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1978 Honda CB550 Supersport - My first retro bike rolling restoration!
woody928:
Just a small update, parts are trickling in slowly and I'm waiting on a big order from Wemoto before I can really get cracking.
My new coils have arrived so I was replacing those before I discovered that all four retaining screws were knackered with rounded off heads so I had to fight all of those off first. Next hurdle was that the positive wires had been fitted with spade connectors (I assume these were bullet connectors from factory) and had two spades forced into one positive wire. I've purchased a dual bullet connector adapter to replace this and hopefully get the new coils all wired in and secured. I have full intentions of reversing them from the factory placement to run the ignition wires via the engine rather than down by the exhaust manifold as before causing my melting issues.
Today I also got out there with a set of feeler gauges to check and adjust the valve clearances, I think I've got these right now however getting just the right amount of drag on the feeler gauges must be an art I'm sure. We'll see soon enough.
As ever, the more I look into a project like this, there's more to be done. A new chain will be going on having noted surface rust on the one fitted, at the same time new sprockets seem like a wise idea. Does anyone have any recommendations? I've seen the following two x-ring type kits which looks reasonable...
https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/cb_550_f_f1_f2/75-80/picture/swift_super_heavy_duty_black_silver_x-ring_chain_and_jt_sprocket_kit
https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/cb_550_f_f1_f2/75-80/picture/did_vx_heavy_duty_x-ring_gold_and_black_chain_and_jt_sprocket_kit
woody928:
--- Quote from: Oddjob on June 01, 2020, 09:33:40 PM ---Some more good news for you as well then Woody. Replacement screws for the points plate arrived today. Swapped over and trimmed them down as they were a trifle too long and I was worried the advance/retard mechanism might just hit them. The switchgear and the points plate will be in the post tomorrow buddy. Amazing how well the plate looks with brand new screws. You should be able to use the points on them but see if the condensers are still ok. You'll know as soon as you start the bike if they are, the wires on them are kinda hard these days but then again they are at least 40 years old.
As for chain, if you can hang on a few days I'll measure the pin length on the O-Ring chain I used for years, it was still on the bike when I took it out of storage. You can compare pin length on that to the newer X ring chains.
--- End quote ---
Fantastic, thanks Ken thats really appreciated! Very much looking forward to getting that fitted up in place of the tired unit in there so that I can actually set the ignition timing! Next stop after that will be a start up again to see where I stand before stripping the carbs and starting that rebuild. I'll keep my fingers crossed it fires up ok, if the condensors have seen better days, what will the obvious signs be? (showing my ignorance again)
I'm not in a rush on that front given the list of other jobs I already have so can easily hold off for a few days. That would be much appreciated ;D
woody928:
--- Quote from: Oddjob on June 02, 2020, 04:23:57 PM ---On it's way Woody, 1st class signed for. When it arrives don't forget to put some fresh oil on the felt pad for the advance/retard mechanism to run against, or the heels on the points will wear down fast.
--- End quote ---
Thanks Ken 8) That's great news, I had a decent delivery from Wemoto today, new JIS screws arrived for the coils and Julie has sorted me out with a carb rebuild gasket kit so I'm moving in the right direction! What oil would you advise using showing my ignorance again?
Noting your wisdom on the condenser front and the exposed wires in mine, I've just ordered a new pair to fit at the same time. Fingers crossed that buys me some reliability and I won't have to worry for a long time.
I'm also keeping fingers crossed that the weather holds out and its going to be a very productive weekend ;D
Bryanj:
Most motor factors will sell a mineral oil, you may have to get 15w40 instead of 10w40 but thats fine. My local place(try not yo use eurocarparts) charge £15.46 plus vat for 5ltr, just dont say its for a motorcycle or they get worried as they dont have recommendations for that tell them its an old Ford or Vauxhall.
woody928:
I've picked this up for the engine the other day so I should be good, £18 on sale. Whats the oil capacity on these? I think I read somewhere that it's 3.2L.
https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/shell-helix-hx7-10w-40-5ltr-521772251
I presume I can use the same oil on the the ignition plates felt pad to lubricate it?
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