Post by: Nimmy9 on August 23, 2017, 10:32:10 AM
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.
Post by: hairygit on August 23, 2017, 10:58:10 AM
Best thing to do is look for an earlier set of carbs, as they are a lot less trouble to work on and use.Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 23, 2017, 12:33:19 PM
Which ones work best and anyone got any? What happens to the recycle gases pipe that I understand comes out of the head of the engine, through the filter and then back into the carbs? - or does it by-pass the carbs?
Incidentally I found the original owners manual under the seat with some notes of oil changes handily written on the back page!!
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 23, 2017, 12:53:18 PM
Just connected a good battery and all electrics work apart from the horn :)
Frame no CB550 - 2109568
Engine. CB550E - 2109842
Post by: hairygit on August 23, 2017, 01:13:39 PM
Post by: Piki on August 23, 2017, 01:25:56 PM
Agggh! PD carbs! Chances are the U.S. owner had trouble with them and removed the airbox etc to make it easier to keep taking the carbs offYes, I have fits on my 550 k3 a 550 F carbs, PD carbs ara a nightmare to set and adjust.
Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
Post by: Piki on August 23, 2017, 01:36:00 PM
Hi all.Looks great your bike, good buy!!
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.
Post by: Seabeowner on August 23, 2017, 03:35:45 PM
Indeed I believe the K3, K(4) carbs appear to be a handful, but I'm going to stick with it even though I have a spare full set of the earlier carbs. Spent a week last year before I stripped the bike cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning the carbs and made no difference at all! Another reason to replace carbs with the earlier ones is that the inlet rubber connectors between airbox and filter box assy are longer on K3, K4 and quality examples unobtainable.
Mine 78 had a slipping starter clutch, which I managed without splitting the engine, but most of the rest of the work has been cosmetic and sourcing (quite) a few missing (and expensive) bits.
Yours looks a much better example than mine though. Good luck.
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 23, 2017, 05:31:55 PM
I think I will fully refurbish these carbs anyway so that I have something usable while waiting for an earlier set. Just pulled them off and took off the float chamber covers - no floats at all inside!! I shall order a full refurb kit.
Anyone any ideas why the clutch lever should be so difficult to move??
Post by: hairygit on August 23, 2017, 05:37:49 PM
Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
Post by: kevski on August 23, 2017, 06:31:39 PM
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 23, 2017, 07:14:17 PM
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!!
Post by: Norniron on August 23, 2017, 07:35:00 PM
It is as Hairygit says a worthwile mod as from experience those later carbs are a nightmare.
But hey ho your bike your rules
Post by: matthewmosse on August 23, 2017, 09:48:18 PM
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 23, 2017, 10:13:55 PM
I would like to hear if you do have anything that might help
Post by: Seabeowner on August 24, 2017, 09:19:50 AM
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 24, 2017, 04:48:39 PM
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??
Post by: hairygit on August 24, 2017, 04:52:56 PM
Sent from my X6pro using Tapatalk
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 24, 2017, 05:27:50 PM
Post by: matthewmosse on August 24, 2017, 10:49:30 PM
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 26, 2017, 04:57:39 PM
Post by: Seabeowner on August 26, 2017, 05:46:05 PM
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k-1978-usa_model7222/partslist/E++18.html#results
Beware the double spring arrangement that couples the choke flaps between 1/2 and 3/4 a real mare.
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 26, 2017, 10:35:44 PM
Post by: Nimmy9 on August 31, 2017, 12:16:29 PM
I have sourced a battery tray so just all the air filter fittings needed.