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Topics - Charliecharlcomb
16
« on: March 18, 2021, 04:46:10 PM »
(Problem also posted onto group on Facebook - the only reason I still use it)
I've been fettling my 1976 CB500 K2 - New Dyna S electronic ignition, new battery, reset float levels, that sort of thing. The carbs were NOS around 8,000 miles ago but as the bike hasn't been used nearly enough, it has stood dry for a few years. Last year I gave them a thorough clean, changed the O rings etc. and brought the bike back to something approaching a smooth runner again after the usual battery charging problems.
This time around having fitted the Dyna S and reset the float levels (they were out by quite a lot) I thought I'd check that fuel was getting to the float chambers by removing the drain screws. Only a couple of drops of fuel on each one, I was expecting it to be flowing freely. Moving up the chain, the petcock and fuel lines are new, the tank filter is clean, fuel runs freely from the tap and the tank breather is OK too.
Blowing down the fuel lines to the carbs it seems completely blocked. Once I've split the carbs and I blow down a pipe attached to the T fuel connector (blocking the line that connects to the tank) it feels blocked too on each carb.
I've checked everything else in the carbs as best I can and they seem clear.
So my question is - If I blow down the fuel line, should it feel blocked or is there a way of clearing the fuelway from the T connector into the carb? As this is the same for all the carbs I can't believe it's a simple blockage, I must be doing something wrong.
I'm looking to get fuel flowing freely to the bowls so it comes easily out of the drain plugs again.
Has anyone experienced this before and can they help?
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17
« on: September 03, 2019, 01:18:16 PM »
Hi there. My CB500 hasn't been used much over the last 6 years, being stored for two long periods of 3 and 2 years. This time it started reasonably easily with its new battery but ran like a dog. I've removed the carbs (inside the float bowl for cylinder 3 was dry and all fluffy) and replaced the O rings for the main jets and float seals which were perished. Everything else looks good and unblocked. Having ridden it several times since then it has rarely run properly. Either refusing to rev at all (but better after carb clean) to only running on 2 cylinders (2 and 3) to going just great. It has only done 7,500 miles in the last 20 years after a major rebuild and so isn't worn in any way, just chronically underused.
Having suspected the carbs and fuel supply (there were flakes of rust in the tank) having rectified that side of things the problem persists. I'm beginning to think it is a combination of things. I've replaced the plugs and caps (again better but not fixed), will investigate possible dry connections to the coil, and would like to get the carbs balanced and jets correctly adjusted, but can't do when it is running like it is at the moment. The fuel tap seemed to only feed fuel through one of the two pipes and now drips when off so I'm replacing that as a washer change didn't fix it.
It's been really puzzling and frustrating. I'm thinking of replacing the coils next (and would prefer not to go for electronic ignition). Any ideas as I'd love to start using this beautiful machine properly again?
18
« on: October 12, 2018, 04:28:48 PM »
Always wondered. There are a lot of 400/4 fans out there as there were also probably a lot of 400/4s to love, but how many of the two models were made? Anyone have an idea?
19
« on: May 23, 2017, 04:15:25 PM »
I wonder if anyone can help me with this niggling problem.
If I start with a fully charged battery (the bike is sadly underused and only comes out a few times a year), all seems fine. Horn, electric start, indicators etc. all work perfectly. However, after a few miles, I notice that if I have the lights on and pull up at a junction, the engine will die. If I turn the lights off and kick start it (the electric start won't work at this stage) it starts fine, but the horn, indicators etc won't work. In fact, if I use the brake light when it is ticking over it will die too. When I return home the battery is flat and needs recharging.
It may be that the battery is faulty (I have had to change it a few times in the past when it hasn't been used for say 12 months), or could it be a dry connection somewhere?
I did fit a new alternator cover a while ago, I wonder if I have dislodged something?
Is there an easy way to test that the bike is charging so perhaps I could fix it by changing the battery or does anyone have any ideas what it might be?
Electrics are a bit of a black art to me so I'm stumped.
Any sensible suggestions would be welcome, especially as I have an MOT booked for tomorrow!
Cheers
20
« on: February 20, 2017, 09:34:36 AM »
Hi there,
I replaced the black fuel pipes last year on my CB500 as the old ones had been progressively shortened over the years as I struggled to remove them when removing the petrol tank. The replacements looked fine and fitted well. Having got the bike out ready for spring I noticed there is a leak on the right hand pipe as you look at it from the left hand side where it is connected to the petrol tap. It only leaks when the fuel is on or on reserve. I've moved the wire circlip up to make sure it is gripping the fuel tap but it still leaks. Does anyone think this may be caused by a fault lower down at the carb end? It's only a very slow drip but as the pipe is wet with petrol at the top, it can't be a good thing. Any ideas?
I could replace the fuel pipe again but I'm not sure how I can be confident that the pipe I replace it with will be any better.
21
« on: September 07, 2016, 10:57:25 AM »
I've owned a 500/4 in various guises since 1978. I think I'm on my 5th version now. In the past I've had to sell my bike for various reasons and missed it terribly so went out and bought another one. It has always been a CB500. They are like an armchair to me and I never tire of its beauty and the ride it gives me. The version I currently have is very special to me. I've owned it since 1991, its been rebuilt it to a very high standard (I used to be a Honda mechanic) and thanks to an amazing stroke of luck many years ago, acquired a garage full of original factory spares in their wrappers which I used to replace as much as I could. It's registered March 1976 but engine and frame numbers point to a 1973 K2 engine in a 1972 K1 frame. The K2 engine has the mods to the rocker spindles that I saw so many failures of the earlier version in my mechanicing days.
My dilemma is next year I plan to go travelling for 2-5 years. I could mothball the bike but am currently taking a pragmatic view on my possessions and the bike is causing me a real headache.
Can I ask the group what they think it would be worth? Where would be a good place to sell it? Or should I keep it? Is the model appreciating in value significantly? The CB500 always gets overshadowed by (in my opinion) the all too common and not very exciting 400/4. Mine always turns heads and draws a crowd when I park it. It's a wonderful machine.
My actual bike has done 8,500 miles since the total rebuild, is MOT'd, was featured on the cover of VJMCC magazine in Sept-Oct 1996 and was runner up Best Classic bike at the Festival of 1,000 bikes at Brands Hatch in 1992. It's not quite as shiny as it was back then and has a couple of minor blemishes which you would expect for a bike that is 40 years old. I've also got a stack of receipts accumulated over the years.
I'm talking myself out of it already. I'd be interested to hear what you think? I've attached some photos.
23
« on: June 18, 2016, 05:08:29 PM »
It's great to find a place with like minded 500/4 enthusiasts. I've had about 5 500/4s over the last 37 years and always come back to the same model. I used to rebuild them many years ago and feel I know the bike inside out. A much underrated classic, mine always turns heads when I ride it. Hoping to find some other local owners and maybe groups?
Dan
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