QuestionBill,
Thanks for taking the time to look at my question. I have a 1980 Honda CM 400. The bike only has about 3000 miles on it and I just got it out after winter. Some how, oil seaams to be leaking up through the engine casing. About a teaspoon for a 10 mile trip. It only occurs while the bike is going. Is this a gasket problem? Also, the oil light comes on when the Bike is turned on, but goes off when the bike starts, I beleive that is normal, but I am not sure. Finally do you have any suggestions as to where the oil filter is located on this model. I relize a lot of these questions could be answered in my manual, but I dont have it.
Thanks for the time.
AnswerJason, go to
http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/ sign up, log on and add vehicle/Honda/motorcycle/CM400 1980 and you can review the illustrations there. Oil filter is located in the lower crankcase section.
There are rubber grommets and a cam cover seal that may be your source of the oil leak. Try to gently tighten the cover bolts first, but after 26 years the gaskets may need replacing, despite the low miles. I'm not sure I completely understand your reference to engine casing, if the top cam cover is not where the leak is...
It is important that the balancer shaft chain be adjusted. The adjustment is through the right side cover where the removeable screw out cap is located towards the top right of the cover. You may want to have someone do this for you, so you don't drop a socket down inside or move the adjuster the wrong way.
The oil pressure light is functioning properly, just like the one on a car. These are high pressure oil pressure systems, unlike those of the early twins. I recommend that you purchase a shop manual to more fully understand the maintenance issues with your machine. It will be a good reference for anyone else you may have working on it, too.
www.helminc.com is the supplier of factory manuals, including owner's manuals. Ebay can be a source of information, as well.
Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com
