CB550k1 US Import - UK registration

[Oddjob]

Yeah you did, I read skimming the head and got it wrong. Me old brain is starting to shut down I reckon.

[Trigger]

I'm just lapping the valves but one of the valve seats has some slight pitting - this was cylinder that was corroded/seized.

I've lapped it once but hasn't really cleaned up the surface. More concerned about the pitting though.

That head needs a lot of work, may need new valve seats, valves , a head skim and when you take it to a engineering shop, get them to check the valve guides   

[juitz]

Is it worth machining or better to get a second hand unit in better condition?

[Bryanj]

As all the 500 and 550 heads are the same may be more cost efective to get a used one

[juitz]

Few cylinder heads listed on eBay - some similar condition to mine, to decent clean ones.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275635167268?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=zji3f1rXSTK&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=eMi7QkCfTHq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354329339864?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=8O8R5KZARse&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=eMi7QkCfTHq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314315835930?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=8O8R5KZARse&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=eMi7QkCfTHq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY


Would obviously prefer not to spend a fortune. What should I  be on the lookout for?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

twowheelspares have a good reputation plus a returns option.

They refunded me my rear fender.
I've bought a few bits of them for my 500 - they were spot on in terms of description etc.

They are also open to realistic offers

[Bryanj]

The most expensive one looks good on bearings and gasket surface, even looks like valves have been out and cleaned.
Would still remove springs and check stem seals though

[juitz]

Ok, I wanna get this finished so purchased the expensive one (with a reasonable offer 😎).

Hopefully all good and have the new stem seals from the vesrah kit.

[Seabeowner]

It's been blasted so make sure you clean out the oilways and then clean out the oilways again.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

It's shown as out of stock - did you buy it then?

[juitz]

It's shown as out of stock - did you buy it then?

Yep!

[Laverdaroo]

well played that man

[juitz]

New head is better but not great.

[Sesman]

I’ve seen significantly worse used successfully. I’d definitely have it skimmed though. Have you checked the valves, guides and valve seats yet?

[juitz]

Yeah I was hoping that an £180 head wouldn't need as much work as an £80 head.
I've taken off the valves and springs and cleaning it all up. There's Def some grit - not sure if sand balst media or just carbon.