Honda-SOHC

Hey all,

I've posted a few times asking for help and parts so thought it would be worthwhile starting a build thread. Bit of background: Over some of the lockdowns I built up a Suzuki GS125, thought the project took a bit less time than I was hoping and so after chatting with my neighbour I decided to up the stakes a bit and build 2x Honda CB550 'F2's- one for each of us!

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Here is the Suzuki, recently finished and listed for sale.

I've picked up 2 engines, 2 frames, and some other not very useful parts and am slowly realising this is a much bigger project than the little Suzuki!

I've just started on a carburettor rebuild of the old PD's until I can track down some 069As to fit instead, so at least I have something. Seperately, I've started a a top end rebuild on both engines, which are heading off to Nurse Julie's for some inspection soon. (All credit to this forum for helping me arrange that)

Here is how they were when I found them
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I've taken some timelapse videos so will post up a link soon.

P.S- I'll keep updating my Parts Required thread, so if you have any parts for a CB550 that you need rid of, please let me know and I'll likely what to offer you something for them!

Thanks Julie,

Cheers for the tip. I'll take a look underneath and at the oil screen. They're CB550 'F's.

My main concern is that they've sat with the carbs off and tappet covers off in a shed which could have caused dust/sawdust etc to be sitting arouns those open parts of the engine.

R

Hi all,

I've just bought 2x Honda CB550Fs with the idea of combining to make one.

The previous owner told me that one of the engines ran recently, but has sat for around a year. Similar for the other.

The carbs clearly need a rebuild and I am planning on doing so, but should I re-build the entire engine? I'm unsure of its past and shining a torch down the valves show it's pretty grubby in there.

If so, would just a top-end rebuild suffice to 'check, clean, reseal and reassemble' or should I do the bottom end too?

The engine turns over, and I'm told it has good compression. There is no obvious signs of corrosion and everything /seems/ in order.

My workshop facilities are not great, so I'm eager to minimise doing unnecessary work if I can.

Raygun