Can I solve the Oil Leak ? On my Honda Superdream (aka Hawk) project bike. - Part 26

Continuing on my project to build a bike from boxes of parts, I work to understand why I had a huge oil leak and make further progress on other items.

[@ballockybill2277]

Aaw man , of all the bikes you could have rebuilt , you picked the 250N . Top marks for perseverance .

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you, its no rock star but as a first rebuild project its done me proud.

[@MarkJames61]

Sounds like a sewing machine. (Just like my CB500) Great work Ryan. What a year you invited us in on. Thanks for all your vlogging.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Cheers Mark, it's getting better all the time, I'm just working my way through a few causes of an odd noise or two.

[@306GokartsCustomBuilds]

Having the same leak on a fresh topend rebuild..after i finished panicking i did some research on found this video 👍 ..dont feel like waiting for new bolts with rubber sleeves so going to try your sealing idea😊

[@RyansGarageUK]

Glad this is of some help. I do understand that new bolts are available (sometimes) if you do prefer the "Correct" method to solve it.

[@NatsNackersYard]

Got to be happy with that mate.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Nat, I am happy it now running without peeing out oil. Just need to understand why it sounds a little loud to me, then move forward as I;ve not got a front brake yet.

[@InTheShedUK]

Sounds much better with the exhaust and airbox fitted, just means you can hear all the other noises now.... one step forward.... one step back! 👍

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks, I agree and I'm working through other possible causes now. Ryan

[@jimbo9310]

Excellent videos Ryan and I am learning so much from your channel. Great to see it start like that. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and happy new year. Looking forward to new episodes in the new year 🎄😊👍

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you Jim, I never thought anyone would learn from my messing about in my garage, but I'm happy to be of help. Wishing you and your Family a Merry Christmas . Ryan

[@chrisbagley8104]

Hi, I know this episode is old now. However should you strip a similar engine and reassemble it, the oil leak was caused by missing seals on the studs. The seals are listed as gaskets and are Honda part number 12909-413-000 gasket, cylinder stud, of which 2 are needed. Sorry if you already know all this, but there was no mention of this in your narrative. Chris.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Chris, Sorry for slow reply, I've been away. You are totally correct, and I now know that, although sourcing the new gasket cylinder studs appears to be far from easy. Although as these oil galleries serve no purpose on this engine, they are easily blocked off instead.

[@frankenbikestien5073]

tappet clearance......use two sets of quality guages such as in feebay ....(Draper 51720 Combination 32 No Feeler Guage Set Mechanics Garage Tool 100m).....at tdc on firing stroke inlet 0.12mm.....for a +/- .02mm tollerance, use 0.1mm and 0.14mm as go-no-go gauges. if you feel sharp edges, check the ends of the tappet screw, they will be pitted and will need changing. .....exhaust is 0.16mm +/- 0.02mm (0.14mm-0.18mm

[@deandempsey264]

Fair play can even hear the excitement in ya

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Dean for your support. Ryan

[@user-eb7qf8vu3r]

Hi Ryan great video's keep them coming people like nead them. Anyway I've just done changed the oil filter an I thought I was doing until I answered the door to the postman only bills. An on returning back the 400n superdream I've noticed a washer an spring an unsure which way round they an I can't look in manual as a friend Haa got in I've loas his number an as he lives over 60 miles away now to far to travel so can you remember the way yours went in. Oh 1 last last what oil have you used I know it's 10/40 within the new ones now am unsure as it just 10/40 back in the 80s an 92 when I last had a superdream an all I done then was put 4 STAR IN some people 2. 1/2 ,,litre an some 3. 1/2 litres so I was just what you have used in your bike take care mate 👍🏻👍🏻Robbie an keep the video's coming....

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Robbie, from memory you fit the. Spring first over the oil filter bolt, then washer, then filter. But suggest you check the diagram on cmsl website to be sure. My oil was just 10/40 semi sync 4 stroke oil from Halfords, nothing special. Hope you get it sorted. Ryan

[@philippash5264]

Hi, good stuff, the ticking noises are the exhaust manifolds blowing, just needs tightening I've done it loads off times with new gadgets. Cheers Phil

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Phil, I'll check that and hopefully it will help. Ryan

[@DTMotorcyclesEssex]

Good stuff Ryan glad u got it going mate sounds like cam chain is bit loose can hear it slapping about but you got it going finally mate looking good just goes to show hard work pays of 👊🏼

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks you for your support, I am checking the Chain tensions now, apparently I have two tensioner, cam chain and Balance weight, so I'm checking them both now.

