[CL450]

Starting to get into the refresh of this sweet 72 cl450 I got for a real steal. Turns out, the exhaust cam followers will not adjust to specification, so going to pull the engine, pull the cams/followers for refurb and give the old girl a once over. Hoping to get it apart and back together by August for the gentleman's ride.

 

[CL450]

I have already spent some time going through the wiring in an attempt to get the headlights, starter, turn signals and brake light to function properly. A previous owner had wired in a blade fuse, and I was verifying that nothing else had been tampered with. Had the bike running (poorly) and noted it would keep popping headlights, I am guessing the voltage regulator is suspsect,also had to jump across the solenoid to get the starter to turn reliably. So purchased a new solenoid as well.

 

[CL450]

Having those parts on the way to me, I began to dig into the the engine to see if the valves were set improperly causing the left bank not to fire, or what else it might be (definitely not the mikuni carbs right? Those things have got to be good for 10 hp. Haha) I found that while the intake valves adjust to a nice, light pull on the feeler gauge, the exhaust wouldn't even touch it. So I am pulling the engine to get them all out and send away for refreshing. While I was attempting to make those adjustments, I found electric points, which a friend has told me are actually a nice upgrade.

 

[CL450]

Here is the bike up on stands before starting to pull the engine

 

[CL450]

CL 450 engine pull

So I took the exhaust off the bike to begin the engine removal process. The exhaust had some brutal wrap on it that would irritate anything that touched it. Very exited to remove it finally.


When I was removing the wrap, I found some.... questionable exhasut modifications. Can't tell if the the PO was trying to patch a rusty area or modify for more volume!


We (me and a friend who is one of the local BMW airheads) pulled the engine and tried to check valves again, the 0.03mm gauge still doesn't grip on the exhaust side, not even close. Thought the intake side will adjust just fine.


Here is the exhaust side

 

[CL450]

CL 450 Points

Just for my curiosity, there is a definitely non-stock set of points on the bike.


I am very curious what they are, if that is any good or not. My Airhead friend says they are a big deal. Opinions?

Here is the bike with engine removed, just for anyone's curiosity.


Is the only cause of valve adjustment issues being the wear on the exhaust side valves, is there anything else I might be missing there?

I'll keep you updated as I work.

 

[ancientdad]

You're going to have to pull the top end - at least the head - off and apart to see what the followers look like on the exhaust side. The cams don't look bad, but there has to be excess follower wear for the valve adjustment to be that far off. Find the master link, break the chain there and pull the head first... then rotate the cams until both valves are closed on each, THEN pull the cam bearings. Too many people watching the CMC video of how they force the head apart before breaking the cam chain and removing the head first. Dyna electronic ignitions seem to have a decent reputation, though I have no personal experience with them. Your friend is an airhead?? how much help can that be...? :lol:

Edit: that might be the master link in the exhaust picture, but it's odd that the pin tips are copper colored

 

[CL450]

Good eyes on the copper link, That was actually just where I sharpied a link so I would know when the chain had come full circle. I have the head partially apart now, but the the screws that hold the points housing on are goofed so I need to go snag a nice sharp punch and persuade them out. I'll get pictures up later, phone is dead so dumping them on here isn't happening tonight.

The intake followers looked slightly scalloped, which I think bodes poorly for the exhaust followers.

Another thing, I dropper the chain down into the bottom end. I had a wire, but it pulled out, so am I going to have to pull the oil pan and route? The chain looked like someone did a rough job of reassembly, so I think a fresh chain was in order as it was.

 

[CL450]

The Saga continues on the CL450. FINALLY managed to get the head off. I found it useful to pot the pry bar as shown and gently wiggle it.
It seems like there most support is here between fins.


Upon getting it all apart, the cam lobes look ok.


Taking a look at the cam followers, things seem to be a little worse for the wear. The intake we slightly scalloped.


Looking at the exhaust side.. As expected, there is actually a lip on the outside edge, which can give the impression of proper valve gap.


A quick glance at the valves tells a little of the story. Looks like the one valve was just along for the ride, and the other side was definitely LEAN.


Good news, the cylinders don't look bad at all, there is even some of the cross hatching on them. It would seems that this bike was some sort of rebuilt, with a terrible valve adjustment.


The ends of the cams at least look pretty nice, I don't have anything to measure them, but it was a snug fit on the bearings.


On a good note, a local motorcycle group (G.A.S. located in greenville) member set me up with a sweet tank he happened upon at the dump, set out for trash. Yeah, it is FULL or varnish, and has some minor issues, but I think it will be a huge improvement over the tank the CL came with.

Original tank with metal welded in, dented badly, bondo falling off.


New tank, will require a very slight modification to the bike, but I believe will look sweet, and work well.


Thanks for keeping up with my build!