Honda CBX Engine Teardown...SO MUCH DAMAGE!! EP3

In this video I do a full teardown of the Honda CBX engine and discover so much damage! There were just so many odd flaws and issues that I can not point to a single one as the reason the engine was seized up. I am happy I did a disassembly to find and rectify all these issues as the bike will be brought back to life with great confidence that it was done correctly!
For now I have many parts in hand for the engine in regards to seals, gaskets, hardware but now must wait on a new sleeve before the top end work can begin. I will do my best to keep updated videos on the project but I would expect a gap between now and the next one so please be patient.
Previous episode:
• Honda CBX Restoration ...
Great channel for step by step CBX content: / digitalpizza1
Parts and information sources:
Tims CBX: www.timscbx.com/
Sixcenter: sixcenter.nl
The Motorcycle Project: motorcycleproject.com/
Partzilla: www.partzilla.com/
CMSNL: cmsnl.com
David Silver Spares: www.davidsilverspares.com/
Cyclehouse Performance who is handling my machine work: www.cyclehouseperformance.com/
LA Sleeve: www.lasleeve.com/
If you found this video helpful or simply wish to support the channel further feel free to donate to the "Tip Jar" via the paypal link below! Anything is very much appreciated!
www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
Brick House Builds Amazon Storefront
www.amazon.com/shop/brickhousebuilds
For updates on this project as well as others be sure to follow along on all the Brick House Builds social media platforms!
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#brickhousebuilds #hondacbx #cbxrestoration

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hey everyone I feel compelled to comment here and request you please watch the entire video and/or previous videos before commenting/emailing on my methods here. I do in fact have an FSM but the process goes out the window when the engine is seized. I go over this in the previous episode but regardless I will make this bike better than new when done and it will be by the book so don't worry. Great care will be taken.

[@inverlane1939]

No problem and you did clearly explain that the the engine was ceased and so you couldn't follow the usual tear down route 👍

[@CB750K]

He took apart a CBX and put the pieces away like it was just another day. It's like watching someone at a museum restoring a painting with Qtips. It would be one thing if it were some old backyard p.o.s. but it's a CBX... I'm just blown away. Amazing episode.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@bartwright430]

You're a great wrench and many teachers could learn from you sir. I appreciate the absence of fake drama and bad language.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well thats very kind thank you!

[@bullettube9863]

I worked in a motorcycle shop back in the late 1960s early 1970s and I wish I had a nickle for every time I had to correct a mistake done by a shade tree mechanic so that I could have retired by the time I was 30 ! Then I switched over to cars and trucks and my work really got interesting! But knowledge coupled with patience and a desire to always do a perfect job makes a good mechanic and you fill that title very well! Remember; a mechanic that knows his craft never has to cheat!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well I appreciate it! While I'm no CBX expert I do have the ability and desire to learn as everything I do I do to the best of my abilities so I know I'll do right by this bike. Thank you!

[@bullettube9863]

@@BrickHouseBuilds You are welcome, keep up the good work!

[@michaelmathews295]

I bought a new 1982 CBX as a left over in 1984. At 4000 miles on a trip the engine developed a lower end knock at 7000 rpm. I was concerned but seeing that it's used mainly for touring I usually didn't run it at that rpm very much anyway. As I put miles on it the knock started making its' presence felt at lower and lower rpm. I had ridden it out to California and back and the noise was there at 4000 rpm and above. It had about 24K on it so that winter I pulled it into the motorcycle dealership I was working at and took the motor off and replaced everything that might cause a noise. A thorough inspection turned up nothing obvious, so I ended up replacing the cam and primary chains along with the guides, new main and rod bearings along with transmission bearings. I was paying the employee price of 10% over cost so I didn't scrimp. The only thing that I found that might have caused the noise was a machined nut that joins the 2 halves of the jackshaft that the alternator runs on was not tight. Anyway, I reassembled it and the knock was gone and it ran smoother than it ever had. I didn't put any more miles on it because I sold it that spring and got a 1987 Hurricane 1000. I wouldn't worry about those cam mounting holes, that joiner piece is what mainly holds it into position.

[@freekfaro5606]

I just love the way you work. Meticulous, careful, clean, step by step. Great stuff!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Much appreciated Freek!

[@freekfaro5606]

@@BrickHouseBuilds I used to work on bicycles. Racing bicycles ... Very different, but that was my approach too ...

[@Star_Gazing_Coffee_Lover]

Had a 79, was idling one day and I guess had some vapor build up and it thru a rod out side of case. Had to have the case welded, was good as new after rebuild.. Best bike I ever owned.

[@bikesthatvote2855]

It's great to see a CB/x being rescued. I loved my '82, but life intervened and it had to find a new home. It's hard to believe it's been 40 years since it was made, and 30 since I sold it.

[@DougsterWolverineGarage]

I own a 79 that I'm converting to all pro link cbx suspension and brakes but if I were to own a later CBx it would be the 82 love the blue and white! (My donor bike was a roller 81)

[@johannesels5067]

Jip, same situation here. I fitted Falikon Knife Edge conrods, 1163cc HC pistons, Andrews cams, gasflow head and valves, Ohlins U/down front, Brembo brakes, Matchmatec swingarm, mono rear Ohlin & 180 rear tyre. Lots of frame mods & stabilizers. This 80CBX was powerful , handle like a super bike and run & beat R1250 BMW with ease.

