Mike's CB550 Project

[Oddjob]

Yes it's possible to remove the needles with the carbs in situ. You'd need a JIS screwdriver though to make sure the screws came undone.

You count from the top down BTW, in case you didn't know that.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Yes. I’d start with 2nd groove on 069A carbs. 4th groove if 022A carbs.

I assume you count from the blunt end of the needle ie 2nd groove down from the top/blunt end?

[Oddjob]

Correct Mike.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Mike.

NUTS. For the avoidance of doubt see the attached…front and rear.

that’s what I have, thanks.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Correct Mike.

Thanks.I have the full set of JIS screwdrivers as well as the JIS bits for the impact driver. I don’t intend using the impact driver on the carbs however. I have had the carbs apart numerous times so Im reasonably familiar with the innards.not tried taking the slides out whilst in situ before, only on the bench. I will have a tinker tomorrow.

[Mike_Berkshire]

I had a Quick Look at the carbs today. I can’t see how it’s possible to take out slides and needles without completely removing from the bike so I’m going to do that once I get the wheels back on.hopefully end next week.

[Oddjob]

It's fairly easy Mike, you just need to get your head around the process. Saying that it's been some years since I did this but when I was proddie racing I was doing the carb adjustment every weekend or so.

I'll see if I can remember it and post the method.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Correct Mike.

Thanks.I have the full set of JIS screwdrivers as well as the JIS bits for the impact driver. I don’t intend using the impact driver on the carbs however. I have had the carbs apart numerous times so Im reasonably familiar with the innards.not tried taking the slides out whilst in situ before, only on the bench. I will have a tinker tomorrow.

I think I have seen a video on U-Tube showing how to do it, I did not save the link.
Might be this one.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFaFIsYXiPc

[Mike_Berkshire]

Correct Mike.

Thanks.I have the full set of JIS screwdrivers as well as the JIS bits for the impact driver. I don’t intend using the impact driver on the carbs however. I have had the carbs apart numerous times so Im reasonably familiar with the innards.not tried taking the slides out whilst in situ before, only on the bench. I will have a tinker tomorrow.

that’s it Ted!!! Wonderful, thanks :-)

I think I have seen a video on U-Tube showing how to do it, I did not save the link.
Might be this one.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFaFIsYXiPc

[Oddjob]

Yeah that's how it's done, a lot easier than I remembered, the inner ones are slightly tricker due to the frame but all doable.

I'd say those carbs have been apart a few times as the screws came out far too easily in my experience. There is also supposed to be a small tab washer on the 2nd 8mm headed bolt he removed IIRC, his seemed to be missing. Watch for pieces falling out, especially that really small cone shaped thing under the nut.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Got  my rebuilt wheels back today with the new tyres on - hurrah! Tyres fitted wrong way round so going back to the shop tomorrow - boooooo!

I’ve been trying to find the torque setting for the bolts that hold the front brake disc to the hub. Reading a 2017 post to the US forum it reads as if 13 - 18 ft/lb does this sound right?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Mike, the 500 manual I have shows 13-16.6 lb ft for the 8 mm disc nuts.

[Oddjob]

Page 2 of the manual Mike, front brake disc bolts, 8mm 13-18.1 ftlbs.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Thanks guys. Needles have been adjusted with carbs in situ. The clip was on the 4th slot down from the top so I have relocated in the 2nd groove down from the top. Wheels back with the tyres on correctly so I will be refitting to the bike tomorrow. Well that’s the plan.

[Oddjob]

That would have made in rather rich Mike.