Petrol Tank

[heliwilly]

I have just bought myself a Honda CB550 registered on 1/08/77. Eng No CB550E 1146469. The 9 looks like a modified 1?          Frame Number CB 550F 2107548. Would this be a 550 F2 model?

Despite this being the first bike I have bought since 1964, I'm glad to see that old tech still reigns, points, coils etc. Only thing modern about it is the hydraulic front brake

It was advertised with a locked engine. When I went to view it, it appeared the gearbox had problems, as the rear wheel wouldn't turn with the box in neutral, or with the clutch operated, nor would it turn over on the kick start

At home the generator cover was removed and a socket was put on the crank nut. I found that the engine and gearbox, moved slowly at first and then seemed OK. Rotating it forward got the same result, engine and gearbox worked OK through all gears and the rear wheel turned OK.

Next job is engine out and find why it had locked. It will be pics all the way and well labled containers.

Problem 2  The petrol tank has, in the past, developed a few pinholes, that externally have been bodged with body filler. That can't have worked as they then proceeded to try and line the tank with the resin used in fibreglassing. Needless to say this didn't work.
Is there anywhere that does repairs on tanks, or is a new one the only option??

I am really looking forward  to taking the engine/gearbox apart. Pity it wasn't on of the old pre unit construction bikes, as the Nortons, BSA's and Triumphs were in my formative motorcycling days, late '50's and '60's.

 

[Bryanj]

They are way easier to work on than a BSA/Norton or a Triumph all you need is a decent metric socket set; some circlip pliers and the only special tool is the rotor puller. A good manual is a must; preferably the original Honda one and a parts book helps. Look at the carb tops; if they are coffin shaped with a screw at each side it is an F; if P shaped with a screw top and bottom its a K3 with horrible PD carbs

[Seabeowner]

Recheck your engine No. It should have 7 digits after the CB550E-.

[heliwilly]

Seabeowner,
It's a typo,should read CB550E-1146469, the 9 looks like a 1 with a hand carved 0 at the top to make ie a 9?
Cheers Bill W.

[heliwilly]

The petrol tank has, in the past, developed a few pinholes, that externally have been bodged with body filler.

That can't have worked as they then proceeded to try and line the tank with the resin used in fibreglassing. Needless to say this didn't work.
 
Is there anywhere that does repairs on tanks, or is a new one the only option??

Thanks Bill W.

[deltarider]

Here are all the CB550 models:
CB550K
CB550K1
CB550K2 ('76)
CB550K3
CB550K4
CB550F
CB550F1
CB550F2
When you know your engine- and framenumber, you can determine what model bike you have, including the 'area code' and what carbnumber yours is supposed to have. The engine- and framenumbers are listed in the first few pages of the various CB550 Parts Lists. And those lists are all here: http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb550
Also handy to find the carb numbers and detect all modifications. Succes!

[SteveW]

There is a tank on eBay at the moment.

[heliwilly]

Only 550 F2 tank is from the United States. Including postage it works out to approx. £250. I think I will pass on that one. At least mine has no dents. Thanks for the info.

Is there anyone in the UK that repairs or can refurbish petrol tanks?

Thanks  Bill W.

[Nurse Julie]

By what you have said about your tank Bill, pin holes, filler, dents, liner etc, the repair cost would be quite a bit greater than buying a replacement tank by the sounds of it.

[Trigger]

Sounds like yours is past the point of no return. Try >>>>>>

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB-550-1976-1985-Benzintank-Fuel-tank-201347782/263781966977?hash=item3d6aa16481:g:iAcAAOSwylRbM0mk

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB-550-1976-1985-Benzintank-Fuel-tank-201347789/263781130042?hash=item3d6a949f3a:g:G8QAAOSwKVVbMpIB

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB-550-1976-1985-Benzintank-Fuel-tank-201347784/263781130172?hash=item3d6a949fbc:g:KJgAAOSwYFpbMpIH

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-CB-550-1976-1985-Benzintank-Fuel-tank-201347793/263781130142?hash=item3d6a949f9e:g:b9cAAOSwTfdbMpIF