Honda-SOHC

SOHC.co.uk Forums => Project Board => Topic started by: mickwinf on October 22, 2017, 02:23:13 PM

Title: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on October 22, 2017, 02:23:13 PM
Hi guys and gals, after a dalliance with a gold wing i am back with the SOHC bikes i know best. Another ebay purchase from a guy in manchester who cleared out a garage before it was demolished. He didn't do anything with it so was in as found condition, but rolled ok and even the front brake was free and working although wheels and other chromework are quite rusty. On closer inspection it shows it was loved in the past as the frame has been painted at some time and was suprisingly good under the grime and the non standard paint job seems to be professionally done. When i put a new battery on the electrics were dead and there was evidence that someone had been searching for the fault with new wires and things loose and out of place. After some investigation i found the starter solenoid and the ignition switch were faulty, and were replaced with used items from my spares stash, result all electrics now work, engine turns over and sparks. Now i think would it start? Of course it does its a Honda! sounds pretty good and even ticks over! Plan is to make a tidy useable bike so might keep the paint as is, but will replace the wheel rims and mudguards etc. Not sure about the exhaust, it is the original but the front pipes are very rusty and may be too far gone, the silencer responded to wire wool and solvol and is sound.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: MarkCR750 on October 22, 2017, 07:33:57 PM
Great to see another one being given a second chance, or maybe 3rd or 4th chance👍

PS please don’t keep the paint work, it’s hideous, I’m not even qualifying that with an “IMO”, it’s horrid 😄, a £4 tin of satin black would be an improvement!.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Nurse Julie on October 22, 2017, 07:37:11 PM
That's a nice little project for you Mick, well done.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on October 22, 2017, 07:37:35 PM
Is the OEM pipes in good order ? I think the F's are a very good bike and one of my favourites.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: petermigreen on October 22, 2017, 07:42:05 PM
Congratulations on the new machine.
Interesting paint job, looks like something you might have in your bathroom.
Peter
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Green1 on October 22, 2017, 08:11:52 PM
Stick a few goldfish and starfish on there it will be a good conversation starter  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: petermigreen on October 22, 2017, 08:58:48 PM
Still it beats boring old Green. ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Green1 on October 22, 2017, 09:01:02 PM
Nothing wrong with green it beats the predictable red  :P
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: petermigreen on October 22, 2017, 09:08:11 PM
Who's got boring red? I've resprayed mine. Now got mermaids and dolphins!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on October 22, 2017, 09:41:09 PM
haha thought the paint would cause a few comments! will see..... Graham the exhaust headers are pretty rusty so not sure if i will do anything with them.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mike the bike on October 22, 2017, 09:53:55 PM
Looks a good buy, you must have picked it up cheap as it was a dead bike. 

+1 on the tin of black paint but it's your bike, not mine.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Seabeowner on October 22, 2017, 10:25:07 PM
Nice bike Mick. Should keep you busy over the winter. The 550Fs are defined like the 400/4 by their sweeping downpipes and it's a pity there are no repros. Motad etc just don't do it for me. But when your riding it, you aren't looking there. Headers in reasonable condition are rare and silencers rarer still. There was a couple of 550Fs down this way on ebay last week and some spares including a new complete 550F system. Was going to bid, but was withdrawn within the day.
Keep the paint and add a few fish.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Spitfire on October 23, 2017, 01:56:33 PM
Nice to see another one will be brought back to life and be looked after, I always look at bikes like that and think that it is a shame as they were once someone's pride and joy.

