AboutBill Silver Expertise Need help with vintage Hondas from the 1960s? I am an expert with 250-305cc bikes in particular and most all of the other pre-91 models, in general. I do NOT claim to have a great deal of experience on Gold Wings, Cruisers, ATC/ATVs and dirt bikes.
Experience I have owned/ridden/maintained Honda motorcycles for 35 years. I have written five books on Honda repairs and collecting. I was a service manager for two Honda shops back in the 1980s.
Organizations VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) of North America
Publications VJMC newsletter, as editor for two years and as contributing editor currently.
Question I have a CL77 - 305 scrambler. When I assembled and started the motor it started pumping oil out the base gasket. I took it apart and put some gasket seal on the base gasket. When I started the bike after the repair it started pumping out oil from the alternator crank seal. The bike does have new rings and a fresh hone on the barrel. Why is the lower end seeming to pressurize and how can I fix it? Or is there something else wrong?
Answer Cool! An actual vintage Honda question! :>)
You have to be careful about using gasket sealers/cement on Honda engines. They are usually put together with dry gaskets. You have to check and ensure that all the old gasket material is removed carefully and then that the gasket surfaces are all flat.
Seal failures are not uncommon when you are working on 40+ year old bikes. You can replace them, carefully, from the outside w/o splitting the cases. If the crankcase is getting excess pressure, due to unseated rings, you must ensure that the top engine cover vent passages are clear and that the breather plate was installed correctly. The two oval drain holes go to the bottom. If you put the plate on backwards, it will tend to pump oil out the breather tube. Be sure that the breather tube is not kinked or pinched.
I have full engine repair manual files included in my Restoration CD series for all 250-305 models. See details at www.vintagehonda.com
