Oil Drain Plug---Ouch !

B

Beretta

Member
Bought this really nice 71 H, Owner told me it dripped a few drops of oil now and then, So I bought it anyhow. Bike really runs great-3200 miles- Nice original paint -Engine is tight and no noise- Rode it about 15 miles- No issues at all-Except the Drip.
Put it up on my Work Table and began to investigate-- Found the Drip and JB weld- Oversized self tapping bolt for the Failed attempted Repair.
Removed the Side cover-Removed the JB Weld and Found a Hair Line Crack-See Pictures- This seemed to happen when the over sized self tapping Bolt was installed stretching the case-(My Assumption ).
So ! 2 Options here- 1) Taking the Engine to my Welder Buddy which will cut a valley along the Crack and weld the seam-- then Heli coil the Threads-- 2) Take the Engine apart and replace the R/Side case which I don't have Yet.- Anyone Have one ?
Thoughts ??
IMG_4720 (1).jpg
Leak.jpg
Crack.jpg
Crack-2.jpg
 
Gary

Gary

Well-Known Member
That is a really nice bike. Because of that I personally would replace it. By your post it looks like you have the needed skills to do this repair as well. Your in a good position since the right side is the one that is common,the engine serial number is luckily in the left hand case. If it was a beater I'd be tempted to weld.
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
I agree with that, really nice bike, part. But I'd be leaning toward the weld repair...
Replacing the case is a sure fire and absolute fix. The part IS available, and not expensive. But if you split that engine...you might as well go on with a full rebuild. Might as well...get everything clean...might as well replace those worn shift forks...might as well freshen up the top end...might as well go ahead and rebuild this clutch...might as well go head with a nice engine rebuild for your nice K1H.

Or...weld it up and fix the leak. Then just ride that nice bike a while.
Then you can pick up a engine case to have on the shelf...for when you're ready to rebuild that engine.

Once a nice weld is made, and dressed...you could probably just use the drain plug that's in it. I wouldn't bother with the helicoil.
 
Tripod

Tripod

Well-Known Member
I vote for weld. Its in a spot that will leak forever unless you fix it right. No fun constantly looking for a wet spot every time you park your bike. The bike itself looks to be in exceptional shape and probably doesnt need much. I doubt it will need a full rebuild, but given that a gorilla was tightening bolts, you may want to look around the rest of the engine for anything stripped.

One of the main reasons i vote for weld is because it will be difficult to find a case have that matches the other side in terms of patina.
 
cjpayne

cjpayne

Well-Known Member
If you decide to replace the engine half, I've gotta few. Just pay shipping. PM me or decline here. Since its an HK1, like mine, I would replace.
 
B

Beretta

Member
Update: Thanks for the feedback !
I have acquired the replacement case-- Looks like new- going to save it for when I have the Engine re-built so it matches the other side. This Engine has 165 lbs of Compression and is still quiet and Runs strong.
Going over Chris Spall's ( Spall Chassis and Performance ) this am for Him to see the Hair line crack and get His opinion and proceed from there. I'll keep you guys updated.
New case attached.
Case.JPG
Case 1.JPG
 
OLD CT

OLD CT

Well-Known Member
Might have been vapor blasted Kirb. Hard to tell if it was painted, from the pics. Hoping for vapor, instead of painted here.
 
B

Beretta

Member
Yes it was Vapor Blasted-- awesome process.
Update on 2 Jobs for Chris today- 1- Muffler repair on my 1970 H--Original S/S Muffler rotted at the center clamp where there is a wrap and Clamp- Looks Nice and its quiet-- Next the Infamous Case Repair- What can I say Chris is Talented and always up for a challenge.
Everybody like pictures right ?
Pics- 70 H repair
Chris's Shop with multiple Project underway.
The Case Repair
So grab some popcorn or a Cold one and enjoy- all comments are welcome !
Pipe.jpg
Pipe-3.jpg
Shop.jpg
Shop-2.jpg
Chris.jpg
Chris.jpg
Case.jpg
Case 2.jpg
Case 3.jpg
Case-4.jpg
 
cjpayne

cjpayne

Well-Known Member
Vapor blasting is not going to retain the "as cast finish". It will look off when next to your original cases after cleaning. When I first heard of it, I was very curious about it, but found out it alters the motor....permanently.
 
Gary

Gary

Well-Known Member
The guy is an artist! This will buy you some time then,you can always change it out later if and when you ever pull it down. My exhaust was rotted off when I bought it as well. I put on a new one and 18ish years it was through again. This time I left off that clamp and packing. I have always wondered if a piece of silicone hose would be better than the packing?
 
OLD CT

OLD CT

Well-Known Member
Header wrap is the best replacement and I am sure the welder has some in the shop. The original packing made it rot.
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
I looked at the pics 5 times trying to decide if that case might be bare metal...vapor honed, or blasted, etc. I still thought it was paint.

It looks like Beretta's friend might have welded a piece of stainless into that pipe. In that case, he could use the stock insulator/bushing in the clamp with no worries about rust.

And...it looks like he barely even burned off any of the original chrome.
 
OLD CT

OLD CT

Well-Known Member
What amazes me is how he welded the pipe while it was still on the bike! Didn't even have to remove it! Which isn't really a big deal to remove it.
 
Gary

Gary

Well-Known Member
Ok I give up. Can't for the life of me figure out why just welding on the bike changes it's color,seat and year ;)
 
B

Beretta

Member
Ok Guys !
The Pipe repair is on my 1970 CT H-- (Green) Yes we removed the exhaust after He tacked it on- then welded the circumference on both ends- Turned out perfect ! This Bike will never see Wet weather so I will re-attach the original -stock clamp and packing to keep the value up there. The Original Exhaust on the 1970 is in fact Stainless- Very Thin Wall but Stainless never the Less with the Original Honda Part numbers on it.- That's why I wanted to keep it.
The Oil Leak Was on my 71 CT H- Candy Yellow- Different Bike all together .- Put the Engine back in today- Fired it up and No Drips-- No Runs--Now Errors !- Done with this project .
Next on-Going project is my Grandson's Christmas present- 1972 Z50 A K3-- My 1st Restoration ! I really appreciate All of your comments and so glad I found this site --Remember I'm new to this and learning every Day !
Blue-0.jpg
Blue-2.jpg
 
Gary

Gary

Well-Known Member
Keep an eye on it Chuck- if you use an original packing it seems that what ever is in it causes the corrosion. The only time mine gets wet is when I clean it,and it rotted out. Nice job on the 50. I think you have a serious case of the Honda mini disease
 
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