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DNF'd today's ride - engine seizure?

925 Views 14 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Gromit
I recently acquired a 2017 CB300F. I've gone on a couple of 15-20 mile rides so far and it has run great. Over the weekend I changed the oil and filter (Honda Pro GN4 10W30 and K&N filter) and ran it for a few minutes to circulate the oil and check for leaks. Today I headed out for a ride and right away noticed a bit of hesitation in throttle response. Once on the open road I accelerated to speed, felt a hesitation, then the rear wheel locked up.

I tried to start it again by the side of the road -- there was a lot of traffic noise, but it seemed like when I turned on the key the fuel pump kept running instead of stopping after a few seconds like it normally does. I trailered it home, and now it will start, run for a few seconds, and then shut off. Oil level shows as good, and the rear brake seems fine (the bike rolls easily).

Obviously I am concerned that something was not right about the oil change and it caused the engine to temporarily seize. I'm just wondering if anyone has a more optimistic possibility. The nearest dealer is quite a ways away and I'd like to make sure I have considered all of the simpler possibilities that I could fix myself. Thanks
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First thing that springs to mind is that you perhaps put the oil filter in the wrong way round. It's been done before, more than once! The side of the filter with the orifice and black rubber sealing ring goes against the engine.
That doesn't add up to why the fuel pump keeps running though. Is it still showing this symptom now in the quiet of your garage?
In the quiet of my garage the fuel pump seems to be behaving normally. Maybe I did put that filter in backwards, although I took pains to put it in the way the old one was. I have done stupider things than that though. I wonder if I lean the bike over on its left side if I could minimize oil loss when checking?
Yes that helps, you shouldnt have to lean it more than say 60 degrees.
Goes against the engine? You mean into the engine against the side cover? There is no trick to installing the oil filter. The center opening is toward where the oil can flow into it and be filtered.
Goes against the engine? You mean into the engine against the side cover? There is no trick to installing the oil filter. The center opening is toward where the oil can flow into it and be filtered.
Kinda depends how you read it but yeah I meant that the ported side of the filter with the black rubber seal rests on the engine.
You're right, it's not a tricky job but sometimes people get it wrong...



For anyone reading this and still unsure have a look at this clip from the 0:58 second mark onwards.
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I opened it up and found that yes, I am one of those people who got it wrong. What a dunderhead...I must have gotten distracted or something. So I re-installed it correctly and went for a short gentle ride, and it seems fine. Sounds fine, runs fine, no smoke or anything. By some miracle maybe I'll be OK. I will stress it more today and see what happens.
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We know your not the first and you certainly wont be the last! :giggle:. The Honda CRF250 dirt bike has the same filter set up and yep, a quick google search brought up this:

Gotta wonder if Honda could not have come up with some sort of more fail proof design. Out of all the road going motorcycles Ive owned in the last 25 years the little CBRs were the only ones not sporting spin on external style oil filters.

Anyways, glad your up and running again, keep us posted on developments.
We know your not the first and you certainly wont be the last! :giggle:. The Honda CRF250 dirt bike has the same filter set up and yep, a quick google search brought up this:

Gotta wonder if Honda could not have come up with some sort of more fail proof design. Out of all the road going motorcycles Ive owned in the last 25 years the little CBRs were the only ones not sporting spin on external style oil filters.

Anyways, glad your up and running again, keep us posted on developments.
You want fail proof on the filter it clearly says this side out
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You want fail proof on the filter it clearly says this side out
Depends on the brand, none of the ones I've purchased have had this written on them. I'm still buying the same filters for my Honda XR250R chook chaser.

Wood Gas Rim Circle Metal
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Just bought a K&N and there is no writing on either side to indicate direction. Obviously the oil needs to go into the hole so the hole needs to be into the engine so the oil can flow into the filter.
Depends on the brand, none of the ones I've purchased have had this written on them. I'm still buying the same filters for my Honda XR250R chook chaser.

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Good reason to use OEM filter--also in ref to the K&N filter somewhere they changed the part number--I had a left over one for my gone CB300F when I bought a CB300R I checked and the number was different--same engine--I called them they stated from time to time Honda changes little thing on filters and they don't tell anyone or change the part number and they have to keep up-they strongly subject to check their catalog from time to time for the best match
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You want fail proof on the filter it clearly says this side out
The K&N I used had no such markings.
Rode it harder today, it was not hot but I did accelerate hard up some hills and it was as smooth, quiet, and quick as ever. With fingers crossed, I am putting it back in service. :)
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The new Hiflo filters have ' OUTSIDE - TOWARDS COVER' on one side. I won't say which side .:oops::ROFLMAO:
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