1978 cb 550 float level

[duzatun]

g day
 im a new member to this site from way down under.
have a 1978 550 four with 610 kit installed my best mate was doing a custom reno on this bike when he suddenly died of heart attack so i deciided to take over the project and bought it from his mum as i spent lots of years when i was younger with 750 fours love these things but am having dificulty getting correct float level info as this has the flat shaped floats not the round ones anyone got any help in this area
also a recomended jet size would be of some help
thanks for any info
edd.

[Bryanj]

Need exact model to be able to help. Is it K3 or F and what is frame number as it could be a left over 77 registered in 78

[duzatun]

hey brian
the compliance plate CB550k2028039 dont know if motor is original eng no. CB550E20288-
any help appreciated as has been a few yrs since i played with these honda fours

[Bryanj]

OK, If the numbers are in sequence with the US ones, not always true of Honda, its a 1977 CB550K3, should be black with red stripe and 4 into 4 pipes (if those are fitted take great care of them as, unlike the earlier "trumpet" type they aint made anymore)

Carbs are different from all other 550 and very poorly documented being mentioned only in a bad quality Honda Manual supplement to the original 500 four manual.

Float level is quoted at 14.5mm and the pilot jets are pressed into the body but regularly block. They can be removed by gripping with Mole Grips CAREFULLY then pulling and twisting at the same time, clean out all the cross as well as the through hole with SOFT brass wire then refit by tapping in with a soft, preferably nylon, hammer(Hide or fiber tends to go up the jet hole).

I do have the original Honda manual with all avaiable supplements scaned to cd in PDF format. If you want a copy its the cost of the airmail + a beer.

[duzatun]

thanks for the info bryanj much appreciated
i can see ill be spending a bit of time getting reaquainted with the honda fours
i did happen to find some carb specs last night on the US site but wasnt sure as they had a typo the float setting for the 77 model was  14.5mm/.57 in 78 model was 12.5mm/.57in. so the 12.5 mm was a typo.
As for the 4 into 4 pipes i think my mate swapped them for the 4 into 1 system thats on the bike now "bummer"
Im hoping that the carb rebiuld might fix the cause of the bike breaking down at 2/3,s to 3/4 throttle but never presume anything.
 the points advance and timing are all OK so will be going through the rest of the electrical system if problem persists after carbs are done and might have to look at jetting it up maybe to suit the pod filters and  610 kit thats in it.
i have  a copy of manual here with the amendments for the 550 not sure if its the same one you have if its not  work out cost  to send copy to me and a couple of jack daniels sliding down the bar your way.
thanks again
cheers edd.