# First-timer engine rebuild

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-timer-engine-rebuild/35287>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** honda\
**Created:** [August 19, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-timer-engine-rebuild/35287 "2009-08-19T17:47:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![meanjoe75fan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/meanjoe75fan/32/552_2.png) [@meanjoe75fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meanjoe75fan)\
**Post date:** [August 19, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-timer-engine-rebuild/35287/1 "2009-08-19T17:47:04Z")

</div>

Okay, so this isn’t strictly “automotive,” as the engine in question is off of a 1972 Honda CB 350 motorcycle.  
  
  
  
 I figured this engine would be a good first-timer rebuild due to engine simplicity, and the fact that (at 150# or so) it shouldn’t require an engine hoist to get out/in. Plus, it would fit my current bike when done.  
  
  
  
 Everything “practical” I’ve read about this says: “these engines and bikes are priced at ‘throw-away’ levels; it almost never makes economic sense to rebuild.” I know that; I just want the experience.  
  
  
  
 Any advice forum members would care to pass along? Agree/disagree with engine choice?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\
**Post date:** [August 19, 2009, 5:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-timer-engine-rebuild/35287/2 "2009-08-19T17:53:39Z")

</div>

Don’t listen to them, Honda made GREAT engines, and this bike was a huge seller for them, so there’s lots of folks still interested. You’ll want to get the Clymer manual on it, and you may want to join a forum (here’s one: [http://www.bikez.com/msgboard/msg.php?id=9519&type=bike](http://www.bikez.com/msgboard/msg.php?id=9519&type=bike) )

As for pointers, get lots of zip-lock bags, label everything, take lots of pics as you take it apart. Do you have an adequate set of tools?

Here’s the one I always liked:  
[http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2007\04\15\bikepics-865232-full.jpg](http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2007%5C04%5C15%5Cbikepics-865232-full.jpg)