Check the oil level before you start the motor again.

Bill Silver