[@bikesthatvote2855]

@@Stickleback Yep. Actually, recently married and money was tight. The CB/x proceeds went to buy her a ring and pay some bills. Wound up losing both the bike and the wife, but selling the CB/X was the right thing to do at the time. No regrets. She kept they ring, and now it's on the finger of my daughter-in-law. So, in a way, that CB/x is still part of my life. :)

[@3er328]

I had an 81, really bitchin bike, miss it ,wish I never had to sell it ,would love to have another,amazing what they go for now

[@ronveldhuis8831]

Wow I remember buying my second bike a CBX 6 into 1 in Scotland in 1985 what an awesome engine sound!!

[@ronveldhuis8831]

Lol You are doing a great job mate👍 I only got to take off the top end on her and that was already a big job! I did have a real nice 6 into 1 pipe on her and raced around! 🤩💚🏍

[@vivalafayette569]

Had a 1980 bought new. Sold 5 years ago to a museum in progress. Last project for me was the valves. I was lent the use of the local Honda dealers complete collection of shims. Amazing engine

[@bikersreview383]

Great video thank you for making it. This type of video adds to the pool of knowledge on KZbin that unskilled people like me can access.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you. This particular series won't be in how to style but rather just sharing my journey for the restoration. Digital Pizza has already put all of those great videos out there if you need more detail.

[@perustc9158]

1983, Daytona Beach... 1979 CBX.. came into shop... elongated cam slots with what looked like hardware store bolts sheared off from cam tensioner taking a rather large constitutional. When owner got it back from previous shop he went beach racing with it. Blew in under an hour. We had a "blast" repairing it. Even back then it cost him 3400 dollars. I came back to Missouri shortly after that. Dunno why.

[@terrym6300]

I still own a 1979 CBX that I bought in 1983. It was lightly crashed and repaired in the late 80's buy me back to full glory and then some. Part of the repair involved a new cylinder head, a resleeve big bore kit now 1304cc, Falicon rods, yada yada yada, but reused the stock cams. When I reassembled the motor I "Degreed" the cams to Get the centerlines where i wanted them by elongating there holes and red lock tite. It's an absolute animal of power with formula one sound. Hope this all went well for you.

[@kimmer6]

My first motorcycle engine overhaul was a CBX that had a rod punch through the block. That was a handful. That was in 1992. The engine was a beast. It weighs 232 pounds and I picked it up and set it on my shop table. That was 30+ years ago when I was a gym rat. I put another 35,000 miles on that engine, much of it on rallies with the CBX Club in California. Some years later I put a 1983 Honda 1100F front end, bikini fairing, and swing arm on it. Some ''expert'' was telling me that it couldn't be done, the swing arm bolts are different sizes, and all kinds of excuses. There were about 35 CBX's in the motel parking lot in Morro Bay on that rally. I let him tell everyone that I was full of it, 1100F parts don't fit. Then a friend said ''Hey, the bike behind you has the 1100F stuff, even the wheels.'' We shut him up in a hurry. The sound of 30+ CBX's blasting down the highway in staggered formation is a sound to behold. It's like being in a bomber formation. Oc course Mark had his black Turbo CBX and it would blast ahead at 130mph in seconds. Those were the days!

[@MarcHillM]

I had a CBX back in the 80's and it was a wonderful machine so its great to see this example go to a good home, just in time by the looks of it. Thanks for this video.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya Marc! I'll do it justice and give it a second life

[@BobRoden-vy8oi]

Love the choice of music and overall editing process has kept me engaged throughout

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad to hear it

[@G58]

This is what I meant by engine work. I like the way you approach the job. Nicely done. Good luck with the rebuild.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Noted

[@DocJonesGarage]

Sounds like you have a solid plan, props to you for taking this on and committing to doing it right!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

It deserves to be brought back to its glory!

[@dancalhoun7011]

I went to the factory school for that engine. Couple of things do not bolt the valve cover on with cam drive in place it will break the gear and damage the cam. Early engines had a manual fuel shutoff, as the side stand would bend and the fuel valve left open, gasoline would hydraulic lock #1 cylinder but the engine would fire and bend #1 rod slightly. About the second or third time one hits redline that rod will break and destroy the cases. I have had to replace cases on a 6 for that reason

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Very cool Dan. Many have pointed out the tach drive yes I did forget to remove it. No bent rods on this one

[@VeggiePower303]

Bro. I love how clean your shop is and how organized you are. Great to meet you.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya

[@revivemotorcycles]

Really great video BJ. Appreciate your work and dedication to quality

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate that Dylan

[@ryzen397]

theres something very calming about your vidya's... i enjoy it

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well thats good to know thank you!

[@willmarshall3552]

My, my, what a bike. Bought one in 86, a 82 model, put a pair of 79 cams into it, what a hurricane. Then had back problems and had to sell. Really miss that monster... Thanks for your web page and you candor about fixing it. Bring it to life, please!!!!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Will! I definitely plan to bring new life to this bike

[@johnp1657]

My God, this has taken me back to when I was 24 in '86 when I broke the cam chain on my CBX, I pulled it apart and rebuilt it after 8 valves got bent. My genius method to replace the chain was to undo the crankshaft webs, remove the crankshaft and feed in the chain and reinstall, it worked. this was my first ever engine rebuild and I used old pillows and blocks of wood to support the engine. All went great, until I made a fatal mistake in reassembly and got a bit of grease in cylinder 6 cam oilway. This caused a seizure and wiped out that cam. Luckily, the head of the CBX Owners Club UK came to the rescue and supplied replacement cam caps and camshaft and advice for £16. Now the dilemma was that the cam seats were covered in melted camshaft metal, so being a Dental Technician at the time I rubber wheeled all of the metal off the seats which are really hard, i.e. the the last microns just faked off and the engine rebuilt and it is still on the road.What do they say about a little bit of knowledge. The only other bike engine's I have rebuilt are an XS 250 Yam and a Honda Cub Lmao

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Many lessons learned there!

