1976 CB550F1 (what have I let myself in for) Project

[eight0]

After all that, there doesn't appear to be a problem with the rings. Replaced the rods with the ones from the old crank, luckily I had the right bearings.
Removed the chains and put a couple of bolts in the cases to test and...

https://youtu.be/9eBTKUbwU74

The moral of this story, is always check your second hand parts thoroughly.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

[Nurse Julie]

Great work and diagnostics. Now smear some oil and graphigen around the inside of the barrels.

[eight0]

Thanks Julie. I'm pretty new to mechanics and have never taken apart an engine completely before but I do feel like a bit of a walley for not noticing the rods sooner. Ah well. Glad it's sorted now!

Put the time in yesterday to get the cases back together and back in the frame so now at least I'm back to where I started.

[Bryanj]

Looking at that ro i wouldsay its stripdown or carriage damage rather than hydraulic lock

[philward]

Thanks Julie. I'm pretty new to mechanics and have never taken apart an engine completely before but I do feel like a bit of a walley for not noticing the rods sooner. Ah well. Glad it's sorted now!

Put the time in yesterday to get the cases back together and back in the frame so now at least I'm back to where I started.

Don't feel a walley, we all live and learn - if you are new to mechanics, I think you have done really well with this problem in light of how unusual the issue was. I guess you have certainly learned a lot!

[Bryanj]

I agree with that, few professional mechanics would look for bent rods unless a problem(like yours) was spotted

[eight0]

Thanks guys, yes certainly learnt a lot!

Does anyone have any sources for the M8x145 engine bolt? Mine is bent for some reason. They are available on CMS and DS for order from the states but there must be somewhere I can just order a flanged bolt from.. or another bike that takes the same sized  bolt.

[Nurse Julie]

Thanks guys, yes certainly learnt a lot!

Does anyone have any sources for the M8x145 engine bolt? Mine is bent for some reason. They are available on CMS and DS for order from the states but there must be somewhere I can just order a flanged bolt from.. or another bike that takes the same sized  bolt.

I will have a look to see if we have some here.

[eight0]

Thanks guys, yes certainly learnt a lot!

Does anyone have any sources for the M8x145 engine bolt? Mine is bent for some reason. They are available on CMS and DS for order from the states but there must be somewhere I can just order a flanged bolt from.. or another bike that takes the same sized  bolt.

I will have a look to see if we have some here.

Thanks Julie, that would be great.

[Nurse Julie]

Thanks guys, yes certainly learnt a lot!

Does anyone have any sources for the M8x145 engine bolt? Mine is bent for some reason. They are available on CMS and DS for order from the states but there must be somewhere I can just order a flanged bolt from.. or another bike that takes the same sized  bolt.

I will have a look to see if we have some here.

Thanks Julie, that would be great.

Yes Adam, have one of them, I will PM you.
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[eight0]

DK have been pretty unhelpful about the bent rods.

I messaged them about the bent rods and they came back and offered me replacement ones. I said that I had some spares myself which I used and asked them for a partial refund.

They said 'glad you sorted it.'

I again asked for a partial refund and they said, we offered you replacement rods and you said no.

Oh well.

[Laverda Dave]

That's a great advert for customer relations!
I wouldn't let it go, you paid for a replacement part that should have been acceptable but it wasn't. The fact they offered replacement rods is immaterial. How would they know if the journal bearings were the same, you were lucky your replacements fitted with new shells.
If it was me I'd being sending them a letter as a formal request for a partial refund (you need to clearly state the level of refund you require). If they refuse advise them you will take them to the small claims court under the sale of goods act. I'd also advise them you are posting progress of your dealings with them on social media.
Their behaviour has all the hallmarks of a company that doesn't give a stuff about individuals because they have a high turnover.
Companies like these need to be held accountable for the goods they sell and their guarantee.

[eight0]

I hear what you're saying Dave, but sometimes you just have to pick your battles. I have what I need because luckily I had the spares already as you say.
I just can't be bothered with the hassle. I paid £60 for the crank and rods so we are only talking about 20 quid max. It's just a shame they don't seem to respect the customer.

[Laverda Dave]

I understand what you are saying Andy. I just can't stand companies that act in this way just because they think they can and knowing they can get away with it.
I've never used D&K but I know a lot of forum members do. I won't be using them unless I'm desperate for a part based on your experience.
Good luck with the build 👍.

[Sesman]

I guess I’m taking a hugh risk here, but to be fair my dealings with D&K have been many and frequent in recent times and they have always been very positive. Not wanting to get into a gainsay discussion, but I would have no hesitation in using them. It’s been an unfortunate experience for eight0, but I’ll wager that the replacement crank would have been delivered next day with no requirement to return the bad items. I think eightO got it right in an earlier post...”check what you get”. I think that’s great advice and I’ll be taking it.  Second hand parts...what can you say!

No offence intended, but I thought I’d share my personnel experience. I’d alsojust like to qualify I’m a novice at this restoration game, being active for less than 3months, but haemorrhaging cash like a veteran (or is that a novice 😔). Great site by the way.

Been following the build eightO and looking forward to the first startup