Author Topic: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration  (Read 11890 times)

Offline SPR

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1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« on: March 11, 2020, 09:18:28 AM »
Morning

Just bought this 1978 CB550 which I'm guessing is a K3 ... won't be able to check till I get the bike which won't be for a week or so

Hopefully it will be a running restoration / improver as time and money allows

Apparently it will come to me serviced and checked front to back with any immediate work done and completed - we shall see :)

These are the sale pictures which I'm assuming the eagle eyed knowledgeable will be able to point out any obvious incorrect bits that I can change as and when

Thanks

Simon

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Offline Bryanj

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2020, 09:25:42 AM »
Im guessing by the rear light its a US import.
Make sure its starts nicely from cold and runs on all four as those PD  carbs are an utter nightmare, plus ride it ever week.

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2020, 09:27:29 AM »
Im guessing by the rear light its a US import.
Make sure its starts nicely from cold and runs on all four as those PD  carbs are an utter nightmare, plus ride it ever week.

Yep an import but already registered etc ... bugger about the carbs !

Thanks for the info

Simon

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2020, 12:45:58 PM »
Nice example.

Couple of things you could maybe ask them to fix.

Missing the left hand reflector off the headlight plus it's rubber mount.

Missing it's wing mirrors.

Seat looks to be a repro but looks a good one.

Missing the sticker off the idiot panel between the clocks, there are available on E-Bay.

Carbs can be substituted for the CB500/550 type carbs which are FAR superior. Means new rubber inlet mounts and airbox but well worth doing.

Master cylinder looks wrong, should be black but they fade in the sunlight so could be that, mounted too far sloped forward, they are punch marks on the bars which should line up with the MC split where it clamps IIRC.

Check too see if it still has it's toolkit.

Excellent - thank you ... I'll see if I can get them to sort any of the bits

Simon

Offline Rob62

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2020, 07:28:53 PM »
Nice! I had one back in the 80’s.... looks like a sold bike. A bit of chrome trim round that seat would lift it a lot..  8)

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2020, 09:08:05 PM »
Nice! I had one back in the 80’s.... looks like a sold bike. A bit of chrome trim round that seat would lift it a lot..  8)

Yes - it does look a little bare without it

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2020, 05:26:10 PM »
Afternoon

Finally got hold of the bike and overall it looks ok and usable .......

There are a few bits need doing immediately - some maybe beyond me :)

Choke cable is broken at the fitting
Oil leak - see last pic - any ideas welcome ..... it does seem to be the only place leaking any fluids

Running wise is a little rough - mainly at the higher rev band but wondering if it needs a couple runs / fresh fuel running through .... so will try that before more drastic action

Throttle seems "tight" so doesn't snap back when you let go - more investigation required .... no air leaks from carbs etc

RHS top silencer isn't the best with the baffle either missing or disintegrated

Bars seem wrong ...


So some work to clean it up and try and do what bits I can .... will update with progress

Thanks

Simon

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Offline Bryanj

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2020, 08:58:49 PM »
Even if its an actual leak 90% gearchange shaft seal about £3 and 2 hours max( for a novice) 7% oil pump cover O ring same time 2% oil pressure switch same time finally sprocket seal or gearbox shaft blanking plug which, unfortunately, to do right is an engine case split.

The blanking plug can be damaged if somebody has fitted an O ring chain as they are a bit wide.

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #8 on: April 01, 2020, 11:08:02 PM »
Thanks guys for the pointers - I'll start tomorrow and have a look

Watch this space :)

Thanks

Simon

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2020, 08:34:02 AM »
Easy one first ... no dimples for the handlebars so as thought they aren't correct .... will try and source some and change

As this is an import is it correct for the front indicators to be on as driving type lights when running - also is the indicator buzzer a correct feature ?

Offline Bryanj

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2020, 09:07:58 AM »
Buzzer correct, front running lights not legal in UK so have to be disconnected. Orange/White and Light Blue/White wires

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2020, 09:10:07 AM »
Buzzer correct, front running lights not legal in UK so have to be disconnected. Orange/White and Light Blue/White wires

Brill thanks ..... now the bit where I show my level of expertise :) where do I find said wires to disconnect  :-[

EDIT ... headlight bucket .... bloody ell shocked myself

Thanks

Simon
« Last Edit: April 02, 2020, 09:14:53 AM by SPR »

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #12 on: April 02, 2020, 06:46:37 PM »
Couple of tips which could avoid some real heartache later.

Buy yourself some JIS screwdrivers, they'll pay for themselves in no time.

Remove the screws holding the idiot panel on when you get some JIS tools. Blob them with a drop of vaseline or grease on the threads and very carefully refit them, DO NOT overtighten these or you will split the plastic if it's not already split. Same goes for the switchgear screws, bit of grease etc now will avoid some real struggles later on.

The idiot panel decal is available on E-Bay, will look much better fitted.

Keep them coming

Yep - got a set of JIS screwdrivers and was sceptical before using them but they are a perfect fit !!

I hear you about the grease and will do that each time and have an idiot panel decal ready to go on

Thanks

Simon

Offline Bryanj

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #13 on: April 02, 2020, 07:20:03 PM »
Big tip, run the motor every week for a decent time or you will be finding out just how much of a pain PD carbs can be

Offline SPR

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Re: 1978 CB550 K3 "running" restoration
« Reply #14 on: April 02, 2020, 07:26:24 PM »
Big tip, run the motor every week for a decent time or you will be finding out just how much of a pain PD carbs can be

I suspect I'm finding that already - still not revving freely through the range although better today in that it will stutter and then rev so hopefully more runs will help

I've added some STP cleaner to the fuel and ordered new plugs

 

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