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Author Topic: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine  (Read 1885 times)

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Offline jason41987

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CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« on: September 09, 2012, 05:33:04 PM »
hey everyone.. i have a 550F now, but much of the electrical system is gone, which is fine, i intended to reqire this bike with all new wiring and connectors, however, the ignition systems gone too... as i havent had an SOHC/4 before, whats actually included in the ignition system is something im not sure of

i can get a brand new condenser and points kit which im sure is needed to refurbish a pre-existing ignition system, but besides the points and condenser, what other parts will i need for this?.. im looking to bypass the key ignition as well, since it doesnt have one of those either... so what will i need to hook a 12v battery up to this and get it started?... ill probably have to clean the carbs first

also... no fuel tank.. it was already getting dark when i received the bike.. so i wasnt able to search for the pump... or was the pump in the tank?.. i dont know, first honda CB so im new to these
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2012, 05:41:28 PM »
Fuel pump?  Doubt it ever had one.

Do you have coils?
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Offline jason41987

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2012, 06:00:16 PM »
hmm.. could someone explain how the ignition system on this bike works?.. its not an electronic ignition, dont notice any distributor of any sort... whats the process of the ignition system on this?... and i have a box of small parts, if there are any coils in there theyre probably old
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Offline jason41987

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2012, 06:22:23 PM »
hmm.. so the mechanical advance.. essentially a distributor, is built into the side of the engine?.. on the end of the crankshaft?... and from here, a wire goes to two ignition coils, each of which power two cylinders, 1/4 and 2/3 i believe?... and thats the gist of the electrical system?... and for me to get 12v power to the engine, i would need to supply a wire between the engine and the ignition coils, and make sure the spark plugs are in order...

umm, no fuel pump so do the carburators work off of gravity, and vacuum?.. if so, i could temporarily use a gas can to supply fuel to the carbs after theyve been cleaned.. and if all is well with the engine, i should be able to kickstart it?
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2012, 07:10:52 PM »
Yes, carbs are gravity fed.  You'll need a good battery to provide power for spark.
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Offline CycleRanger

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2012, 07:19:57 PM »
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Offline luap

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #6 on: September 09, 2012, 07:20:09 PM »
couldnt he use some jumper cables tie the blk/wht coil wires together then try an fire it?
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Offline jason41987

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #7 on: September 09, 2012, 08:17:07 PM »
i looked in a box of parts that came with it.. apparently i did have a set of ignition coils for this.. cant seem to find the regulators, and i do have the old points as well

so.. im going to bench test these ignition coils with my multimeter.. see if theyre in order, if so, i guess im a point/regular kit away from having this ignition system rebuilt... and hopefully im able to get this engine started

on another note.. this bike was sold with a second engine for spare parts... so yeah
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2012, 01:30:22 AM »
Give us pictures. One of behind the left side cover and one of the contacts area would be helpful.
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Offline jason41987

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2012, 06:58:05 AM »
i will soon, unfortunately my camera busted so im waiting for the warranty to replace it, then ill take some photos... before then i have to bench test some of these parts so i know what ill need to replace
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Offline jason41987

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #10 on: September 10, 2012, 11:58:39 AM »
well.. im getting a new battery for this.. also, im going to be ordering the point and condenser kit today.. i tested the points on the coils for continuity and the coils seem to be good... so i dont think ill need to replace those... think i should get a carburator rebuild kit as well?... im not sure its neccessary, i think it should atleast run, if not pretty rough, without the carburator rebuild... and first time trying to determine if the engine is ever going to run or not...

ive verified that its in fact not siezed, and when i kick the kickstarter,i can hear the suction in the carburators so i dont think theyres a leak in the cylinders anyway.. im starting to think the ignition system is the only issue before determining if itll start or not
« Last Edit: September 10, 2012, 12:09:49 PM by jason41987 »
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Offline jason41987

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Re: CB550, no ignition system, need to test the engine
« Reply #11 on: September 10, 2012, 01:45:36 PM »
i was reading how the timing is performed.. but i was curious... how does one set the timing without a battery? can it be done with a multimeter somehow?.. if so, how? im going to test the condensers and look at the points to see if theyre salvagable, if so i want to check the timing, get that set right, then look at the carburators.... 

no idea why it doesnt start up, if someone has an idea that i could look into for a possible cause, let me know
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