The International CBX Owners Association

I've just removed my carburetors and shipped them to Mike Nixon for a complete rebuild. It occurred to me that there may be other maintenance issues for a 30 year old bike that should be addressed while the carbs aren't in the way. In particular I noticed a flexible oil line running from the head to the case that would be impossible to get to with carbs mounted. The oil line looks to be in good shape with no oil leaks or even oozes, and the bike is a fairly low mileage '82 so other than the age thing the oil line hasn't seen much internal stress.

But should I consider replacing this oil line, just from an age and easy access standpoint, or just leave well enough alone? Are there any other issues that I should take care of now?

I checked online and this particular oil line is NLA from Honda. If replacing, then might carry it?

Thanks for any advice. And have a happy new year!

Don't worry about the oil line. It's a good time to really clean everything around there, adjust valves and camchains. Maybe replace a rotted breather hose from crancase to airbox - they are still available. Make sure your carb isolators are in good shape.

Dave

Next question...

It seems like a good time to clean and polish the cam cover and alternator cover. What chemical can I use to strip the clear laquer but not harm the aluminum. After I strip and polish, should I repaint the aluminum with clear laquer or some other type of coating that won't yellow or deteriorate from the engine heat. The alternator cover is accessable enough that occasional repolishing would keep it nice without a coating. The cam cover though is a different matter as it will likely oxidize in virtually unreachable areas.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Be prepared for some work, but buy some spray stripper that's for epoxy paints. You can find it about anywhere. Might take 2 applications, but it will strip off any old clear just fine. Help it along with some steel wool. Then you'll have to decide what finish you want for the covers. I prefer a more brushed look rather than a highly polished 'chrome' look. Heavily oxidized aluminum needs started with Scotchbrite pad, followed by increasingly fine wet/dry sanding. 400, 600, 1000. I stop usually at 1000 then buff. That gives pretty close to factory finish. Go 1200/1500/2000 if you want more a polished look.

I never clearcoat these polished parts. Just touch them up from time-to-time.

Dave

I use 3M Mar-Hyde Tal-Strip II Aircraft Coating Remover, it's a bit expensive but worth it, it's so powerful that 2 to 3 coats will actually remove body filler/bondo, 1 coat is usually sufficient to remove paint and clear coats.

Some auto parts stores carry it, if not your local auto paint supply will.

Dave -

Here is some oil cooler and line discussion:

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5550

And also a little chat about refinishing valve covers (I obviously endorse the ceramic coating):

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=7014

Steve

Steve:
I think Dave is talking about the small oil feed line to the top end - not the oil cooler lines. Those are a problem and many have failed. Plus 1 on the coated valve cover option rather than polishing - a LOT less work!

Dave

Yes, I was talking about the short oil line that runs between the case and the top of the head. That's the one that sits tucked in the heat at the back of the cylinder bank, and also ooks impossible to remove without first pulling the carb bank. If I could find one I'd probably change it out.

As far as stripping the aluminum covers, I picked up some gel stripper from the local Ace hardware that was supposed to work on epoxy paint. I brushed it on and let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes, then hit it lightly with some steel wool. All the old clear coat came right off. A good rinse with the water hose and the alt and cam covers are ready to begin the polishing.

Thanks for the advice.

Just in case... There is a lady in Germany who currently sells a lot of NOS CBX parts on ebay. I think the story is, her husband, who had a motorcycle business, passed away and she tries to liquidate his parts stock. Some of her prices are outrageous, but for the man who absolutely needs mint, NOS parts...

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Honda-CBX-1000-O ... 2eba33298f

I think no one has yet figured out which oil line is in question. Dave is talking about the external rubber oil feed line to the head from the block. But as I said before, I've never seen or heard of one failing and I would not worry about it.

Dave