Gaskets

Hello
I have just joined this group. I have a 1984 Honda CBX 400cc Custom.
The valves in the middle two cyclinders appear to be sticking. I need
to get the head off and reseat/grind the valves. However I have been
unable to source a new top end gasket set for this engine. Can anyone
help, possibly someone who can fabricate from a template. I have tried
the usual suppliers David Silver etc without success. I believe this
model was made only for the Japanese domestic market, and was imported
into UK in the grey area. I like the bike it has a smaller version of
the old Honda CBX 750 engine.
TIA
Mal

 

You're right. This bike was never officially imported and you will only
get the parts by special order from Japan. Why the **** did you buy it,
if you knew this?

And what makes you think the valves are sticking anyway? For a Jap four
to have sticking valves on one cylinder is rare - on two, it's almost
unheard-of, and whatever the problem is, I *bet* it is not sticking
valves.

So there's good news - you don't need a gasket set. Just sell the bike
or throw it away.

 

ROTFL. Good is the new bad.

 

How have you determined the valve(s) stickiness?
As TOG states, one is rare, two almost unheard of.

Low interest Jap market import. Honda -can- be very helpful if you are
polite and persistent. David Silver are a goldmine for Honda bits. Also try
ringing/emailing[1] companies like D&K, Bonanza etc who deal in/ used to
deal in grey imports.

Unless you are used to dealing with engines like yours, I wouldn't recommend
dismantling it. They are a wonder of modern precision engineering, and a
thing of beauty. IMHO, they are close to being designed as a unit, not a
repair item if something major needs dismantling.

Anyways. Check the following before proceeding.

Valve clearances
Fractured valve spring
Compression dry
Compression wet
Leakdown ( if possible )
Carb balance

As for custom gaskets, look in the classified sections of classic car + bike
mags. You'll usually find a gasket maker in there.