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on October 28, 2017, 04:21:05 PM
Had a couple of hours working on the bike today, have stripped it down to the frame and forks with only a couple of bolts shearing. Frame is definately good enough to use with some minor touching up, the caliper bleed nipple did shear off despite using heat, and the list of parts required is increasing! Still happy though.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on October 28, 2017, 05:35:55 PM
Nice find. Good luck should be fun. Got to go with general consensus on paint. Perhaps Green1 would do you a cheep roller emulsion job with him being in the trade!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Green1 on October 28, 2017, 07:18:32 PM
I don't use a roller at work I'm not your average decorator I spray almost everything.
So no orange peel in my fuel tank  ;D

Mick
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on October 29, 2017, 12:25:35 PM
New you were class!  ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on November 19, 2017, 01:12:29 PM
some progress made, stripped down to frame, which is in suprisingly good condition and only needs some touching up as its not a concours rebuild. I did have to saw the main stand pivot to remove it as was seized solid. Next move is a big purchase from David Silvers and lots of cleaning and polishing.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on November 29, 2017, 12:52:56 PM
A large parcel has arrived from mr silver with their usual efficiency, lots of shiny new bits including wheel rims. The rear is a DID one and is the usual good quality but the front one is an un- branded one that is described as an extremely high quality item at a lower cost. Opened it up to check it and the inside is actually rusty! Will not fit it will send it back and would not recommend anyone to buy one if mine is a typical example.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on November 29, 2017, 01:20:53 PM
Sliver is a member on here and did say that his cheap rims were Lada quality  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on November 29, 2017, 07:18:38 PM
wouldn't even put it on a lada!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 08, 2017, 06:56:43 PM
working on the forks and front brakes, cleaned and refurbished fork bottoms then went to fit the new caliper only to discover the bolt holes are a different spacing to the bracket which i spent ages polishing! luckily i had a spare bracket with the correct spacing but will have to polish it first. I always thought all 400/500/550 calipers were the same but looking through my spares box i have examples of both.Piston size is the same.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: hairygit on December 08, 2017, 07:51:55 PM
They ARE the same caliper! If the bracket hole spaces were wrong, either it is a 750F1, K7 or K8 caliper, with a 550 bracket, or vice versa. Is it the caliper and bracket that came with the bike? Reason I ask is many years ago a mate bought a used caliper and bracket for his 500 Four, so no issues there, but when he fitted it to the bike, the caliper was mounted too high and only swept the top two thirds of the disc, as the 750 discs are larger diameter so the caliper sits higher.

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 08, 2017, 09:27:31 PM
the wider one was fitted and working when i got the bike, so its a strange one.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: hairygit on December 08, 2017, 09:43:05 PM
Measure the disc, it may be a 750 disc, in fact, it could be 750 forks as well.

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on December 09, 2017, 06:34:15 AM
The wider hole caliper is 750F1 as Hairy states, from memory I think the holes are 40mm apart. If it al fits to the disc and forks then it is a late 750 front end. See if you can find the word ART on the arm  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 09, 2017, 02:39:47 PM
great knowledge from Hairy and Trigger, i put the wheel on to see the relationship between the disc and caliper, and it does sit too high. replacing the mounting arm wont help as will still be too high. Seems i have got the wrong forks so what is my best bet? can replace forks for the correct type, or could i use a 750 disc on my 550 wheel? Trigger my bracket is stamped art, i am impressed!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: hairygit on December 09, 2017, 03:19:14 PM
Yes you can use a 750 disc, bolts straight on.

Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on December 09, 2017, 03:27:45 PM
First you must find out what forks you have, I am sure that the fork bottoms are different lengths. Will measure some up a little later.

The 500  is 320mm
      550F is 355mm
And I don't have a 750F1 here at the moment. And my measurement is from the top the bottom, not including caps or studs so, to the flat surface.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 09, 2017, 05:18:27 PM
Graham they measure 355 mm from the flat at the bottom to the top edge of the alloy, also from the flat to the hole where the adjuster bolt fits through is 168mm. Thanks for the help. If the 750 disc fits it would solve the problem due to its bigger diameter.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on December 09, 2017, 10:33:41 PM
Something is not adding up, with the alloy bottoms at 355mm and a arm from a 400, 500 or 550 it should all line up with a 500/550 disc. I did have the same problem on a 550F1 that I got from the states some years ago that had the wrong arm on and all I had to do was change the arm and the caliper .

