Crankshaft and gearbox

[suzukik5]

Was given a mountain of RD400 parts by an ex work mate. I have managed to get a log book by the frame number and the corresponding number on one of the two sets of crank cases,both of which have the usual chain damage.It appears to be a 400f.
I have had the frame powder coated and all the usual metal parts painted as well.The wheels have been painted and the rims polished.Stripped the forks and had the stanchions reground,rebuilt them and they came up ok.
The two part engines are a different matter as there is no crankshaft with either and one has a totally rusty unusable gearbox.The other looks better but one set of gears are chipped and unusable.
What I would like to do is buy a crankshaft and replace the gearbox with a complete second hand good one if possible.
If anyone has these parts I would be interested in buying them.
Two sets of good usable carbs came with the rest but I am missing the complete air box and the rear plastic mudguard part,both of which I am after.
Although at first this mass of parts seemed an impossible rebuild, after getting a few parts back there now seems a way forward.
As I am not familiar with the 400 models does the 400f use the points ignition or electronic,or if it does use points can it be converted.
Any advice or information would be appreciated.
                                                                     Cheers Phil

[suzukik5]

After reading up on this model I realise it should be electronic ignition,although there is no rotor with the parts there is the complete stator assembly with the windings and points intact which must belong to the other earlier engine.The casings for both appear the same and interchangeable.
Both wiring looms are there and intact but have been badly abused,which I suppose you have to accept due to the use and abuse in the early days when they were ridden how they should be.
Cheers Phil.

[dusty350]

Hi Phil
Welcome to the forum.
The E and F are CDI ignition so no points. Like Lc's and Pv's, a lot of aircooled parts are stoopidly expensive second hand nowadays. I threw tons of stuff away back in the 90's when I moved house as you couldn't give it away !! I try not to think about that now !!
This is the CDI 400e engine;

Latest Rd pics 019 (1) by dusty miller, on Flickr

It's quite a few years since I've had a points engine, but I think I'm right in saying you cant bolt a CDI stator onto a C or D engine as the mounting holes are in different places. You can fit a newer digital ignition set up to a C or D though I believe (ignitech). Muttsnuts on this forum can advise on that.
Get to 10 posts and you can access the classifieds on the forum and post a wanted ad for bits you need. Plus the aircooled forum is a great resource but you have to pay an annual fee to see the classifieds I believe, but still worth a look

Dusty

[Ozhammer]

Welcome Phil, Dusty is right in saying that the E/F crankcases are different to the C/D models, so you would be best to utilise the matching cases rather than the earlier ones.

You might also be well advised to join the Aircooled RD club, as they specialise in those models, albeit that a fair number of the folks on there are also on here (like myself).

There are people that can rectify the crankcase chain damage you mention, which would hopefully allow you to retain the correct engine number, which can add value to the finished machine.

HTH

[reedpete]

Think I have inner mudguard and an airbox. EF crank is a little bit difficult to find. If you have two sets of carbs check the numbers ...if they say 2R9 you have some very tradeable items.