[@alanpatterson2759]

Good progress Ryan

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you Alan.

[@tommjames]

Well done Ryan, really loving this series and so interesting for me as I'm about to embark on pretty much the same project. Picking up loads of tips - I'm sure I'll be coming back to your videos when I encounter all the same issues :D Keep going mate it'll be a fine day when she's all finished and running sweet.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you Thomas, I hope you have less issues than me. I'm looking forward to my first ride hopefully soon. Ryan

[@timparker9235]

@Thomas James will you be sharing your efforts on KZbin? I'd definitely subscribe

[@tommjames]

@@timparker9235 I might! If so I'll drop a link on here.

[@michaelburton7440]

running better now the airbox is on...cant beat a wet dream remember had about 4 of um when you could by um for £250 run um into the ground and get another.loveing the chanel mate

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you Michael. I wish there where still a few around at the price for the spares I'm missing. Cheers Ryan

[@matthewharmer1656]

I can hear the cam chain from here!!!! If the choke keeps closing by itself, I think you can adjust the friction on the cable, there is a friction ring you turn to increase the friction.its just below the choke pull lever itself.try it??

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Matthew, my choke cable to damaged and needs replacing so I'm unable to lock it into position until I replace it. I'm checking all the chain tensions now. Ryan

[@andyshondaxlsrestorations4733]

Nice one it's alive just the cam chain or taphits to sort out now . Hardest works all done now the Finishing Line is in sight.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Andy, I agree I'm now thinking my main issue is the balance weight chain tensioner and I'm working on it today.

[@stevegraham4336]

looking good ryan, give yourself a pat on the back.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Steve, another small milestone achieved. Ryan

[@MrSportster12]

Well done for sticking with it, sounds good. Please mind the strings of your hoodie and the spinning generator.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Stu, that's a good point you make and I'd never considered it before. It would make for a very widely shared video, but I'd rather keep my neck so I'll keep that in mind next time. Ryan

[@timparker9235]

what can I say Ryan? Brilliant! what a difference an airbox makes too. not keen on 2-into-1 exhausts for the superdream but that one sounds OK actually. I can't wait to see you ride it off down the street - would love it if you perhaps streamed it live - again well done on great content.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thanks Tim, there's an idea. Never streamed before but I'll give it consideration. I appreciate your support. Ryan

[@RyansGarageUK]

I have fitted the exhaust It was supplied with, but maybe I could change them in the future. Thank you. Ryan

[@kihestad]

Well done, it seems to run nice now! 👍 I did not know about these channels between the bolt and cam chain holes either, good to know about! Remember to balance the carbs. The engine seems to run quite nice though, it might be OK as is but worth a check.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you, I need to learn how to balance the carbs as so far all I have done it try to follow suggested settings and kept them the same, so I'm sure they are not in balance yet.

[@kihestad]

@@RyansGarageUK It is super-easy compared to all the other stuff you have managed to fix 😊 If you want to do it on a budget it can be done using transparent hoses set up in a U-shape with thin oil inside the hose. Then connect the end of them to the vacuum for each carb. For two cylinder engine this is quite easy. I made it for four cylinder engine so I used some L- and T-connectors, and had a wooden board I fitted all the hoses to. I was a an easy and fun project, and did not cost much.

[@NatsNackersYard]

@@RyansGarageUK this might help mate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWqtoWOonNybhdk

[@kihestad]

@@NatsNackersYard I have seen this bottle solution. It seems to work, but I think skipping the bottles and just use clear hoses is easier and possible provide more exact readings. Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWTXiaydeN2nhLM

[@raymondadams7570]

i had a superdream and i could not work out the logik of the slots and getting the proper bolts with the rubber sleeves was a nightmatre

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Raymond, I still don't know for sure why they did that, best guess was it was a part shared with a different application that needed them.

