Honda-SOHC

Thanks for all the ideas.  Yes, just the one output on the petcock!  Fuel getting into the float chamber so will check the jets as suggested.

Good news.  The stuck clutch wasn't! The clutch cable was so that helps.
I have sourced a battery tray so just all the air filter fittings needed.

Looking at diagrams of these carb sets, there seems to be a separate spring related to the throttle control.  This is in addition to the heavy spring on the connecting rod.  Is this correct.  if so I need one!!

Thanks for the advice.

I have started the strip down and they look in fairly decent condition.  The action is a little stiff but I am sure that a few hours in Carb Clean will help that.  I cannot see any scoring and no nasty corrosion.  looks like PO was doing some work as only 3 top gaskets and a few screws not there.  However I attach a photo as No 2 seems to have a part missing which the other 3 have.  Is this usual.  I can see that they are all linked and it has something to do with moving the core cylinder, so it does not seem to be affecting the basic activation.  Any comments??

Hmm. opinions, opinions!!

Anyway, does anyone know where I can get floats and what keeps them in place, a battery tray, and all the gubbins for the air filter??

thanks - I do love this forum and the people who make it such fun!!

Whoops - just found the diagram and it comes back in via the filter so no real issue (I hope).
Just connected a good battery and all electrics work apart from the horn 

Frame no CB550 - 2109568
Engine.    CB550E - 2109842

Hi all.

I have been a member for a while, previously when I was doing a light restoration on a CB400/4 which went OK was fun to ride but then I sold it on as I wasn't making much use of it.  I also found full-time work got in the way of playing with toys.
After 42 and a bit years of work, I am now released from such drudgery and can start doing these other things to keep me out of the missus hair!
Having owned a 550 many years ago (early '80s) I thought I would try my hand at another light restoration initially so I have picked up a US import K4 1977 build, 1978 MY in Excel Black.  Cosmetically it is better than I thought it would be - but like all of these has its issues.
1.  Clutch sticking - takes quite a heavy hand to move the lever
2. Nothing from back of carbs under seat - ie empty space.  So I will need the air filter system and battery tray etc
3.  Seat will need recovering and hinge pins
4. Looks like an after-market cruise control added to the throttle grip
5. Throttle and choke cables disconnected.
6.  carbs stuck so will get those off and clean them up.  Until then can't try starting her up and listening to the engine.
7.  Brakes binding and front needs complete replacement.
Otherwise chrome is all good, paintwork decent, and engine clean and turns over and all gears select.  I wonder if US owner was looking at modifying to air filter pods??
Not afraid of the work, but would like some advice on where I can find the bits I need (including new throttle controls), so I can get on with it.
Originally I was looking at doing some form of conversion, but overall this bike is pretty decent I am thinking of getting it cleaned up and running and using for a while, and then a more serious 500/550 project later.
I have been riding since 1971 with various bikes maintained myself of all sorts from old British, Harleys, and currently a BMW R1200RS for serious touring.
Any help thoughts or advice welcome.  I have been reading the site regularly and have already got some useful tips and links so thanks for that.

Quite a thread going. Paul I have some pictures of a production 400/4 of 1977 which I am using as a template for my renovation.  My bike is exactly like the pictures except for grab handles - which are shown on both sides!  I am happy to get my hands on these (originals) even if they need refurbishing and re-chroming.  Cheers all. Giles