Here is a link that may help >>> http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,6558.0.html
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 11, 2017, 01:00:50 PM
thanks for all the help guys, all sorted. When the other arm was fitted all lines up fine, the smaller arm has a slightly different angle as well as being shorter now caliper is in the correct place so all good.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on December 11, 2017, 03:09:41 PM
If the arm is shorter and with ART, could be 400  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 16, 2017, 04:43:34 PM
started on the front wheel rebuild today now the DID rim has arrived. Stripped the spokes and rim down to the hub, and after cleaning i noticed the centre of the hub with the cooling fins is painted black, is this original or has a previous owner done it?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on December 16, 2017, 06:10:59 PM
The hubs should just have a coat of lacquer, not black  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 16, 2017, 10:29:21 PM
thanks trigger
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 22, 2017, 05:41:48 PM
ok so i have rebuilt the front wheel and am in the process of truing it up. I have mounted it in the forks and used a wire pointer, it is now round and runout is looking good so getting near. the problem is i forgot to measure offset on the old wheel, i know they are central to the hub but when i look at it in the forks should it be in exactly the centre of the gap between the fork legs? it measures about 5mm difference between the rim and and the fork so should i adjust it to be exactly equal?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 28, 2017, 07:59:42 PM
re -adjusted to be exactly central so all good now. ready for new tyre and tube.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: K2-K6 on December 28, 2017, 08:15:56 PM
Nice work and looks good.

When you look at them close up the structure looks primitive,  quite amazingly effective though for such basic components.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Laverda Dave on December 29, 2017, 02:27:44 PM
Looking good. It may not be riding weather but rebuild progress keeps us all going until the sun shines  :)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on February 01, 2018, 09:54:00 PM
A little more progress, both wheels have new tyres tubes and rim tapes so ready to be fitted, will look like a bike again when its back on its wheels. Also fitted some tec shockers, they look the part as similar to original and only cost £60 inc postage.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on February 01, 2018, 10:14:48 PM
Looking good but, the F2 never had the shocks with the shrouds  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on February 28, 2018, 04:39:41 PM
due to the snow no work for me today, but as i am self employed no money either! Some progress, now on its wheels with new front mudguard and handlebars fitted. Today i have been rubbing paint and rust off the battery carrier and other small brackets ready for painting. Would have liked them blasting and powder coating but having to do it old school with dremmel and sandpaper, what a ball ache! Still, getting there slowly.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Green1 on March 01, 2018, 09:57:14 AM
I know exactly were your coming from Mick I too am self employed. I was really ill and had January off and now with the snow I'm sitting at home twiddling my thumbs itching to play with the bikes but to scared to spend any money.

Mick 
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on March 01, 2018, 01:04:14 PM
I know exactly were your coming from Mick I too am self employed. I was really ill and had January off and now with the snow I'm sitting at home twiddling my thumbs itching to play with the bikes but to scared to spend any money.

Mick

You tight git, donation box at the top of the page  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Green1 on March 01, 2018, 01:48:51 PM
Did you read the money bit?  ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on March 02, 2018, 09:43:53 AM
starting to look like a bike
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: haynes66 on March 02, 2018, 10:05:57 AM
looking good. you must have a warmer workshop than me!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on March 26, 2018, 09:19:03 PM
a few more bits painted and cleaned, correct centre stand now fitted and a rear mudguard courtesy of johnyboy
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 16, 2018, 09:35:00 PM
trial fitting of the rickman/hondastyle fairing but not sure of the fittings, has anyone got a similar set up to show how the brackets should fit?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 16, 2018, 09:36:31 PM
another pic
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on April 16, 2018, 10:46:58 PM
Are you aware that the mudguard is 750 341 ?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 17, 2018, 08:53:11 AM
Hi Graham, yes i am it has 341 stamped on it, i am not fussed about perfect originality on this bike as it was supposed to be a budget build, the mudguard that came with it did not fit at all.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on April 17, 2018, 09:03:22 AM
Looks like a nice condition mudguard Mick, hard to find in that condition. The only thing is the wiring hole is in a different place and the tail light will be pointing to the sky a little but, better than nothing and if you find a good 550F one later, then a easy swap.
And you can sell the 341 to me for 99P  ;) ;) ;D ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 17, 2018, 06:23:13 PM
haha you wish! it is a bit dented on the top but good chrome so will do me.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on April 17, 2018, 07:50:50 PM
haha you wish! it is a bit dented on the top but good chrome so will do me.

