CB550F Carbs

[Oldiron550]

Striped down the carbs today on my 1976 CB550F, the plan is to get them ultrasonic cleaned and then the challenge of rebuilding!!!!!
 
I notice a few issues already!!
So the basic carb rebuild kit isn't going to be enough!!

Looks like I need new.
floats x 4No.

The spring clip that sits below the float (name?) 2No looks correct, 1No looks to be from a different carb? and one is missing.
Need to buy 2No (pictured)

Also the holder that keeps this spring clip in place one is missing.
Need to buy 1No (pictured)

So now that the carbs are strip this far, I only want to do this job once, all advice is welcomed.

[JamesH]

Hey just a quick observation - the spring clips are there to keep main jet in place ( the spring sits against the float bowl and holds the jet (sealed on an o ring) in place. So if you buy a keyster kit (or better still genuine keihin jets) you'll be covered. Floats are available but wont be cheap. If it were me I'd buy 4 x keyster kits from nrp carbs, source two spring clips and new floats and you should be good..

[Trigger]

Found a guy in Holland that refurbishes carbs. He will have every thing you need, and at not pull your paints down prices. Here is a link to him:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB750-CB550-CB500-Four-new-float-pin-/121302007205?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c3e29bda5

[mickwinf]

I have had some parts from gerben1956 on ebay and find him good to deal with, and has some hard to find parts re-made.

[Norniron]

Remember to pull the emulsion tubes out above the main jets and give them a good clean

[Oldiron550]

Admittedly I didn't know what an emulsion tube looked like until I stripped the carbs. SOHC forum & YouTube are the best tools in my box. I ain't got the experience you guys have!

[Trigger]

Once they have been in the ultrasonic. They should be good. You can always bribe Norniron with some Guinness if you get stuck. 

[Norniron]

Ultrasonic wont clean them properly.get them out and give them a good eyeball with a magnifying glass.

[Trigger]

What are you a stamp collector Norniron? I have never had trouble once they have spent a couple of hours in the tank. Apart from give the float pins a rub down with 2000.

[Norniron]

I ultrasonically cleaned my carbs twice and it still didnt clean those tubes.(just my tuppence worth)
Hey oldiron im in armagh tomorrow if u r stuck.

[Oldiron550]

I'm in Antrim most of the the day (work place) won't be home until six. I'm not beat on this one yet, just a little blind on the task ahead. That can be a good-thing sometimes!

[matthewmosse]

According to a mate of mine in the trade who has an ultrasonic cleaner, the brand oof cleaning fluid used has a major influence on how well ultra sonic cleaners work. I have a small Lidl cleaner and it can help clean a fair ammount of crud off a carb but needs help from a toothbrush, though it's only been subjected to briggs and strat carbs that were suffering from  a decade of water damage so far, but it did get them servicable with No new parts needed.

[LesterPiglet]

No matter how you clean your carbs it would be stupid to put them back on without checking every orifice.

[Oldiron550]

First part of the cleaning process finished, as Les said "check every orifice" before a start my rebuild. I'll need all the help I can get!!


Will be very satisfying to hear the CB fire up after nearly 15 off the road.

[Bryanj]

When you build the carbs up onto the bracket don't forget the small steel pin at the bottom inbetween 2 and 3 or there will be nothing to hook the return spring onto.

Been there, seen that, watched the video and destroted the T shirt in frustration!!!