[@twobikesandadrone]

This is really a great series!! Lookin forward to the next episode!!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you like it!

[@charliebailey2359]

Can’t wait to see this project continue. Good job not rushing it into a “will it run” mode. Good thing you didn’t. There are not a lot of CBX’s out there. Love your channel.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I very much need to get back on it. Its high on my priority list for sure. This winter I WILL get the engine done and then turn my attention to the chassis.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Worth every penny and oz of sweat, what I’d give to find one in any condition, dang.

[@dougbourdo2589]

Ah, the CBX. That beast came out when I was a college freshman. There was a local Honda/ Suzuki dealer near where I lived & went to school. I was able to get the dealer to let me take one for a test ride as I was a very frequent customer for my '73 CB450 DOHC. It actually scared me as it was SO EASY to get it Very Fast and not so easy to confidently get it to slow down back to safe levels of speed & operation. Wow! Amazing piece of engineering & production. Then, I believe the next year Yamaha came out with the XS Eleven !! Even More incredible. Good Luck on this rebuild. It should be a very nice example when completed.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya Doug! These brakes are definitely on the small size haha! I'm excited to get it up and running

[@DougsterWolverineGarage]

And THATS why I'm converting my 79 to prolink suspension for the brakes. dual piston calipers all the way around and front discs are vented. Plus better suspension! Win, WIN!

[@shawnmahmoudi8705]

Dude that is Wild. Hey, at least you know the worst of the surprises are over. Also, that means we will see a full engine work done which is what I am looking forward to as well.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yea this one is an adventure for sure. I'll try to document what I can but time will tell as I have many things happening these next few months

[@remfanuk1970]

super professional as always BJ. wow...finding all that non-engine stuff...in the engine. mad. i think your hypothesis as to the chunk is correct which is why you can't find where it sheared off.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yea its alarming not seeing where it came from but at least it won't be in there from here out! Thank you also

[@anton1210]

Finally I have some time to catch up with your vids... Amazing! Before I forget "Enjoy the holidays coming"!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I have like the 12 days of videos to keep ya busy 😁 Happy holidays to you as well!

[@brianwells5258]

Just stumbled upon you channel at the weekend... Loving all the content and presentation...!! Subscribed...!! You are doing a superb job.,along with excellent commentary and explanations along every step of the way...! Well done..,this is compulsive viewing and I'm hooked..!!! BG

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks so much Brian! Glad you are enjoying the videos

[@maxgood4361]

Sorry to see this girl had some bits inside her, looking forward to the rebuilding process. Wishing You and Your Loved Ones a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, also a Blessed Adventures in 2022.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you Max!

[@kevnjeanne]

Really enjoy your videos ! You are one talented guy !

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Much appreciated Kev! Thank ya!

[@bobcarry4820]

WOW you are organized. I like your use of trays. I see a bright future for this motorcycle.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

It is far more expensive to lose a random bolt than to buy some trays to keep organized! Thanks Bob!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Cool engine stand! A CBX with a 6 into one header has got to be the sexiest sounds I ever heard a bike make!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya! Agreed, best noise there is!

[@andrew80s]

What a fantastic video, thanks for posting.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

🤘🤘

[@mikeohonda486]

Allot of work done there BJ. Good luck with it.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yea its a job ahead!

[@marcr660907]

Excellent video, such a big engine to tackle, 6 of everything.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Marc!

[@murraydeeth7834]

Congrats on the engine stand functionality 👏🏼 Bummer about the previous bodgy work☹️ No doubts that this is gonna be sensational when done though👌🏼 Newcomer to your channel & really enjoying it. Thanks, & hope you have a great, happy & safe festive season🍻🇦🇺

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate all the interaction Murray! You have definitely been knocking down some videos lol! Happy holidays to you as well!

[@murraydeeth7834]

Yeah, I’ve unfortunately been mostly couch bound as I recover from another back injury😕 but when you’re given lemons 🍋 🍋….. make lemonade (just like your CBX)🥤👍🏼😀

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@murraydeeth7834 thats tough! Best of luck on that recovery

[@glovester]

4 dang cams. That BAR of carbs is magnificent and anxiety inducing.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

24 valves, 6 carbs, 4 cams, 3 chains, 2 tensioners, and a partridge in a pear tree! But yes 4 dang cams lol

[@murraydeeth7834]

Ah, a little Xmas spin on the whole crazy thing!!😆🎄🎅🏽

[@montyzumazoom1337]

My mate had one of these in the ‘80’s, and we used to swap bikes regularly and so I used to ride his CBX often. He had the misfortune to get a failed rev counter drive which resulted in a half moon shaped bit of aluminium blowing out of the cylinder head casting by the valve cover joint. Another friend of ours chain drilled some holes in both mating pieces and stitched then together with wire and secured with Araldite. It was quite a neat and effective oil-tight repair. However we had another club member friend (who had a CBX Prolink), who worked for Honda UK at Chiswick. He “sourced” a new cylinder head for my pal. I went round his house and helped him lap 24 valves into the new cylinder head on his living room floor during the rebuild! He had many good rides on the rebuilt bike and so did I. Although I never pulled wheelies on it like he did-a proper boy racer he was🤣 Brilliant bikes.

[@johannesels5067]

Always remember to remove the rev counter fitting on to of the cam cover, not only unscrew the cable. The rev counter drive is part of the cam cap and will snap a piece of aluminium which will end-up in the engine and you have to buy a new cam cap.

