1976 CB550F1 (what have I let myself in for) Project

[Bryanj]

Looks OK but as a qualified luddite i am afraid i dont trust these electronic things on vibratory old bikes, i know old brits are worse but hey thats me

[eight0]

Looks OK but as a qualified luddite i am afraid i dont trust these electronic things on vibratory old bikes, i know old brits are worse but hey thats me

Well I know it's not going to be to everyone's taste. There are a lot of purists on here that will be cringing I'm sure.

[Bryanj]

Not purist by anymeans just see lots of questions on combined reg/rec not working and m units not behaving. Oh and lithium batteries dying

[eight0]

So its been a while since I posted. Not been able to get to the garage as its not at my house.
Took the opportunity today to start stripping the engine. It doesn't look good. I've not rebuilt a 4 stroke engine before but I can see that there is some serious ware here. Can someone advise how bad it is and what can be saved if anything..

All of the valves have the same indents on them.

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[eight0]

All the cam lobes have similar pitting.

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[Nurse Julie]

The valves do have indents in them and the indents should be there. So, one less thing to worry about 😊

[Trigger]

It is hard to tell from just pictures. On the cam journals in the head, run your finger nail across and feel for any ridges.
The valve can be removed and the best way to clean the carbon off without damaging the valve is soak them in thinners for a hour or so and they will wipe clean.
The pistons look shot but, new oversize pistons and rings will sort that.
The pitting on the cam lobe's look very pitted and will pick up again when the engine is run.

[eight0]

Thanks for the replies Trigger and Julie. Glad the valves are supposed to have the indents! I've been soaking up information on rebuilding a SOHC engine for years in preparation for this stage and never noticed the indents before.

There didn't seem to be ridges in the journals, they just look worn.
On the cam, When you say pick up again do you mean get worse? I guess I need a new cam if so. Can another F1 cam slot straight in?

I was hoping to avoid splitting the cases but if the top end is this worn I had better check the bearings in the bottom end too.

[Bryanj]

All 500 and 550 cams are the same but check out the pads on the rocker arms as well.
Looks to me like oil left in too long.

[eight0]

Thanks Bryanj I'll get searching for a new cam.

The pads on the rocker arms have no pitting on them so I think they're ok, unless there's something else I should check?

[eight0]

Preparing to get parts together to tackle the bottom end.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for a list of tools I'll need to take it apart?

I guess I'll need a blind bearing puller.
The rotor removal tool

I have a telescopic magnet thing for the dowels etc

[eight0]

What about the case bearings? Don't you need a blind puller/slide hammer for those?

[Bryanj]

You dont need a puller for the primary shaft, remove the oil pump and use a soft drift on the end of the shaft you can see. As to the rotor, before i bought the correct tools i used to take the crank to my local Honda dealer and give him a few pounds to just pull the rotor. Dave Silver sells the genuine Honda tool which pulls all Honda rotors for about £40 from memory and i think he does a pattern one as well cheaper.
I find the cross shaped ones easier to use than just the bolt ones.

[eight0]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Sounds like I don't need any fancy tools really. I'll try the rear wheel spindle trick, I saw someone on Youtube doing that on a CB650.
I've bought some parts organisers, a fresh box of freezer bags and some JIS impact bits so I should be good to go.

No doubt I'll have more questions. I'll post pics as I go.

Sending the frame, tank and seat off next week for paint/powder which is exciting.

[Bryanj]

Ive never had one that tight and always have brass rod of assorted sizes in toolbox, sorry not brass Admiralty Bronze and no im not saying where from!