Bugger, and I thought I had talked you out of that rear mudguard  ;) If I come across a good 550F one, maybe we could do a swap  ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on June 03, 2018, 01:31:56 PM
just arrived from the USA a set of front pipes in decent condition, after a clean with wire wool and autosol look pretty good with my original silencer.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on June 03, 2018, 03:19:41 PM
Nice find Mick, have been looking for some good pipes for yonks now.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on June 03, 2018, 03:50:44 PM
yes Graham they are hard to find, only cost £35 but another £100 plus for postage and customs charges. I took a chance but it paid off.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on June 03, 2018, 04:32:50 PM
I will push the boat out and give you £70 and collect  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on June 03, 2018, 10:19:54 PM
haha you are a trier
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on August 04, 2018, 03:07:16 PM
Reached a milestone last week, the engine is now back in the frame. As i was working alone i removed a few parts to reduce the weight, and stood the bike close to my work bench with the engine on it, then slid the engine over into the frame without giving myself a hernia!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on January 01, 2019, 11:03:06 PM
well its been a while, not had much time over the last few months for a variety of reasons but have been doing jobs whenever i did have the chance. today i fitted the rebuilt carbs and couldn't resist trying for a start up. After a bit of fiddling it did start and sounded quite good, i will have to synchronize the carbs but quite happy.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on February 27, 2019, 04:48:28 PM
so an update on this slow restoration, its nearly done, just painting the tank in a non standard blue aerosol, remember the custom paintjob when i got it? As you can see by the pictures it looks ok, although some of the chromework is not great as i have just ran out of money so no extra for chroming. I am just fitting the engine breather pipe and the fuel overflow pipe from the petrol tank, does anyone know the proper routing for them?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: K2-K6 on February 27, 2019, 05:15:09 PM
Very tidy,  looks to be a nice job in bringing another one back into use.

Starts to feel better as you get toward the finish line I guess.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Nurse Julie on February 27, 2019, 05:31:00 PM
Nice job Mick.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: paul G on February 27, 2019, 07:22:56 PM
Looking good Mick.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on February 27, 2019, 09:59:16 PM
I want that exhaust system  ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Rob62 on February 27, 2019, 10:32:59 PM
Looks fantastic....just in time for spring  8)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Rob62 on February 27, 2019, 10:41:44 PM
Having the leads come out of the back is definitely a good idea. But my recollection of my old 550 back in the day was that the leads were as fitted on this bike....and they did suffer from moisture ingress.. i guess a quick look at the parts diagram will reveal the “correct” orientation.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on February 27, 2019, 10:52:24 PM
Mick I thunk you've fitted the coils backwards, the HT leads come out of the back so they are protected from rain etc and they approach the plugs from the rear not the front if you get that.

All SOHC come from the front  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Seabeowner on February 28, 2019, 05:14:08 PM
I want that exhaust system  ;D
Yes it's rare to find a good silencer. Mine was a cheepo on ebay at £5, but collection only, and I've had to put a patch on the underside. And what a lump it is, even partly rusted away, but it is the signature of the F, like the 400/4. Looking good.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Laverda Dave on February 28, 2019, 05:42:49 PM
All the hard work, time and effort is starting to pay off. Well done and keep posting progress photos 👍
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on February 28, 2019, 10:15:32 PM
Mick I thunk you've fitted the coils backwards, the HT leads come out of the back so they are protected from rain etc and they approach the plugs from the rear not the front if you get that.

All SOHC come from the front  ;)

They can't be genuine coils then Graham as the leads are far too short, they used to clamp to the outside screw holding the breather cover and those only just reach the plugs as they are, made me think they must be backwards.