[@pdtech4524]

Interesting video, I had a CBX1000 back in the day, never had any need to strip the engine, I did take the valve cover off to chrome it, that was about it. Just had the biggest grin 😁 riding that bike, so much torque and the power was so smooth right the way through the rev range, almost 60mph in 1st gear!! It would pull away in 5th gear from like crawling speed, incredible engine and that straight 6 howl through the marshal 6 into 1 exhaust was very addictive. EDIT I had a suzuki 650 katana before this, went into my local bike shop for a rev counter cable, saw this CBX did a massive double take, assumed it was out of my price range and knew the shop was expensive anyway but just asked the price out of curiosity. Just £2,500 it was on a 'w' plate so an '81 I think, this was in the early 1990s so it would have been over 10 years old asked how much trade in he would give for my Katana and it was a good price to be fair, more than what I paid for it! So a deal was struck. Instead of buying my rev counter cable I put the money for that on it as a deposit for the CBX, happy days.😁👍

[@philardern6923]

The best exhaust note i ever heard was a CBX 6 into 1. And that was back in 1984

[@charliebailey2359]

Cool story!!

[@PurityVendetta]

My heart sinks when I see a beautiful engine that's been butchered by what we call 'Rockapes' over here. Still, you're on your way to making things right. I took a peek at your warehouse video and yeh, I have a similar situation myself. Someone asked me today how many bikes I have not including customers... I couldn't remember off the top of my head 🤪 I have the shop at home thing and several units for storage and other stuff.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yea no clue how many bikes I have lol

[@forrestmiller4055]

I just across your video, glad I did! I did mine opposite to the way you are doing yours, I rebuilt the bike first and now have to do the engine. It runs fine, but smokes quite a lot when off the gas and then back on, so valve seals for sure, and who knows what shape the cylinders are in. If they are bad I'm just going to do a big bore kit. Subscribed!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks for the sub Forrest! I'm not sure I had a choice in the matter on this one but it will be good when done

[@Mo_G]

Amazing i can't wait to see the finished😊

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you! I am shooting to have the bike done in the late spring to enjoy for a bit. Can't wait!

[@Mo_G]

Good luck man 👍

[@arthurdanielles4784]

Thanks for taking time out to give us a brilliant vid. Reminds me of the strip down done on a Honda VFR 750 👀We sourced an alternative cylinder head from a written off model where the engine was in good order .. just a complete swap.. 👍For newbies / novices.. engine parts from Japan et its agents can be MEGA expensive ... a tear jerking moment on the wallet.. believe me I discovered that in my early days replacing a rectifier unit (charging circuit on a C90 ) that cost an arm and a leg.. 👀🙂Shipping ... oh yes can be jaw dropping.. Stay safe !

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Arthur! Glad you enjoyed

[@uhtred7860]

I have no idea why parts ex Japan are so expensive, i priced up some fairing bolts for my 87 FZR1000 i'm restoring, and they were going to be 12.00 NZ$ each!! A collar, that sits in the rubber grommet to stop it crushing when screw goes through it, 20.00 NZ$ each. Before shipping!!! Ebay is just as bad, i saw a front wheel bearing for 10.00$, and the quoted shipping from the UK to New Zealand was 200.00 Pounds, thats 400.00 NZ dollars!!!! WTF?? did it have its own seat on a plane or something? :-)

[@arthurdanielles4784]

@@uhtred7860 My partner loves collecting Japanese DVDs/films et to add to her 'foreign' film / drama collection. Often a DVD yes a SINGLE FILM DVD can start off at the equivalent of £50 + Postage even cheapest in a lined envelope air mail £15 plus IMPORT duty £12 + (She now uses DHL as it takes out the import tax et) SO, a DVD et that would be about "£12 UK ??? £70+ !!I don't know who quoted you shipping from the UK of over £200 though we use Ebay and I agree, some are total rip off merchants.

[@uhtred7860]

@@arthurdanielles4784 It was a cost estimate by Ebays global shipping, I actually contacted the trader and asked what was up, he replied "The quote is correct, thats what ebay is quoting". Using ebay in NZ is a pain, half the traders don't put NZ as a shipping destination, and the other half just won't ship here. Australia? fine, NZ nope. You'd think we were on Mars or something.

[@petebird7171]

Really enjoyed that, subscribed👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you for the sub!

[@peterbrokas8801]

new to the channel really enjoying the content you do excellent work!! getting lots of insight for the two 84 v30 magnas im getting back on the road one is almost done just some tires and tuning to do these v4's are tricky ones but nothing like that Six cylinder

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya! Glad you have found the content useful!

[@davidshucksmith3342]

I found another bike mechanic to watch, you as good as Ronald Finger .. cheers :)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

He can edit circles around me though lol. His videos are so fun!

