Where do I start?

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:06 pm

I was hoping that I would be able to get my '61 CB72 started at least once before I started tear things off of it, but unfortunately I'll have to start blindly searching for the problems.

Right now I'm planing on cleaning out the gas tank.,working on the carbs, & the petcock valve. Since I don't know that much about this style of bike yet I wanted to know if any one had any tips on what will probably need to be cleaned or replaced so I could at least get it running? This bike has sat in a garage for ~20 years.

Thanks

Rookie305 · Post by **Rookie305** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 2:41 pm

I got my CA77 started without the tank and petcock on. I replaced the spark plugs, points, starter coil, starter, and rebuilt the carb. I just filled up the carb with gas through the intake hose and let her rip. But I only let it run for 5 seconds because I didn't have the headers and mufflers on and I didn't want to ruin the engine. Just make sure the carb is clean and that the plugs and points are gapped correctly. It sure was nice to hear it roar!

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:56 pm

OK this might sound like a dumb question but does the oil for a 61 hawk need to be a straight 30 or can you use a 5w-30 or a 10w-30.

swampyankee · Post by **swampyankee** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:21 am

Rich,
Your situation sounds like me in a parallel universe. I picked up a '65 CB72 last fall that had been sitting for an undetermined amount of time. I've picked up a few pieces for it that I know I will need for a resto, but before I tear into it I hope to at least hear it run.
It's been years since I owned my CL77 so I'm pretty much starting from scratch. Just so I know what I'm doing, I bought Bill Silver's CD restoration manual and parts manual. I also need to start out by cleaning out the tank, petcock and carbs. As far as oil goes, most any common motor oil will do for the brief time you will have it running. Mine kicks over with what feels like pretty good compression, except someone's got the darn kickstarter on backwards :D
My only problem is, by the time I get projects like this running and debugged in the rough I don't have the heart to tear them down for a restoration.

joeweir1 · Post by **joeweir1** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 5:42 pm

I took suggestion from Loudmouse. Use NAPA 30w non-detergent in these bikes.It even says on bottle designed for engines from the early 60's.But just for short term you could use the 10w-30 to here it run alittle or take it for a test spin or two.Fellow at NAPA told me the detergents in new oil tends to foam alot and could possibly cause shifting woes. Seems to work good for me so-far.Joe