I replaced the mechanical seal in the water pump while it was apart. The main reason the engine got pulled was because the starter clutch was slipping to the point of squealing when you tried to start it. Since it's gotten so freaking cold, I've not done any more work on it. We'll see it the work I did to the water pump and starter clutch was successful. Hope so....if not I'll pull it and try again. I'm sure I'll be faster the second time! This is the first time to tear one down so far all at one time. I've rebuilt a wrecked interceptor and installed an engine in the GS1150ES rolling chassis I bought years ago....so this was/is a pretty big project for me. I think the project thing is a sign of me getting old. In the past I worked on them mostly to avoid paying a shop. These days, I see it more as therapy. What's up with that? Oh yeah.....I want my warm weather back!!Brooke_Benfield_OR said:I wanted a GL500 Silverwing really bad back then but ended up with a 1980 CX500 Deluxe instead. The 650 was definitely a positive move on Hondas part.
The achilles heel on the 500s is the waterpump; they will eventually leak. The dealers had a special tool to press in the seal that fits into the back engine cover because having it square/level was extremely important. I don't know if the pumps were improved on the 650 so it would be wise to be certain it is taken care of.
Took a good look through your pictures (thanks for the show) and it looks like you tore that thing about as apart as it could be. Good Job and it is looking great.
This one has the taller trunk as well. It's missing the backrest. That's another thing I'm going to have to buy as well as a left fairing lower. I've always had an interest in Honda's twisted twins. I like having something that's a bit different from my other bikes and other bikes I see on the road. It would be difficult for me to own a Harley for that reason. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement! :great:Cap'n Bob said:Bud, I had that identical bike a long while back. It also had the factory tail trunk that replaced the rear seat when you didn't near rear passenger space. The CX/GL 650 was a nice bike. Kind of bullet proof. It was a little funky getting use to the side to side vibration at idle. Good memories. Your bike looks very nice.
I was glad I had the 83. The one year of the 650 was a marked improvement over the 500, which in itself was a fine bike. Especially in Silverwing Interstate trim the 650 have much better power to move that fairly large bike.
Got any pics and particulars?coffee_brake said:Got my eye on a GL500 (same motor) as we speak!
Bud said:Well, it was a labor of love and a bit of an adventure as well! I love the hunt for the bike and parts. I love the alone time in my garage. I love bringing something back to life and saving it from the salvage yard.
Bud said:I finally got some mufflers.
I can actually start it now without waking the dead!