[Brez0034]

Hey everyone...I have a noobish question....I bought a '79 CX500 Custom that I was cleaning for the first time today and I got the seat off and opened up the air filter......first of all, there was a bunch of corn, wheat, etc in the air filter...so I got that out....but I also smelled gas when I opened it up and there is liquid underneath where the filter goes....is this normal. It looks like oil, or a mix of oil/gas. I am still new to these bikes and bikes in general...I'm just wondering if its supposed to be there.

 

[SamsGL650]

Check and drain your crankcase breather; bypass gases mixed with combustion condensates are relieved here. With the air filter "choked" with debris, that would explain the condensates at the botton of the a f compartment.



Next to regularly changed oil and filter, a clean air filter is your engines best friend.

 

[Brez0034]

I cleaned out the air filter and I drained what I believe is the correct hose. To make sure I got the right one, it was one of the hoses with a cap on the end? The liquid that came out was the same color as that which was in the air filter compartment and I did notice the levels in the compartment went down. I also cut an inch or so off some other hoses which had a lot of build up on them. The bike runs great, but I'm hoping this will improve my MPG....I was sitting at about 42-43 before...

 

[ramprat06]

Sounds like you got the right vent hose. Sam is correct that some stuff will collect there over time as a by product of the combustion blow back. The other vents are from the carbs, petcock and battery IIRC. Some capped, some not. Best to keep them clear and check at regular oil changes.

 

[Shep]

Pre-season I remove my air filter and it's little plinth and pour some washing up liquid in the box.Squish it about with a dish washing long brush then pour several boiled kettles of hot water in there with the drain plugs removed.That clears the box and tubes nicely.Then dry out with some tissue.



If you get excessive oil in there it's sign of a fault with the engine.If you get fuel the carbs need checking usually the float heights and float needle valves need attention.



HTH

 

[Brez0034]

Thanks for the info, I have that all taken care of, now the only thing left is to get my speedo working. It was working a few months back then stopped. I'm thinking it's the cable, but I think I'm just going to take it in and have them look at it, the 2 bulbs also need to be replaced in the speedo housing and I can't seem to get under the fairings to get at it...unless someone knows of an easier way to get at it without taking the speedo off. Tried that and broke a few of the bolts.

 

[ramprat06]

Thanks for the info, I have that all taken care of, now the only thing left is to get my speedo working. It was working a few months back then stopped. I'm thinking it's the cable, but I think I'm just going to take it in and have them look at it, the 2 bulbs also need to be replaced in the speedo housing and I can't seem to get under the fairings to get at it...unless someone knows of an easier way to get at it without taking the speedo off. Tried that and broke a few of the bolts.

Guess you should start a new post on that one. I've go no help for ya there, but there are other posts around that address the lights and cable for the speedo.