Can the oil pump

[Dick Eastman]

be dropped from the engine for inspection/cleaning? I recently bought a 1966 CB77 [I believe it is a 66 - s/n CB77-10319xx]? I want to clean the centrifugal filter, clean/inspect the pump, and put fresh oil in it, before I run it much. I drained the oil, which was fairly dark. The clutch was dragging [ie-the bike would lurch forward as soon as I put it into gear and stall the first time; after that first time , it was ok, as though the clutch plates were sticking, and needed la first time bump to free up]. If I recall from years ago, the pump can be dropped with the engine in place. Thanks,
Dick

[AlanW]

Hi Dick,
yes you can drop the oil pump just unbolt the 6 bolts and it will come off. It has 2 locating sleeves to position it, they are sometimes tight but once the 10mm bolts are out it will come off.
Alan.

[Dick Eastman]

Thanks, Alan
Could anyone shed light on the year? It's supposedly a 1966, but my other Superhawk is a 66 with a s/N in the 104 range.

[PhilD]

Hi Dick, pleased to read your updates. Although early years bikes had year specific numbers the production for years 1965 to 1967 are covered by seven digit numbers running 1000001 to 1056494 for engines and 1000001to 1056432 for frames. You can estimate the year of your bike if you consider production was spread evenly ie. approx 19,000 per year. That would make 10319xx a mid 1966 bike, your 104xxxx bike would be late 1966 or early 1967 as production probably tailed off through the last year. The white tag on the wiring harness beneath the tank bears a year of manufacture but isn't always accurate my 1964 CB77 has a 1963 wiring tag.
PhilD

[Dick Eastman]

Thanks, Phil
I don't see a white tag on either. On the black 104 bike, the seat at the front rises up, and the red 103 bike seat is flat. I had read somewhere that the front rise of the seat was for 1967 models, but given Honda's propensity for minor changes during a model year, I could have the '67 seat on a late '66.