Doh!!! Now what?

[Axman]

I'll see if I can get a few pictures of the carbs and the tube. Since I have the carbs separated It might not give the best representation of the part but I'll give it a try tomorrow. I was at the bike shop today and talked to one of the techs who informed me that since there is no pressure (gravity feed fuel), the tube can be cut in two and the broken half can be re-grooved for the O-ring. The two separate short tubes can then be joined with a length of hose while each short end is inserted into it's seat in each carb. So, if I can't find the part, I can still make something work.

[Axman]

Here's a photo of an identical carb set, it's the aluminum tube at the bottom between the carbs.

[ceemes]

Here's a photo of an identical carb set, it's the aluminum tube at the bottom between the carbs.

oooooo Mr. Moderator, Mr. Moderator, Axman is positing dirty carb pictures again!!!!!

Next time I am in Langley, I'll see if Bent Bike has one those up for grabs.

[Axman]

Most of the used parts I can find of those fuel tubes are sold with the carb set. I don't have $150 to replace the carbs. I believe that the CB400's also used the same engine carb set-up. I'm not entirely sure on which Hondas used that engine configuration.

[Justy]

scrap yards and ebay are your friends....

I refuse to do anything with ebay (please don't ask why). I do not have any motorcycle salvage yards in my area. To tell you the truth the nearest one is 85 miles away in Las Vegas. Probably cost more in fuel to run up there than the part would cost. I May try a small length of steel automotive fuel line in a smaller outside diameter. If I just place an O-ring around the steel line and insert it, it may seal. There's no pressure on the tube so I imagine it may work.

I have just almost finished completely restoring my 1980 cm400E. EBAY has saved me a ton of money plus for the fact I got parts that are no longer available. My bike has been sitting for over 16 years and needed just about everything that was chrome replaced. I also stripped the bike apart and painted the frame and everything else. Now I just need a left side cover and the original decals to go with. I also wanted to mention I got a NOS original oem gas tank on ebay for $170.00, front and rear spoke wheels great condition with good tires for $75.00 each nice fork covers, NOS choke cable, new oil filter bolt, NOS rear taillight bracket etc etc etc.
IN other words..Ebay is great!
Just buy a different set of carbs off ebay for a few bucks, save yourself all the trouble!
I have alot of spare parts from my bike that are still good if you are in need of anything.
Pictures of my bike are listed here under "justy"
http://www.bikepics.com/honda/cm400/80/pics.asp

ps
I didn't ask you why you don't use ebay
good luck with your carb problem!

[Axman]

I have a new idle mix screw on the way. I talked with a guy in my club who has a 1981 CB450 which uses the same engine and the carbs look identical to the CM. His carbs are connected with a rubber hose which he modified because the same tube was missing. The fuel link can be modified to connect the carbs with a rubber hose. I should be good to go if I can find a right side battery cover.