You are thinking about the 500 four that had the clamps on the end of the breather. The 550 F2 never had the clamps so, shorter leads  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 12, 2019, 06:44:38 PM
Bike is almost ready for the road, just a couple of small jobs to do and waiting on the DVLA to sort out my historic status. To be fair the pics do flatter it slightly, some of the original chrome is not great and the paint is a rattle can job by me with decals from Piki. I decided to go with decals as per the 400/4 as the previous owner had filled the original badge holes so was easier this way. The tank looks much better than it did originally with its "custom" paint job![attachimg=2][attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: davefirestorm on April 12, 2019, 08:05:44 PM
Looks very nice,I bought a new one in August 1977.Picture of it here at a bike rally that year[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Spitfire on April 13, 2019, 09:47:34 AM
What a great "period" photo.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Piki on April 13, 2019, 10:42:56 AM
Bike is almost ready for the road, just a couple of small jobs to do and waiting on the DVLA to sort out my historic status. To be fair the pics do flatter it slightly, some of the original chrome is not great and the paint is a rattle can job by me with decals from Piki. I decided to go with decals as per the 400/4 as the previous owner had filled the original badge holes so was easier this way. The tank looks much better than it did originally with its "custom" paint job! (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Great Job,Looks Fantastic!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on April 13, 2019, 02:07:45 PM
Fab. - a credit to you.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: K2-K6 on April 13, 2019, 02:34:24 PM
A very nice result mickwinf.

I like those old photos davefirestorm, looks like it's on "lustre-lux" photo paper, very nostalgic and does it have rounded corners too?  :)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Nurse Julie on April 13, 2019, 02:34:43 PM
Great work Mick 👍👍👍
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: paul G on April 13, 2019, 02:57:21 PM
Great looking job Mick.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: davefirestorm on April 13, 2019, 08:06:53 PM
A very nice result mickwinf.

I like those old photos davefirestorm, looks like it's on "lustre-lux" photo paper, very nostalgic and does it have rounded corners too?  :)
I took a photo of the original on me phone.Have a few more pics of my 550 somewhere.I owned it for 20 months and it was my first Jap bike after owning only Brit bikes.It was so reliable and I thrashed and abused it often heavy on fuel,27 mpg worst I recorded lol.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 23, 2019, 04:52:35 PM
still finishing a few jobs, got a new headlamp rim set from Silvers plus a tach and speedo base as the old ones were a bit rusty. Can not wait to get out there in the sunshine! [attachimg=1][attachimg=2]
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 23, 2019, 04:59:52 PM
MMM not sure why its upside down will try again
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 23, 2019, 05:02:44 PM
i give up!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on April 23, 2019, 05:56:28 PM
Did you take it on a phone?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Green1 on April 23, 2019, 06:28:37 PM
Looking good Mick just need to get out on her now.
I still think you should have kept the old paint job a couple fish stickers and jobs a goodun.  ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 23, 2019, 11:07:23 PM
Steve the original pic was on phone but saved on computer.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 29, 2019, 10:45:36 PM
well i had the first ride today, seemed ok at first but suddenly stopped with dead electrics. had a wiggle around the fuse box and it started but stopped again! another wiggle and managed to get home so a little more work to do but happy to be on the road. Oh and number 1 carb overflows.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on August 24, 2019, 05:11:23 PM
After being off the road for a few weeks due to the tank problems in my thread tank liners, all back together so went out for a ride, only about ten miles to see how it ran, and actually went pretty well, it revs fine with no flat spots and ticks over nicely. BUT, there is always a but, it is smoking quite badly with whitish smoke. Now i did have diesel in there but not much and would expect that to be black. So whats the thoughts on this, do i need a top end rebuild? Money is tight at the moment so could do without this but i do have the gaskets already so probably rings and hope the pistons are ok.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Bryanj on August 24, 2019, 06:20:39 PM
White smoke is normally moisture but can ocassionally be oil does the smoke smell of oil? Could be stem seals as well or instead of rings
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: K2-K6 on August 24, 2019, 07:08:24 PM
Diesel blows out while smoke when not burnt properly,( black when burnt but really overfuelled). Which is what happens (there's just not high enough compression to burn it and spark plugs won't light it off) with traces of it through a petrol engine.  It just sounds like it needs to clear it out of the system first,  give it a longer run and get properly hot it should clear out and not hurt it.

If it had too much diesel in it then it wouldn't fire at all. 

Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on August 25, 2019, 06:09:33 PM
it is proper smoking! will refill with fresh fuel and try again
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on August 26, 2019, 11:20:07 PM
If it is smoking under 2000 rpm but, when you rev it above when warm, then it is the piston to bore clearance or polished bores ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on August 27, 2019, 11:39:24 PM
today i checked the compression and all cylinders were about 170psi so would assume the rings and bores were ok, is that true? I made a short video on the phone, would i be able to upload it to the forum?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on September 16, 2019, 10:04:34 PM
so put fresh fuel in and went for a ride but still smoking, probably will have to do a top end rebuild video https://youtu.be/PgLhtbpQbmQ
also battery not charging and have an oil leak!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: K2-K6 on September 17, 2019, 07:51:35 AM
Measuring the compression will give you a view of the top piston ring predominantly,  it's this one that is particularly forced against the bore as the piston comes up under load on power stroke.  The integrity of that seal is effectively what you are measuring.

The oil control ring at the lowest point of the ring pack is trying to prevent the oil being forced up into the combustion chamber,  also scraping it down as pistons descend. It's this function that would be in question as failure to keep the oil below it will give you burning under normal running. In reality,  burning "is" the test for this condition. Also, of course, the condition of valve guides comes into this area of oil control.

Also carefully check your breathers prior to commencement of strip down as both oil leak and burning are symptomatic of excess crankcase pressure.  In use,  any small pressure that escapes past the compression ring ends up in the crankcase and has to be vented to atmosphere to avoid the above situation.

As Trigger's post,  you are likely to find polished bores and may also have partly stuck oil control rings.  To correct that it would need to be honed if in tolerance prior to fitment of new rings.

Go with the breathers first,  that'll need to be checked anyway. Then assess again to see where you are.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on September 17, 2019, 09:02:49 AM
I did have the cam cover off to re-tap some threads and breather was clear. The oil leak is from the cam end cap and seems to be the rubber seal, needs a bit of checking. Oil rings seems like a likely cause, looks like i will be busy this winter!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on October 23, 2019, 11:14:42 PM
Tonight i had a couple of hours so stripped the top end, all came apart fairly easily apart from the revcounter gearbox housing which snapped off! Definitely been stripped before and no horrors, the rings are all free and not broken and bores look ok but will need checking and honing plus new rings. Will also strip valves and fit stem seals.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on November 23, 2019, 01:23:20 PM
not much happening at the moment as been doing lots of DIY indoors, and to be honest not much spare cash at the moment. However today i had a closer look at the bores, and can see where the rings have left a ring around the bore when it was stood for many years and probably rusted. I can actually feel it with my fingernail at the worst spot. Obviously the best thing would be a rebore and new pistons but no money available for that, and not sure if a hone would remove the mark. Advise please you gurus out there. I have posted pics but not sure they show it clearly
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on November 23, 2019, 01:47:50 PM
There are two ways to go about it 1) buy a new set of rings and hone out but, it may not clean up or be within spec or 2) buy a piston kit at 0.50 over size and do the job right  ;)

Water damage is always a gamble as you never know if it will clean up at 0.50, 0.75, 1mm or not at all.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 02, 2019, 03:32:11 PM
ok so i have had a go with a glaze buster tool and it has cleaned up the bore, but the mark is still there, so a re-bore is needed. I have seen piston sets advertised on ebay from crusinimage_uk at £99 per set. Anyone have experience with them? And also somewhere to get the rebore done to the correct standard.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Nurse Julie on December 02, 2019, 03:43:34 PM
Trig always uses Cruzinimage piston / ring sets on all our customers engines that don't insist on OEM and also on our own engines. IMD (UK based) are doing .50 oversize pistons kits for £115.60. Look on eBay. But whatever you buy, you need to make sure the bores will clean up at .50 as you may need . 75 or even 1.0 rebore to remove the marks fully.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 02, 2019, 06:51:10 PM
thanks julie i saw the ad for IMD and wondered if a uk supplier would be best, not much difference in price. Any recommended place to do rebores in lincs?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Nurse Julie on December 02, 2019, 07:04:01 PM
thanks julie i saw the ad for IMD and wondered if a uk supplier would be best, not much difference in price. Any recommended place to do rebores in lincs?
No Mick, I don't know anyone.... Other than the chap sitting opposite me at the dining room table, that being Trig 🙄🙄🙄 Send him a PM and he will sort it for you.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: hairygit on December 02, 2019, 07:04:13 PM
thanks julie i saw the ad for IMD and wondered if a uk supplier would be best, not much difference in price. Any recommended place to do rebores in lincs?
Of course she has, Trigger does it!

