Doms CB550F1 project

[Oddjob]

Depends what marks are on them Ted, not the letter but the number. If they are all number 2 then they'll be fine and he can reuse existing shells.

[Trigger]

You can not go by crank markings as, the markings are for a new crank and not a worn one. Everything needs to be measured and matched. All con rods have a weight in grams and must match and that goes for pistons also 

 

[Oddjob]

I disagree. So long as the crank doesn't show wear it will be fine.

[Trigger]

The eyes lie to people that don't know what to look for but, measuring up is the only way to get a accurate measurement.
I would never build a customers engine and assume that it looks OK   

[Bryanj]

Only problemGraham its only old sods like me and thee that can read a mic accurately, and know how to zero it!
For home mechanics plastigauge is a boon but can get expensive on shells

[Trigger]

Only problemGraham its only old sods like me and thee that can read a mic accurately, and know how to zero it!
For home mechanics plastigauge is a boon but can get expensive on shells

I always wondered why i have that big tool box full of measuring equipment. Next time you do a rebore, as long as the piston fits in the hole it should be fine mate 

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Depends what marks are on them Ted, not the letter but the number. If they are all number 2 then they'll be fine and he can reuse existing shells.

Might be difficult to find a Conrod of the same number - could it just be a worn Gudgeon Pin causing the problem?

[Bryanj]

I can do you a set of 4 rods if you need them, would have yo check codes on them

[Oddjob]

Only problemGraham its only old sods like me and thee that can read a mic accurately, and know how to zero it!
For home mechanics plastigauge is a boon but can get expensive on shells

That’s a completely condescending comment Bryan and frankly insulting to a lot of members. Using a micrometer isn’t hard and digital micrometers have a zero button these days.

I’ve build hundreds of engines and never ever used plastigauge, it’s not rocket science to spot wear. It doesn’t take years of experience to spot it either. Most members on here are more than capable of tackling these engines, it’s insulting that you seem to suggest that only you can do these simple engine rebuilds. It’s not got VTEC, it’s not a V4, it’s a extremely simple design that almost everybody can get their head around.

[DomP]

So going back to my last question-

Is it good practice to replace all needle, roller bearings in the gearbox etc or if they are smooth with no play can they be reused?

If I were to plastigauge what colour should I use, from looking I think red?

[Trigger]

They can be reused if still good and the best way to spot if they do need replacing is have a good look at were they run on the gear box shafts. They show signs on the shafts first 

[AshimotoK0]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404405436283?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338365712&toolid=20006&customid=EB151264548&

[Bryanj]

Ken, in no way was it meant that way, its not condescending as most builders on here have not had the experience of using micrometers and verniers are just not accurate enough.
It is my opinion that standard micrometers are not accurate enough to measure the very small differences in pin tolerance the Honda use.
I know originally they used air gauges that are accurate to the 4th decimal place in metric and i dont think there is a hand tool made that can be that good.
I can remember being taught in a big machine shop and every student got a different size when measuring the same practice piece, and all were different from the quoted size.
I am not as accurate as i used to be and on the last 400 was only certain that all the pins were the same size.

This was not meant to offend in any way and i would more have expected Graham to be upset at being call an old fart, but i did include me in that.
There are some excellant engineers on here but most seem to be home enthusiasts who i am more than willing to help out using whater expensive kit i have aquired over the past 50 years

[Trigger]

It is not worth any member going out and buying the correct measuring equipment for 1 or 2 engines. I have lost count on how many members i have had in my workshop asking, if i could measure up everything so they know it is correct. And some i have found that they had at least one rod that was slightly oval. That would of all ended in tears if they had used it. 

[Bryanj]

I agree Graham, by the time you have decent mics from 0 to 100mm(about 4, i dont like multi anvil ones) decent dti, bore gauge, what do you recon £500 retail?
When i used to do a lot of cars, mostly kent and essex fords, you could guarantee an oval rod if it knocked