[@BareBonesMotorcycles]

Man look at that engine! Thats one of my absolute favourites from any bike, glad you found the nasties. Cant wait to hear it singing. 🤟

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Same here! Can't wait for that first ride

[@BareBonesMotorcycles]

@@BrickHouseBuilds they sound like an old school formula 1 car when they get wide open

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@BareBonesMotorcycles yea with a 6 into 1. This won't be quite like that but cool regardless

[@BareBonesMotorcycles]

@@BrickHouseBuilds will still sound epic, its the crank postions when it fires. Good luck with tue rebuild

[@DougsterWolverineGarage]

If you can stand the noise PIPEMASTER 6 INTO 6 are badass sounding and look sexy AF! HOWEVER they come in two noise levels, loud (with baffles) and LOUDER (without) you can drown out harleys! And all your buds make you ride in the back of the pack. Not to mention the pipes are EXPENSIVE

[@daveco1270]

That CBX is a beast. Makes me appreciate how simple my 1964 Triumph TR6 is. Two cylinders with one carb is so nice when it comes to maintenance and tuning.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I've yet to get my hands on a Triumph actually. Id love to do a bobber from one

[@Sausage1958]

Hi dude. Just caught up with this after watching your cx500 videos (my all time favourite bike) I'm 64, ex UK Air force and used to work on Hawker Hunter jets in the 70s. The way you treated that bike was like a baby. You took such care and respected it as you should. I salute you young man for your obvious love of motorbikes, your work, and what you do. Take care when riding, and get back to the cx500s when you can One of the best bikes ever made.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well thank you so much! Hopefully before too long I can get this bike finished. Too much going on

[@mauriceclemens3286]

Great bike from the golden era of bikes. I’ll bet parts are hard to get.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Some parts yes they are hard to get or just very expensive. Most parts though are easy and reasonably priced

[@MrAlmar07]

Love the engine stand B.J...I'd say it's paid for itself already & otherwise it'd be real 'Heavy'.. Nice teardown vid. 😉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤘🙏

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

The stand made me so happy on teardown. So much less headache and decreased potential for damage. Assembly after painting it will go much smoother as well.

[@shawnmahmoudi8705]

Agree man that engine stand is nice and well thought out.

[@SilverLightningXV]

Saw CBX and knew I had to watch this one, the CBX is and always will be one of my favorite Honda's alongside the MC22 250RR and the VFR750R

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Eventually I need to get my hands on a VF model. Those are so cool!

[@nigelmitchell351]

Honda engines around this time were complete shit. That's why you never saw drag race tuners ever using them. I had the total misfortune to buy a mint 84 VF750, the sports model, don't one buy one unless you are a complete masochist and want your friends to remorselessly take the piss out of you and c'mon no one wants that do they..

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@nigelmitchell351 so you specifically bought an early 750 with a known cam oiling problem and use that as why all Honda engines are no good? Seems fair

[@nigelmitchell351]

@@BrickHouseBuilds No the early low stressed low power twins and fours were very good I had some. But if you understood anything about design, engineering and manufacture you wouldn't make a crass statement like," an oiling problem". The whole vee four family of engines until the advent of the VFR 750 were flawed by their design, engineering and manufacture not a simple oiling problem. The way the cylinder heads were made was just wrong. My VF had its first cam and rocker failure at 869 miles. IE if you you don't see semi circular rubbers in the sides of the head don't even consider it for any kind of project. Actually, maybe you should then you'll understand exactly what I'm banging on about and you might learn something. As I said why do you think all the top US drag bike tuners used Suzuki's or Kawasaki's ? I did forgive Honda eventually and bought a fireblade, great bike zero problems. Honda learnt their lessons but their treatment of VF customers was appalling.

[@NooBiker]

Dang! So we'll have to wait a couple of months for another video on this beauty. But sounds like a good plan to save such a iconic bike 👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yea between this bike, the other bikes, service work, making videos there is a large logistical challenge. Its just me so sometimes projects have some delay periods

[@zomaardan]

Awesome upload.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@vintagedashboard6810]

I bought a basket case 1984 Honda cb700 Nighthawk s that the alternator chain had broken and I had to split the cases on it. It had so many pieces of the chain in the sump. I got it all cleaned and put a later model chain that is much tougher since Honda found out that they had so many failures and I’ve put around 10k on it since assm.

[@jmcgregor316]

I always wanted one back in the day. I did have a very early pre-K1 750.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Those early 750s are commanding a lot of money right now

[@rebuildranch1225]

Great decision to, not “just make it run” another excellent video, thanks!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you and agreed! It would have been bad!

[@rebuildranch1225]

I think the aluminum chunk that was sitting on the gears was probably in the bottom of the oil pan until you flipped the engine over to pull the bottom half if the case. It looks like it then laid on the gears. But in any case nice to have it out of there!

[@rebuildranch1225]

I was working on my 1946 Globe Swift many years ago and lost a washer.... a small 10-32 washer. It showed up after the first start.... the engine ran fine, until it didn’t. I pulled the plugs from the cylinder that was running rough. The small washer had peened over the electrodes on both spark plugs... the top of the piston looked like it had been hit with a tiny hammer many times. At least it stayed in the cylinder and was found before I flew it the next time. Re and Re one cylinder, new piston, and plugs and good to go. Oh so many lessons!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@rebuildranch1225 OUCH!!

[@firestorm755]

Years ago I re built a cb900. Damaged head and piston caused by the rev counter cable retaining screw. It was out and resting by a plug. I took plugs out to change, fitted new ones and happily pressed the starter button. Motor locked up in one second. Took a bit of fixing

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Wow that is unlucky as can be there. Dang!

[@xtremluck6260]

Well, now that you know, the previous owner took you for a ride on this bike. Are you still going to hang out and have beers with him? I hope we get to see a complete cost analysis of this rebuild when completed to get an understanding of what a total rebuild cost really is. Excellent video as always. Much appreciated in showing real life dilemma.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well I already do have beers with him each month at bike night. Its not his fault but rather the owner before him. I really won't be able to share costs until after I sell it but ill try to put together a breakdown at that point

[@GPR111]

Hello from UK, will be watching progress with interest. The mighty CBX is still on my radar (despite already having owned a serious amount of bikes already). We have a magazine over here called Classic Mcycle Mechanics and years and years back the then editor had a CBX which had to have serious engine surgery to make it right. Seem to recall a partially blocked oil gallery had caused engine oil starvation in that case. And it was thought to have been like it through production too !! It went through a proper engineering workshop and quite a bit of money before it was finally right. On the good side, these bikes are making serious money over here now and I guess the same in other markets ? So, worth the outlay to get it how it should be I would imagine. Good luck anyway and looking forward to seeing an eventual finished bike. Think you are doing right to try and keep as oe as possible. 👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Gareth! Yea this bike is a prime restoration candidate for sure being very close to stock and in decent shape elsewhere. I wonder if any of these developed oil galley blockage from pieces of the engine case breaking of from the casting lines? I plan to knock back some edges in this case as some portions have scary bits barely hanging on that could easily cause damage.

