[cdwinans]

Hello, I'm new to the group. I have a '78 that's been sitting in the garage for the last 15 years. I'm trying to get it back in service. So far I've cleaned the rust on the inside of the tank. I've changed the oil and filter and put in new plugs. I hooked up a battery and the engine turns over. Where I'm stuck at now is that the throttle doesn't move. What are the likely causes? How do you lube the cables. Also, is it possible to detach the cables at the carb end without removing the carbs?

Any suggestions about other maintenance issues would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Craig

 

[Blue Fox]

You will definitely want to open up those carbs. After 15 years, they are bound to need internal attention. Now if the bike was stored with the float bowls drained and fogging oil shot into them, you might get by. But I wouldn't even proceed until I popped the carbs off. It really isn't as intimating as most people fear. I have not worked on a 78, but the 79's have that coil bracket/mount in the way. Just loosen the bolts and it will pivot up out of the way. Then remove the fuel line, and drain lines. Loosen the clamps on both ends of the carbs. Then remove the bolts that hold the insulators to the head. You can now pivot the insulators inward and get enough room to remove them. It may take a flat screwdriver to pry them off, there is a groove in the rubbers where the carb end fits. Then pry off the air box rubbers from the carbs.



Now there should be enough room to move the carbs to the left side of the engine and loosen the choke and throttle cables. If the throttle won't rotate, try hitting the shafts with some PB Blaster. Outside and inside. You should be able to still remove the cables, even if the shafts are frozen, it will be a bit harder tho. The carbs can almost be completely removed from the bike with the cables attached. You may have to open up some cable holders to get the slack, but they will come most of the way out. Left hand side of the engine, now.



This whole process may take close to a hour the first time, but after doing it several times (and you probably will), it only should take 10-15 minutes.



Now you are ready to disassemble the carbs which is a completely different post. I would recommend that you purchase LRCXed book on carb cleaning. It is written with the novice in mind, but also has good information for the experienced. I think you can click on his name in this forum and it has information on how to purchase.



If you get stuck anywhere, just ask for help. We can walk you thru most any problem on these. I didn't notice if you have listed your location and bike model on your profile, please do that. I may live up the street from you and don't know it.

 

[mx503]

Blue Fox is my hero. I had just bought a 79 that had been sitting since 1986. My throttle was stuck as well. With the help of Blue Fox and a carb rebuild kit, they came out perfect and the bike fired right up. We did not separate the carbs as that was not needed. Here is a website to help get you started :http://www.hondarestoration.com/nosResults.asp?models=CX500-Z,CX500+'79-CX500-1979 The site that I got my cab parts from is down at the moment. It was about 60 bucks but was worth it as it had everything I needed. I will keep researching it and post when I find out more.

 

[cdwinans]

Thanks for the great info. I was really dreading getting into the carbs, now I'm only half-dreading it.

Craig

 

[Blue Fox]

I guessing you don't want to wait this long, but I will be in Bothell, WA the middle of next month visiting our son for 10 days. If you get hung up, PM me and we can get together there. He has 3 Honda bikes too, and is a Honda Auto tech. So no problem with doing it.

 

[Linny]

Thanks for the great info. I was really dreading getting into the carbs, now I'm only half-dreading it.

Craig

2nd to buying lrcxed giude. With all the pic's he has in there even a monkey could probably successfully take out and rebuild a set of these carb's. It's fun to follow along!

 

[SLiM]

I guessing you don't want to wait this long, but I will be in Bothell, WA the middle of next month visiting our son for 10 days. If you get hung up, PM me and we can get together there. He has 3 Honda bikes too, and is a Honda Auto tech. So no problem with doing it.

Blue Fox, Not that I would want to take way any of your family time - but if you get board Bothell is my old stomping ground and just 25 min from Carnation.

 

[SLiM]

cdwinans, I didnt catch the Bellvue location at first. I might be able to help if you need it.

Carbs,Carbs,Carbs take them off and CLEAN them FULLY, along with a complete inspection/clean of your front brake,caliper,M/C including poping off the M/C fluid Res and cleaning out the Bleed back hole thats hiddin underneath. dont forget to add an in-line fuel filter after reinstalling the carbs. Also remove the valve covers and squirt some oil on the rockers and tappets and down the push rods before you fire it up. I under stand exactly where your at My 82 GL sat in my Garage for 22 years I was totaly lost until I found this site. I've put on over 3,000 miles since May