QuestionI need someone whom can fix a water leak (mechanicla seal, Plus O rings and gaskets) around the area of the water pump on a 1978 Honda CX 500. I also need someone that can check, if not all of the electical connections, most of them. I need someone that can check timing and firing of spark plugs and, possibley, the air and fuel mixture of the carburation. These are the major things that I would like someone to look over and or fix.
AnswerFrank, I understand that you are having difficulties with your CX500. The early ones had problems with camchain tensioners, rod bearings and stator failures, along with the water pump seals and fans that come apart.
http://auto-recalls.justia.com/content/78V259000-HONDA-CX500-1978.html
The timing is not adjustable and to check it requires a little screw in window to keep the oil from flying out.
Mixture screws on the carbs have limit caps, unless they have been removed.
Stator failures are common and either kill the ignition or they quit charging the battery.
http://cx500.gobinet.se/wwwboard/wwwboard.html
The engine assembly will come out with the radiator on these bikes. Disconnect the fuel lines, electrical wires, unbolt the exhaust headers and engine mount bolts, motor pulls away from the drive shaft and it goes on the floor for service. The whole back cover has to come off for service of the waterpump seal and the camchain/tensioner parts.
Unless you want me to fly in from Hawaii and fix it, let me know where you live. Perhaps someone in the VJMC club will be handy for you. Most Honda shops won't touch them anymore, due to lack of parts and lack of experience with them now.
Bill Silver
www.vintagehonda.com