[@GPR111]

Thanks - think I know what you mean ! in fact I seem to recall in the article that the machine shop carefully dressed any rough burrs they found in the casings while going through the entire rebuild, having already found a blockage... probably would not happen these days in modern production processes (?) Good luck anyway, always nice to see these projects. I should add my skills go as far as doing an oil change and tyre pressures so again its quite interesting to watch someone tackle a "proper job" 🙂👍

[@DutchedShedBuilds]

The size of that engine… omg. Big build for sure, big bike when finished!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Its just not proportional to any other bikes I do and its hilarious

[@mkollander99]

Beautiful engine. I remember them in my younger years

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

👍👍

[@mikerieck306]

There are some odd things about the CBX engine. The clutch system for the alternator is one. Another is the cam sprockets are threaded as opposed to the cam flanges. It makes timing the cams for performance cams a PITA. The cam chain system off the exhaust is odd ( with lots of tensioners) too though all the DOHC Honda's of that era had the same system.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Definitely some unique attributes but undeniably cool

[@dadangsuhanda6920]

Eta teu lieur kang... Onerdil motorna loba pisan.... Mantafff lah pokona c akang... Berebetkeun....

[@marcelotosin931]

That engine has the most amazing sound.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

It will

[@bartnowakowski7788]

Excellent job with the engine. I defiantly will be following the progress. Sorry about the piston and who the hell worked on this engine before, the stuff inside it.... beyond words.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you. Learning a bunch as I go as well. Just glad nothing in the bottom was in need of repair. It will be done right.

[@bartnowakowski7788]

I watched like half of your content before I subscribed and I am sure you are more than capable of restoring it to great if not excellent condition. And I'm sure I will learn something as well. Your CX/GL content thought me already a lot. I was hunting CX500, and after watching what you done with it I will be aiming for CX/GL650 (that shaft cooling fan on 500 is bit scary and beyond my abilities since I don't weld) but other wise I'm sure I can handle it and make it my own. Soo, thanks for confidence boost ;)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

For the 500 fan setup you don't need to go as crazy as I did with welding and such. There are ways of doing things in more bolt on form and there are many examples up on the cx500 forum.

[@FedeterreraReaxioma]

Excelente video loco, saludos desde argentina!!!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you very much!

[@andrewshore262]

In the U.K. they announced the new twin cam 750kz, 900f & the CBX in 1979, I was 18 at the time and couldn’t score enough credit for the CBX so I had to make do with 750. I rode a few of them over the years it’s a major regret I never owned one. I’ve seen digital pizza so I’m interested to see your progress 🇬🇧👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Pete has really put out some solid content on his restorations. I don't plan to go as in depth with mine but ill capture what progress I make for sure

[@dicktomasko1553]

I had a ,79 silver one.. Had my hands in a turbo,d one. Had to pull the bottom off it.. I did all the maint on mine and my friends bike...was fun. Sold it and bought a cx turbo. Still have it..

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I have yet to ride a CX turbo even though I had one for a minute that needed a lot of work.

[@charileross1986]

That was awesome!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

🤘

[@leebatt7964]

Those motors have THE BEST exhaust note ever.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Accurate lol

[@willjohnson5861]

A CBX I did work on had the same issue with cylinder 5. They stripped the piss out of the spark plug threads. I believe it’s because that cylinder is so close to the frame, they weren’t careful when reinstalling the spark plug and cross threaded it. I was surprised to see your bike with the same issue.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah I have found so many issues from poor work on this bike as you will see

[@stephane7473]

L like yours motor stand ,very good jobs ,it s really smart👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you much! It turned out fantastic

[@simonallan9941]

You're so lucky, that's awesome, just a good clean and tidy up and she'll be awesome and original, especially in your hands aye bro 🤗, please don't over size her xo. 🙏

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Simon! I made one more video so far on the bike going over repairing the cylinders. I did need to go with a .5mm overbore to get the #6 cylinder cleaned up enough.

[@mohuckmedshishkeblob1712]

Looks like the same person tried to repair my 78 F2 750, it just confirmed my thought that there are some people that should not touch tools, example - the swingarm bushes the ends of the swingarm where the bushes are pressed into, both sides were cut off about 8 - 10mm, all three items Bushes, Swingarm and the centre spacer tube, What were they thinking ??, one of many such mindless acts of butchery. All he said is shook his head.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Good God yea some people should never be allowed to own tools lol.

[@theravedaddy]

I painfully remember having to strip my CBX and rebore it after i was unable to remove plug no.3 which eventually snapped part way out. It sat on the bench for 5 years with 5 plugs in and 1 open due to a snapped plug and you'll never believe me when i tell you there was a nail hole in the tin roof...... EXACTLY above no.3. It filled that cylinder with rain.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

😬 that is not fun!

[@theravedaddy]

@@BrickHouseBuilds i only build CRF301s now, 2 valves... 1 plug. :)

[@carlbielawski5034]

Love the stand

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya!