[@RustyWrecks]

On the choke cable theres a rubber part just above the bracket turn it clockwise and it adjusts the stiffness of the cable and keeps it in place, also there should be a rubber pipe going from the rocker cover breather on the right and the left hand side of the airbox, check the balance weight chain tension (BIG chrome screw on the clutch cover to get to that as it could be that thats rattling), But great work so far keep going mate.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Pete, the top of my Choke cable is broken and need replacing, so it's not currently possible for me to twist it to lock into position. I hadn't thought to check the balance weight chain so I'll be doing that next (once I understand how..) I think I have the breather tube so I'll dig that out and fit it. Thanks Ryan.

[@edkorff7563]

Hi Ryan, I admire your persistence. Unfortunately I have to say a couple of things. First, i am not a professional. Here some remarks. I think it is stupid to say that the Honda engeneirs are stupid. I think the oil chanels are intended. I have to eat now. I write more later.

[@edkorff7563]

Here I am again. Personally I think that liquid sealing is for amateurs. Honda is a very good brand. I myself had to learn much through trial and error and am still learning

[@edkorff7563]

That is a long way to learn things. I would recommend to go to someone who has more understanding. Maybe Angus D. Campbell from the BSA Power Set site could help. Talking to someone who is more or less a professional is a thousand times better than to search between amateurs who give you the wrong advice. I say these things only to help you because you do clever things. I watch at times the Chanel of Michael Waller from Britannia Motorcycles. He is a real professional, although it is a little bit boring sometimes watching him.I hope you will succeed in your efforts and am looking out to your next video. Greetings, Ed.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Ed, thank you for your comments. I am a total amateur who has never rebuilt a bike before and I'm learning whilst showing my efforts I don't disagree that my use of sealant is not the most professional solution, but without being able to buy the very none standard bolts with built in rubber seals leaves me without much choice. I'm sure the channels are intentional, but not when used on this engine. I'll continue to try learn more each week and I only hope to finish with a bike that I'm happy with. Regards. Ryan

[@edkorff7563]

Hi Ryan, I also hope that you end up with a bike that runs for a long time. Keep up the spirit. Regards Ed.

[@TRISTANorTRIS]

Nice to see the reason for the leak. Did you check the condition of camchain and tensioner before you reassembled? Sounds a little rattly. But always difficult to diagnose with KZbin sounds.

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi, i looked over the camchain and tensioner, and they seemed okay to an untrained eye, but I agree it does currently sound a little too rattly to me, and I'll be trying to understand why. Thanks Ryan

[@drewb3328]

Maybe I missed it in one of the videos, but did you resolve the issue with the crack in the engine block?

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi, no I haven't and so far it appears to not be causing any issues and is not leaking any oil at all, so my current plan is to leave it alone unless it becomes a problem. Ryan

[@tomlibero3780]

Hi! To tell You the truth, I don't think Honda made the channels to plug them - I think this is to lubricate the timing ...

[@RyansGarageUK]

Hi Tom, that's the strange thing. The channels run from the timing chain (which is soaked in oil) through to a bolt hole that is open to the outside of the barrels. So the oil is flowing from the chain, not towards it. Ryan.

[@tomlibero3780]

@@RyansGarageUK Hi...This is indeed very strange, because the execution of these channels means additional steps in the production process, and the Japanese plunged European producers into innovation and optimization of production processes. I have this Honda in great condition - but I have never taken my cylinders off so this is a surprise for me. I think there is a man in GB who knows why and why they did it - it's Allen Millyard - maybe ask him what the trick is?

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

You must be over the moon at getting it to start, run & not leak oil. Can't believe Honda did that, seems to make no sense.

[@RyansGarageUK]

I agree, I don't understand why but I'm pleased I have a solution. Thanks for your support. Ryan

[@frankenbikestien5073]

another honda cock-up is the rear sprocket carrier, cheap and nasty method of providing a cush drive. high maintenance and prone to excessive wear if ignored ...instead of providing a sprocket carrier with a decent bearing

[@RyansGarageUK]

Thank you for your help, it's much appreciated. I actually dismantled my rear sprocket drive today, checked it cleaned it an reassembled. All just by chance Ryan

[@frankenbikestien5073]

@@RyansGarageUK just make sure the hub is well greased and the sprocket carrier is not too wobbly .....