CB550k1 US Import - UK registration

[Oddjob]

Tappets?

[juitz]

Do you have the updated valve cover with pegged rocker shafts ?

I'm not sure to be honest. How can I tell which one I have?

I'll see if I can get a video, but doesn't sound like a clivking / ticking noise though.

Gears maybe but doubt it.

[Bryanj]

Look in the bulletins in ashs dropbox for the details

[Oddjob]

You ever tested the clutch basket to see if the damper rubbers are shot?

Pull the clutch in, engage a gear and let the clutch out until it just starts to bite, rattle still there?

[juitz]

So the rattle was a simple case of I forgot to install a part!!
I dlidnt install the stopper for the centerstand so the chain was rubbing the stand - doh!
Stopper installed along with new chain and another lesson learnt.

Im now looking at a few items:
Since these engines don't have temperature gauges, how do people determine if they are running too hot?

I'm trying to set the idle at 1300rpm, and it Neutral it will be ok. When I pull the clutch and select first gear the rpm drops around 100rpm and sometimes will stall. Further cable adjustment or at the adjustment screw?

Also getting a ticking sound - not sure what's normal on these engines but will check tappets, valve clearance and apparently exhaust header gaskets?

[Oddjob]

1300 is a fast idle, 1200 is around normal these days for these engines, 1000 is ideal. If the engine is starting to stall when the clutch is in and 1st gear selected I'd say the clutch is dragging a little. Does the clutch cable run to the left of the engine or the right? if left, check the clutch push rod isn't broken. Grease up the mechanism as well if you have the push rod version, which I suspect you do.

[juitz]

1300 is a fast idle, 1200 is around normal these days for these engines, 1000 is ideal. If the engine is starting to stall when the clutch is in and 1st gear selected I'd say the clutch is dragging a little. Does the clutch cable run to the left of the engine or the right? if left, check the clutch push rod isn't broken. Grease up the mechanism as well if you have the push rod version, which I suspect you do.

Gulp! 😂 Im still working on the carb tuning, and 1000rpm feels like a million miles away.

I've run my clutch cable on the right side of the bike but as I've learnt it's not necessarily correct! Ran it down the right as it fits bewteen the no3 and no4 carb bodies.
I didn't replace the clutch plates but they were free/loose when I I stalled them and within thickness spec.

[Oddjob]

So has the 550K1 got the same type of clutch as the 550F? or like the 500K? Sorry not really familiar with that model, it's the same as either the 500 or the 550 but I'm unsure which as it never came to the UK.

[Bryanj]

Same as 550f Ken

[Oddjob]

In that case try adjusting the small screw at the bottom of the clutch cover.

[Bryanj]

But only so the mark on the arm lines up with mark on case DO NOT wind all way to end(dont ask which end, i cant remember) or the internal cam can jump the arm which needs casing removal

[juitz]

Hi all,

So have improved the clutch position sufficiently for now that it doesn't stall.

Went on a bit of trial and error on to find the source of the ticking noise but no luck so far.Used screwdriver to try and pinpoint but no luck.

1. Checked exhaust headers and tightened the nuts - few of the could take almost a full turn but no success.
2. Readjusted the cam chain tensioner - did move it half a turn when running to see if went away in a different position.
3.Removed a couple of the tappet covers and nothing obvious. Will double check clearances next weekend.
4. Disconnect spark plugs one at a time - ticking doesn't go if a cylinder is not firing.
I did note that running only 3&4 will ifle but only 1&2 it needs a bit of throttle? Carb synch issue? I vac synced them last week though.

Do the tappets have lateral as well axial clearance? I

[davidcumbria]

Very long shot but based on my recent experience could it be the kickstart ratchet touching the pinion? This has been confused with primary chain noise in some other threads.

[juitz]

Very long shot but based on my recent experience could it be the kickstart ratchet touching the pinion? This has been confused with primary chain noise in some other threads.

I'll add it to the list. Given the fact that I just put the kickstart assembly together through the sump access its totally feasible.

I do have a spare set of exhaust washers from the vesra kit as I used the ones that came with the delkevic exhaust. I'll try and replace the washers and reseat 5h3 exhaust next weekend.

[juitz]

After taking a screwdriver to diagnose the noise, I decided to re-di the tappet clearances and it's now 10 times better. Still a slight tick but I don't have a reference for a "good sounding engine" so will keep it as is.