[@cerealtiller]

an easy way to test Big end clearance is to position the Engine so that the Cylinders are beyond horizontal I.E. leaning down turn each Piston to T.D.C. and slightly beyond so that the Con Rod is pulling the Piston toward the Crank then place a rod of plastic or timber on the Piston Crown...strike the Piston top with the heel of your Hand.. any Big end clearance will be taken up and it should be silent. any click or knocking sound means that there is Big End wear.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I am definitely going to use plasti-gauge for an actual clearance measurement

[@richardmassey2699]

You make it look easy

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

It definitely fought me but slow and steady wins the race

[@millarfarewell5343]

Your intuition was working well. So glad to see you loosen the small bolts on the cam chain tunnel and at the ends of the heads FIRST. Did you ever find where the small screw came from? Any chance of finding a stock cylinder liner from someone? I also think the aluminum chunk in the transmission was sitting in the bottom of the engine, but not in an area where it fell into the sump. Your engine stand worked well. I prefer the type that mount into an upright stand on wheels, but they are time consuming to make. I look forward to seeing the reassembly.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Miller. My preference would have been to rotate the engine and do cam removal in the proper sequence but I had to do what I had to do. Another person suggested the screw looks similar to a tank badge screw which I would agree with. Didn't come from the carbs but upon first seeing it in the video that was just my first guess. I actually had potentially promising news from the machine shop today on the necessary bore amount so we will see.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Im going to look again for a break point for that chunk but I doubt I'll find any evidence in the case

[@millarfarewell5343]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Not to worry, the chuck of aluminum may not be from this engine given the level of workmanship you have already seen. Watch the steps when reinstalling the camshafts, it is possible to miss time the left and right sides of the engine causing both cylinders to fire on the same TDC. It makes it sound like a triple and the long cam chain may break in a very short time. Also, the parts lists do not show a lock washer on the cam sprocket attaching bolts. Good luck with the rebuild!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@millarfarewell5343 Thanks Millar! I have 4 new cam bolts ready for assembly. I don't trust the ones that came out!

[@scottb8175]

I see a big chunk broken out of the top crankcase where the #3 rod runs past. Maybe the chunk you found. I'd say the primary guides, chain, and tensioner might be in need of serious help too, and the engine had other serious damage in its past life. I believe the trans gears rotate the other way and would tend to expel that chunk out the bottom, BTW. My guess is the lock up was from the foreign bits in the cylinders. BTW - please don't "cafe" a CBX (I cringe at the thought)..... at least don't make any mods to original parts that can't be undone. I like to point out that Honda isn't making anymore CBX parts, so what is out there now is pretty much all we are ever going to get. I have to admit I am building a project CBX as a resto - mod now. Besides the resto-mod project, I have 2 mint rideable CBX's (one is a fully restored 79 model) and a room full of NOS and used spares. The resto-mod is being built from an engine and a spare frame I had on hand, bought separately respectively from Louis Mintrone and the local classifieds many years ago. And I'm not modifying either from OEM. Just repairs, a refresh, and re-finish on the engine and sandblast / new paint on the frame. No cutting the frame, no single shock or single sided swing arm. Not cutting up an original seat pan, or drilling holes in the OEM airbox. The rest are non - CBX bolt-ons (late model sport bike front forks, wheels, brakes, etc. adapted to fit the CBX frame and not the other way around) and resuscitated / restored junked or reproduction CBX parts to keep the original lines / looks. Like the 79 fuel tank I'm using from an old drag bike that had flipped over on its back. It was squashed, twisted, and holed and would have been unusable if I didn't commit a hundred or so hours repairing it. Also, my rule now that CBX parts are getting ultra - rare - don't throw any CBX parts away, even if you think they are junk.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

This is a restoration project. Already have all tensioner components being replaced/rebuilt. I will look again at the case and will be surprised if I missed that but we will see.. it was strange that the engine was frozen in both directions as shown in the previous video. A combination of things perhaps. Interesting that you say you wish for someone to not cafe a bike but are doing a restomod though.

[@scottb8175]

​@@BrickHouseBuilds I just think It is a huge mistake to mod a rare and desirable classic bike in a way that can't be easily undone. In the 80's / early 90's I had my first CBX (a wrecked low mileage early serial number 78/ 79) modded all to hell. Every year or two i would tear it apart and completely re-build it using the best / latest parts and tech I could find, swap and add. All sorts of aftermarket and late model parts on it. Enough mods to bring the weight down to just over 450 lbs wet. Power, handling and brakes to keep up with a stock 92 GSXR1100 up to about 125 mph. Then one late autumn day in 92 I got to ride a friend's completely stock mint 79 and instantly regretted not having saved all my original parts. I did however have the foresight to have never cut up or otherwise modify the frame and OEM parts. I set about the long and expensive road to re-acquire as many of my old parts I could find and began restoring my bike back to OEM - as new condition. And that was before the prices of CBX's started to climb. I now have a few rare 80's sport bikes I'm modding in the same way for some friends - bikes that are rapidly increasing in value in stock trim (Katanas and KZ's). I am following the same rules - don't do anything that can't be undone, and keep all the original parts.... I'll try and remember the cleaner that dissolves the old potting. I had tried so many chemicals before I found one that worked (and it worked very well, without serious damage to the circuit boards or wires)....but that was something like 10 years ago and I don't remember. I do think it was the urethane reducer (the potting is a urethane based product). I know whatever it was, 99.99% chance I still have some on my shelves.....I also have some scrap / blown sim. Kawasaki electronics that use the same compound, so I'll try some experiments with those and see...I'll post it when I do.

