1984 Honda magna-front brakes

got a 1984 Honda magna out of garage storage, probably in garage a year or so. Put in clean gas, and new battery and it started right up. Took it for a spin and front brakes locked up.

Removed calipers, pumped the pistons out and cleaned off any residue on pistons and seals...ready to re-install

1. looking for .PDF of reassembly instructions.

2. saw something on www that made me think that, since all four pistons did not retract from pads, it may be something with a bleeder hole in master cylinder that would not facilitate "sucking" pistons back in.

any thoughts, thanks

 

That was exactly what I was thinking too - the pressure relief hole is clogged. You should be able to take the master apart for cleaning; probably a forum somewhere that can tell you how.
edit: if it is one of the V4s, you can try http://www.sabmag.com/

 

The fluid reservoir has two passages to the master cylinder. The larger one (closer to the lever) allows fluid into the master cylinder. The smaller one (closer to the banjo bolt) lets the fluid bleed back off so the brakes retract when the lever is released.

Honda reservoirs typically have a little Z shaped metal piece pressed into a recess around the larger hole and covers the small one. It should lift right out.

With the tab out (but with some fluid in the reservoir) squeeze the lever gently and release slowly. You should get a rooster tail of fluid above the small hole if it's not plugged. The reason you want to go slow is with a normal grab and release an unplugged hole will spurt several feet (that's the purpose of the tab - keeps it in the reservoir if you pull it with the cover off).

If it's plugged you should disassemble the master cylinder and clean it. Try to clear that orifice with compressed air as you could accidentally enlarge it if you probe it with a piece of wire.

 

thanks guys, will check for the rooster tail in the morning. Should I track down a rebuild kit or is it realistic that I can disassemble and clean existing components?

 

Here you go, hope it helps.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorc ... 744sch4023

 

A great site for info on Honda V4 Magnas and Sabres is the SABMAG FAQ http://wiki.sabmagfaq.org/FrontPage

And there is a fantastic active forum with much useful help and info similar to this one The V4 Honda message board http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php

I hope this helps