Sent from my POT-LX1 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on December 03, 2019, 09:05:02 AM
Thanks Julie, i was not sure if Graham did his own rebores or farmed them out. Once i can afford it i will be in touch.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on January 14, 2020, 12:33:57 PM
So i ordered a set of pistons from a UK based company IMD pistons, arrived quickly and seem to be decent quality. Took them and the barrels to Trigger and Julies for a rebore, and had a look at the £1000 sohc project, looking good! Yesterday i thought i would check out the head and regrind the valves, but unfortunately noticed that one of the valve guides was loose in the head, and the other exhaust valves seem to have a lot of play. Inlets seem to have no play so hoping they are ok. Not sure if i can do this job myself so might have to ask Graham to help!
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: paul G on January 14, 2020, 12:48:19 PM
So i ordered a set of pistons from a UK based company IMD pistons, arrived quickly and seem to be decent quality. Took them and the barrels to Trigger and Julies for a rebore, and had a look at the £1000 sohc project, looking good! Yesterday i thought i would check out the head and regrind the valves, but unfortunately noticed that one of the valve guides was loose in the head, and the other exhaust valves seem to have a lot of play. Inlets seem to have no play so hoping they are ok. Not sure if i can do this job myself so might have to ask Graham to help!
Just send it to him Mick it's not worth the hassle and you won't regret it.
Do it right and do it once  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on February 20, 2020, 04:20:32 PM
Progress a bit slow at the moment but have had the rebore done by Trigger and just started the rebuild of the top end. One job i am finding tricky is putting the circlips on the pistons, they are the stupid wire type, does anyone have any tips?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: paul G on February 20, 2020, 04:50:52 PM
Progress a bit slow at the moment but have had the rebore done by Trigger and just started the rebuild of the top end. One job i am finding tricky is putting the circlips on the pistons, they are the stupid wire type, does anyone have any tips?