[@stlskybob]

Do you have a recommendation of where to get parts vapor honed in the area? I really enjoy seeing the guts of a CBX, albeit sad that it has damage, Thanks!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I've been using Cyclehouse Performance for a few years for V.H. and powdercoating. Jerry is a great guy and I highly recommend!

[@MeaHeaR]

I enjoyed your video young mân 👍👍

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you!

[@kihestad]

That is a beast of an engine 😬 Really nice to see you dive all the way into it and give it a second life 👍 Do you want to restore the bike to it's original look, or do you consider a custom / cafe racer style?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I feel much better about doing the full rebuild for sure. This is a restoration so it will be as close to showroom as I can get it.

[@kihestad]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Great, looking forward to see the progress 😊

[@funkebitz76]

A strange comment for a motorcycle video but.. I'm enjoying the down tempo jazzy beats in your video's. I obviously love your actual content as well. Just saying.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I appreciate that. I actually get multiple comments saying the music is crap which I firmly disagree with.

[@funkebitz76]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Much appreciation from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺

[@bethevenden4607]

nice bikes Worth the time (AND MONEY)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yes hopefully I can make a return on this one with the hours it will command I invest into it. We will see!

[@tufotostudio]

I feel like jumping in to help with removing the cylinder block to save you from going back and forth.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahahaha yea I was getting those steps in lol! Half way through I was thinking I should have just rotated the engine 90 degrees on the table but had the camera rolling so I was committed!

[@billgaytes6845]

The way the screwdriver tip gets in there is; a screwdriver is inserted into No: 1 spark plug hole to see when the piston is at TDC. After finding TDC "they" forget it's still in there and then crank the engine over on the starter or kick.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Very likely

[@bear186]

I had a screw from choke butterfly come out and do the same thing…. I got lucky & only had to replace gasket with no damage… BUT the screw was smashed same way

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

That sucks but also lucky with "minimal" repair

[@TonyLing]

18:23 I use ready meal containers. Sometimes they can work out really useful.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

They are super convenient and cheap too

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Someone slotted the cam bolt holes in an effort to degree them. The front tensioner stripping out is not uncommon, drill & tap for 3/8"-16 bolt, seal threads with silicone. This looks like a '79 engine as the 4 inner cylinder studs are 8mm, and the jackshaft driven gear on the shaft itself is spring loaded to one side. Later jackshafts use a nut to secure the gear(have one as a spare myself)and prevent it from walking on the shaft. '81-'82 clutch baskets use damper springs rather than the rubber damper bushings on '79-'80 models.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you for those details!

[@johngouker3887]

Nice motor stand ! 😉

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank ya, makes life easy taking the time to make them

[@chrisbutcher4497]

Did an engine re-bore for a friend a few years ago now. Wisco 1146 big bore kit. Nova gearbox and then thought let's go for it. Polished ports tipped cams, Mr spark right kit, the works. Did that bike fly or what.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I have seen some very very cool modified CBXs' across the net and that is definitely in the future. Not on this bike but...the future 😎

[@chrisbutcher4497]

@@BrickHouseBuilds have 2001 zx12r that I've taken to 1348 tipped cams polished ports nova gearbox up graded injectors and fuel pump race crank, rods and wisco pistons. Over sized valves f1 exhaust with a map box. First setting gives 218 bhp. 2. 226bhp and 3 234bhp. 110 mph first gear so far 234 miles on s first setting. So far £28.000.00 on modifications bike cost £9.000.00. Still spending thoe. But in all I never thought to film it. Will do next time lol. Look forward to seeing a classic bike on the road. Good luck mate. On Wed, 5 Jan 2022, 13:29 have 2001 zx12r that I've taken to 1348 tipped cams polished ports nova gearbox up graded injectors and fuel pump race crank, rods and wisco pistons. Over sized valves f1 exhaust with a map box. First setting gives 218 bhp. 2. 226bhp and 3 234bhp. 110 mph first gear so far 234 miles on s first setting. So far £28.000.00 on modifications bike cost £9.000.00. Still spending thoe. But in all I never thought to film it. Will do next time lol. Look forward to seeing a classic bike on the road.

[@BioRuss-qr5il]

the slotted holes in the cams is because someone back in the day degreed the cams (timed the cams)

[@31144]

I reckon that piece of aluminium is from the cam chain area, maybe a guide locator etc, the repaired cam chain tensioner thread could be a clue

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thats what I'm thinking in the whole head being replaced at some point.

[@adolfshitler]

I suspect and luckily for you, that lump of aluminium was happily sitting in the bottom of the engine untill you turned it upside down!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Im thinking so as well. It was seemingly held in there but who knows. In the previous video I found more metal in the pan but never found that one

[@adolfshitler]

@@BrickHouseBuilds Really can't see how that was rattling around in there, almost certainly carnage would have happened. That's a bit of a let off there! I've seen two CB 900s and a 750 that have had their cam chain saw through the tunnel walls in the past, chain tensioners were a big failing point for Honda's back then. Great build with nothing spared, only way to do it 👍

[@ColdStartGarage]

I bet that screwdriver tip was when they separated the head. Snapped off during prying. But who knows. Quite the problem you received!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

More likely was looking for TDC. I don't think they could have left the tip in the bore from prying. Regardless it was bad

[@ColdStartGarage]

@@BrickHouseBuilds that is a pretty aggressive way to find top dead 🤣 I can only imagine how sick you are getting from seeing my comments! Can’t help myself. Your videos are built quite well.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

@@ColdStartGarage oh not at all don't worry about that. I enjoy the interaction