Honda-SOHC

Other Stuff => Misc / Open => Topic started by: gary123 on July 31, 2023, 09:10:24 PM

Title: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on July 31, 2023, 09:10:24 PM
Loads of chatter across various forums on the internet about this, but can it be done. Has anyone on here done it ? I have everything I need except the pinion gear.
Biggest issue seems to be the shape of the case not making a seal, but I reckon I can sort that.
Before I buy a gear does anyone know if the gear and clutch will mesh correctly in 500 cases.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Trigger on July 31, 2023, 11:10:26 PM
Why would you want to try. Different clutch, gear box, crank cases and engine cases  ;)
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Oddjob on August 01, 2023, 04:01:29 AM
Will they mesh, yes.

Tried to do it back in the 70s but as you say the cases are ever so slightly a different shape and all the oil would just run out.

I can see the attraction, the 500 clutch can be heavy if not set up right, so can the 550 TBH.

My 500 clutch was really really light, everything was well greased and set up perfectly, cable routed and oiled correctly, pivot on the lever greased etc.

I'm also looking at an hydraulic conversion to make it even lighter but it's still in the planning stage.

You need a 550 pinion gear let me know, I should have one.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 01, 2023, 08:51:01 AM
Why would you want to try. Different clutch, gear box, crank cases and engine cases  ;)

Im missing some vital parts for the 500 but have everything I need for the 550. It also adds a bit of a challenge and as the bike will be far from standard it wont really matter.
If it doesn't work out can always go back.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 01, 2023, 08:54:25 AM
Will they mesh, yes.

Tried to do it back in the 70s but as you say the cases are ever so slightly a different shape and all the oil would just run out.

I can see the attraction, the 500 clutch can be heavy if not set up right, so can the 550 TBH.

My 500 clutch was really really light, everything was well greased and set up perfectly, cable routed and oiled correctly, pivot on the lever greased etc.

I'm also looking at an hydraulic conversion to make it even lighter but it's still in the planning stage.

You need a 550 pinion gear let me know, I should have one.


Think Ive sorted the case shape issue, Ill put a pic up later.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 01, 2023, 12:15:31 PM
This is a 500 case and the modified 550 case

Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Bryanj on August 01, 2023, 12:38:47 PM
What are you missing for the 500 people here may have what you need
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 01, 2023, 12:56:03 PM
Im missing everything that is under the left cover. I know its all out there somewhere but just fancy a go at the conversion, if it doesnt work out Ill revert to original.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Bryanj on August 01, 2023, 01:02:53 PM
You mean the actuating screw and holder, only other thin is neutral switch(which is same) and clutch pushrod, which you need to fill hole in seal
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 01, 2023, 01:27:28 PM
18,3,4,9,5 and 6 are what I dont have.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 01, 2023, 02:13:04 PM
I can seal the hole using one for a 550.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Bryanj on August 01, 2023, 02:17:48 PM
The ball is a standard ball bearing, the spring is any old spring, i have a nos clamp and seal the other bits are available from dave silver when he has stock.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Oddjob on August 01, 2023, 05:15:04 PM
I have some NOS 18 parts, the others I may have, not 100% sure. Finding those now in good nick is getting harder and harder and NOS parts are becoming mighty expensive.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 01, 2023, 07:02:38 PM
Thank you both, I really appreciate your comments and  may well be getting back to you with tail between legs but for now I want to see if I can go the 550 route.
Ive lots of time so just want to see if it works out.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Oddjob on August 01, 2023, 09:07:55 PM
What's the filler in the 550 casing Gary?
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 02, 2023, 10:15:35 AM
JB weld epoxy metal putty.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Trigger on August 02, 2023, 02:37:17 PM
Dangerous stuff Gary, It will brake down and if it enters your oil system the oil jets will block  ;) 
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on August 02, 2023, 02:41:56 PM
Isn't the left side casing dry so no oil danger or is that photo the right side casing?
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Oddjob on August 02, 2023, 02:47:11 PM
It's the clutch casing Ted, shows the difference between the 500 and 550 casings.

Maybe you could try it Gary and if it works as you want maybe get another casing alloy welded instead? Although I do seem to recall lots of members have used that stuff in the past and no one seems to have mentioned any problems with it to date.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 02, 2023, 03:08:19 PM
Yes, clutch side so has to be oil tight. Its supposed to be ok for block repairs so Im keeping fingers crossed. Way back when I knew people who used it for case repair after chain breaks.
I have another case so Ill look into a weld, plenty of time before its fired up.
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: Oddjob on August 04, 2023, 03:52:56 PM
Just spotted this Gary, might be of interest.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185030780483?hash=item2b14b1a643:g:jCgAAOSwgZ9hMOed&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwL1WG2B9okr36FhezWFA3oa3R37%2FYaBlKjUm9OFSoMO2Yym%2BL5oxQL%2BX031AeXeMfcBEOPl0MTeuxxbR6%2BJEUt7xuvtNnTQMfzW66ZLgGCcI6WH3vPK8HjwpXuu2TTlD5ZQoS4nxw3QOYBcGUki2eP1E0gy21QgT1fsPiWVIuZfkHE%2FfIRvdLniQidEep8k07G%2Fw0rWABAK6ST6uD1YrJN3MYtYEbnlRX6mDnFovs6gKBCX2eFVgThM11DdAkGSRwA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7L3upC4Yg
Title: Re: 550 clutch in 500
Post by: gary123 on August 04, 2023, 04:46:05 PM
Just spotted this Gary, might be of interest.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185030780483?hash=item2b14b1a643:g:jCgAAOSwgZ9hMOed&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwL1WG2B9okr36FhezWFA3oa3R37%2FYaBlKjUm9OFSoMO2Yym%2BL5oxQL%2BX031AeXeMfcBEOPl0MTeuxxbR6%2BJEUt7xuvtNnTQMfzW66ZLgGCcI6WH3vPK8HjwpXuu2TTlD5ZQoS4nxw3QOYBcGUki2eP1E0gy21QgT1fsPiWVIuZfkHE%2FfIRvdLniQidEep8k07G%2Fw0rWABAK6ST6uD1YrJN3MYtYEbnlRX6mDnFovs6gKBCX2eFVgThM11DdAkGSRwA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7L3upC4Yg

Cheers Ken.