One tip make sure you have the cases blocked up where the rods come out as those dam things fly anywhere.
And if you do loose one don't bother looking for it  ;)
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: paul G on February 20, 2020, 04:54:36 PM
I use a pair of pliers with thin stubby blades on them. the springs bend quite a lot.
Grip one about 5mm in from the end, put the other end in the groove and push in.
Make sure the ends are not in the openings.
Works well for me.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Nurse Julie on February 20, 2020, 05:06:23 PM
I couldn't get the knack either Mick. I think I managed one, maybe 2 on my 400/4 pistons and I then got Trig to do the rest. ( Well, he took over without me asking actually, as he was exasperated with my inaptitude, or incompetence as he called it) Trig makes it look so bloody easy...... 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on March 08, 2020, 09:01:13 AM
had a couple of hours on the bike today, finally got the knack of fitting the circlips so fitted the pistons and lowered the barrels on. I am having a slight problem with locating the bottom of the camchain tensioner, i know it fits in a recess but mine does not want to go in properly, i have removed the sump and can see the bottom of the tensioner sticking out. when i try to put it in the correct place it seems to stick up too high to fit in the hole on the back of the barrels where the adjusting bolt goes through, any tips anyone?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on March 08, 2020, 01:59:34 PM
got that sorted, it was slightly bent at the bottom so all ok now. Next the cylinder head, a good clean up and valve grinding etc.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: simonc on April 18, 2020, 05:00:59 PM
correct silencer becoming rare item now[ rust out] good project
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on April 19, 2020, 02:08:46 PM
i was lucky, the silencer came with the bike and cleaned up ok, the headers i took a risk and got them from america, they were reasonable price but postage and customs charges added a lot. thankfully was in good nick so worth it.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on September 21, 2020, 05:12:47 PM
well this project has been on hold mainly due to lockdown, as i am a self employed driving instructor had no income except the government handouts. Back at work now so returned to sorting the cylinder head. As a stopgap measure i had got another head but turned out not good so have taken my original head to Trigger to have the exhaust guides fitted and valve seats recut. Meanwhile i am looking at the seat which is solid with no big rips but looks a bit tatty on the lower edge due to the chrome trim being missing. It is not a U shaped rubber mounted item like the 500/ early 550 but is mounted onto the seat with little pins and clips. I can fabricate some mountings but the trims are missing and not available as separate items so a bit of lateral thinking was needed. I remembered that old 1960s Jags had a similar trim on their bodywork so got a piece off ebay, ( was actually off a daimler limo!) and will attempt to fit it. Main problem is i need to bend it slightly without kinking it so a bit more head scratching.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on November 04, 2020, 03:01:52 PM
So fetched the rebuilt head from Graham a few weeks ago, he was good enough to build it up ready to fit so went on easily. When i started it up after rebuild it did seem to smoke so today i took it out for a ride. It is running fine, pulls away with no flat spots and revs as it should although not going mad as running in after its rebore. Result is no smoke! I am back on lockdown for a few weeks so might have a sneaky ride or two although i am a fair weather rider only! today was ok but a bit cold so hope it stays fine.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: Trigger on November 04, 2020, 06:37:36 PM
Glad we have that sorted Mick. Now ride  ;D
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on November 14, 2020, 01:48:17 PM
have been chasing an oil leak from the cam end bolt area which seems to be a common fault with the 500/550. I had replaced the sealing washers but still leaked so checked out the l shaped  bracket that hods the end cap on. This proved to be bent and misshapen so replaced it with a spare i had. not now leaking but for good measure i am doing a modification which Trigger uses to make sure it stays oil tight. Have been out a couple of times when it has been a bit milder and running well, handles great and sounds great.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: SteveW on November 14, 2020, 02:21:46 PM
have been chasing an oil leak from the cam end bolt area which seems to be a common fault with the 500/550. I had replaced the sealing washers but still leaked so checked out the l shaped  bracket that hods the end cap on. This proved to be bent and misshapen so replaced it with a spare i had. not now leaking but for good measure i am doing a modification which Trigger uses to make sure it stays oil tight. Have been out a couple of times when it has been a bit milder and running well, handles great and sounds great.
What’s the modification? I’m rebuilding my top end over the winter.

Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on November 14, 2020, 04:19:34 PM
instead of using the lower washer use a o ring, a countersink is needed in the cam cover to receive it, Nurse Julie can supply the parts required and Trigger can give you the expert knowledge.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on June 05, 2021, 01:24:47 PM
Just an update on this, has been running well and been out on a couple of shortish rides about 20 - 30 miles each time. I am chasing a couple of oil leaks, one is the gearchange seal, and one is dripping from the alternator cover, which may be a crank seal? also have a leak from top end but not sure where from yet. Other things are being improved bit by bit, had some chroming done like the grab bar and indicator stems and have some more in progress. I bought another rear mudguard from USA which was in good condition already but have sent off to be re-chromed to make perfect.
The thing is, this was supposed to be a budget build, haha, no such thing but now i want to make it even better including a bottom end rebuild with new chains etc and powdercoating frame etc. So lots still to do but for now happy to ride it.
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on June 05, 2021, 04:09:40 PM
Hi Ken, i had a few bits chromed at the same time, the grab rail, indicator mounting stems, rear axle and nut and chain adjusters and rear brake lever. I think it was about £160 inc postage. I used Agrigg in leeds and was very pleased with the result. Did you need the grab rail for a f2 or a 500?
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on June 05, 2021, 08:26:08 PM
Ken will send you a pm
Title: Re: Meet my new 550f2
Post by: mickwinf on June 05, 2021, 08:37:44 PM
tried to send message but said you have blocked it?
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