Doms CB550F1 project

[DomP]

I'll blame the bolt I got from my local tool hire shop, it cost me nothing as they couldn't be bothered to charge me for it.

You can not any old bolt, if it snaps you will have another problem. The bolt needs to be high tensile and that is why a car wheel bolt is ideal 

It was high tensile

[DomP]

I've taken the rocker arms out to remove the springs that a previous owner had felt the need to fit, literally just cut up springs! Doesn't appear to be and damage caused

[Trigger]

I am always shocked on a fair few engines that i have stripped and done an assessment report. Some have been complete horrors 

[DomP]

Is there meant to be a small amount of side to side play in the rocker arms then?  I assume that's what they were trying to alleviate.

Rotor off tomorrow hopefully then I'll be able to see tge extent of the wear a bit more, fingers crossed!  Is there a point at which engine wear isn't salvageable, I might as well prepare myself🤣

[Bryanj]

Yes, cranks are not regrindable and broken cases are a problem but i,m sure between forum members we can get most stuff

[K2-K6]

Yep, hoping your crank is not like an LP record for grooves  as that's one of the eventuality this oil and wear situation produces.

Fingers crossed for good outcome.

[DomP]

🤞

[Trigger]

Is there meant to be a small amount of side to side play in the rocker arms then?  I assume that's what they were trying to alleviate.

Rotor off tomorrow hopefully then I'll be able to see tge extent of the wear a bit more, fingers crossed!  Is there a point at which engine wear isn't salvageable, I might as well prepare myself🤣

All engines are salvageable, it is just down to cost 

[DomP]

Received my replacement hub from Andy yesterday, it certainly looks like the correct part and a few measurements all match up and plenty of lining left so fingers crossed that's one thing sorted.  I'll wait until I get stainless spokes before relacing it, bigger fish to fry with the engine I think but at least while it's stripped I'll have the perfect opportunity to paint the cases etc.  Simoniz engine enamel or its Diuplicolor equivalent?

[DomP]

I don't think I intend keeping the Motad exhaust and the seat (which I think isn't from an F) that came with my bike, are they worth much in fairly good condition?

[Bryanj]

Not a vast amount but always worth something to somebody, dont be caught out by shipping charges if it stays in one piece

[Oddjob]

Is there meant to be a small amount of side to side play in the rocker arms then?  I assume that's what they were trying to alleviate.

Rotor off tomorrow hopefully then I'll be able to see tge extent of the wear a bit more, fingers crossed!  Is there a point at which engine wear isn't salvageable, I might as well prepare myself🤣

All engines are salvageable, it is just down to cost 

I think the ones in the Titanic may disagree with you. 

I wonder why they thought springs on the rockers a good idea? I can see them getting confused, the 400 has them, why hasn't mine, maybe I lost one? Maybe but you don't lose 8 of them so clearly they were never fitted.

[Oddjob]

Couple of alternatives for you to consider Dom.

The 550F seat is rare, really rare. Not sure why but they are and when they do come up you get offered seats which TBH should be consigned to the bin. Pans are normally rusted out etc.

The 500 seat however is still available, even copies are going about these days but you can still find NOS ones if you are willing to wait and willing to pay for them. OR, a good second hand one might pop up. Same could be said about the 550F but IF a good second hand one comes up be prepared for a bidding war as everyone and his dog will want it.

The downside to fitting the 500 seat is that it doesn't fit the 550 tank, however if you change the tank to the 500 as well they should marry up quite well. The mounting points etc are the same. 500 tanks are easier to find as well and the sale of a good 550 tank should pay for one and leave a little left over. Personally I think the shape of the 500 tank is better as well.

Now the 550F seat had it's tools stored in it, the 500 has them in a tray above the air filter. Ditch the snorkel fitted to the 550 and fit the tray off the 500. Roo has one spare if needed.

The 550F original exhaust is almost unobtainable, so your never going to get a bike that is standard unless you win the lottery, so consider going near standard but without the expense. A Delkevic exhaust is available in stainless, so no rust, looks better than the Motad as well.

Just food for thought.

[DomP]

Oh I may have not made sense before, I'm planning long term to fit one of the straight Delkevic exhausts and will make a cafe racer style seat so both parts on my bike will either be stored or sold to add to funds for this damned engine.

[DomP]

This morning I've split the cases which were again stuck together with the red stuff (forget the name), I hope I'm not being overly optimistic here but it looks far better internally than I was expecting.  No scratching on the crank which although polished feels smooth across the face with a fingernail.  Primary and Cam chains are both past their best.  What does everyone think?