Honda Chaly CF70 - restoration project.

ChalyChap · L Plate Warrior Joined: 30 Oct 2022 Karma :

The beginnings of a project.

I have an old Honda Chaly. It has been stored in a weathertight garage for the last 25 years.

When it last ran, it was in "runnable condition". I can't remember any mechanical issues.

I am therefore tempted to get it up and running again as a little project.

But, I did not want to do anything rash. For example, going straight in with an oil and fuel top up and trying to turn the engine over just for the sake of it and damaging it in the process.

Is there an existing post or guide as to the best process for restarting something that has been sat for such a long time.

Are all the dampers likely to be seized etc?

Appreciate any help.

Kind Regards

Rob Fzs · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Oct 2015 Karma :

Think Binge did a CHALY resto thread on here, check the search function
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Cub style forward sloping honda 4t single? It'll probably fire up first kick.

If it were me, I'd drop the oil, clean out the filters (both the gauze and the centrifugal unless you are sure when it was last done), fresh oil, drain the tank (flush it out if there's a lot of yak or stale petrol in it) and run fresh fuel through the carb, clean the points faces and give it a whirl.

I'd kick it over with the plug out a good few time first to get oil circulating (say give it 50 kicks). Maybe treat it to a new plug too.

Then give everything else a good once-over from end-to-end.
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Bhud · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Oct 2018 Karma :

If you're worried it might be seized, turn the crank by hand with a socket wrench.

bikenut · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Nov 2011 Karma :

All of the above BUT...

Valves ( piston rings, clutches ( two on these from memory, centrifugal ) and brakes etc. can and do stick )

Plug out and lube bore.

Remove valve caps ( check you can get new ones first ) and lube valves as best as possible.

Gain access to flywheel and turn engine over very slowly BY HAND and watch rocker arms and valve tops open and close properly.

If whilst turning the engine over by hand it seems to stop/lock, check for increasing/large gap between rocker arm and valve, a sign of a stuck valve. If you force it at that point ( hand grip on flywheel insufficient for further rotation and damage unless you have 4 wheatabix....) Due to valve inclination, the valves are at an angle, a vee shape/angle, further piston movement towards tdc, WILL BEND A VALVE, and/or break a valve guide.

A stuck valve open can wreck a viable engine in one stroke. You have been worn'd.

Once happy valves open and close properly you can proceed with trying to start the enginr
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

A100man · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Aug 2013 Karma :

Live stream it so we can all share the excitement.. Wink

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jeffyjeff · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 May 2020 Karma :

WD Forte · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :

Y no pics?
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Just to add, the kicking over to get oil circulating is an important step with these motors because they have a hydraulic camchain tensioner which relies on oil feed pressure. You want it being fed with oil before any starting attempts. Happily they also have a pretty effective annular oil pump so they circulate oil quickly and at a good pressure.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

ChalyChap · L Plate Warrior Joined: 30 Oct 2022 Karma :

Thanks for the replies thus far.

Unfortunately this is a restoration in planning.

The first issue being that it is buried under stuff in the garage, hence no pictures. But at last check it was dry and safe. The fuel tank was dried out. Not sure if it had oil in it, I would assume yes, but it may be congealed by now.

I can't give an 100% honest appraisal as to the condition of it's bodywork.

But for reference, it looked exactly like this era of Chaly.

I actually even have the wire basket that that one is missing.

Although mine has the Tan seat cover.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

bikenut · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Nov 2011 Karma :

In my opinion it is always best to assume stuff like valves etc. will be stuck, so a very cautious approach to being in a position to start the engine is needed.

If you don't check that stuff like valves being stuck, you run the real risk of turning a viable engine into scrap in one stroke !

Yes, get an other engine etc off eBay, but what happens when none are available ?

An expensive mistake cos you didn't take 10 minutes to actually check !

However it's your bike, your money and possibly your mistake.
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