Author Topic: Hello  (Read 6593 times)

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pepsquad

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Hello
« on: June 30, 2006, 01:36:01 PM »
My name is Sarah and I just thought i would say Hi, I'm working on my first motorcycle ever. A 1975 Honda Cb550k (not too sure about the K)  I will post pictures soon. I think this forum will be a wonderful resource.  have yet to get the engine entirely out of the frame the oil filter bolt has been rounded off. So i'm sort of stumped by that.   However heartening news the bike i purchased sat of 17 years however after some penetrating oil was applied to the kit start to get it to move out of the way of an engine mount the engine attempted to turn over and compression was had in all 4 cylinders.   I really want to turn this bike into a cafe racer type bike i'm very much looking forward to working on it. I'm currently hunting around for an aversized rebuild kit for a 550.   any help at all would be appreciated.


Just thought i would say Hi, and introduce myself

Hi,
Sarah ;D

Offline DME

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Re: Hello
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2006, 01:44:49 PM »
Hello and welcome, Sarah! Nice to hear you´re going down the cafe racer route :)
If you cant get the oil filter bolt off with a pipe wrench you can always drill the head off it.

Cheers

Daniel

Offline ProTeal55

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Re: Hello
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2006, 01:45:24 PM »
Welcome to the site ..... ;D
Where abouts you be from ?
Joe a.k.a ProTeal55 a.k.a JoeyCocks a.k.a Maker of Friends

Offline dusterdude

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Re: Hello
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2006, 01:46:32 PM »
welcome sarah,ya gotta watch that pro teal character. ;D
mark
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Offline Cvillechopper

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Re: Hello
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2006, 01:48:13 PM »
Welcom.  I'm rebuilding a 550 myself and just ordered a 555 kit off evil-bay for under $120 including shipping.  Same seller had 605 kits for a little more.  they were meant as big-bore kits for 500s but work perfectly for 550s I'm told.  Good luck and Enjoy.
James
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pepsquad

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Re: Hello
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2006, 01:59:08 PM »
really enxcellent!  I am definatley looking forward to working on this bike.   I am from new mexico, land of the dry.   I picked up the bike i've got for 80$.   So i'm looking forward to working on it, sicne i have a little extra money to put into it given the cheap start up price (a friend of mines 16 year old son wanted the bike and he was sure he would lay it over so it was quickly sold to me). 8).  I saw those rebuild kits on ebay, unfortunatly as a recent college grad without a "real" job  This project will probably take me about two years to complete, hope ya'll can bear with me.   Currently i'm mostly spending my time working on a parts list, and pulling the bike apart.  I shall try to take pictures this weekend of the actual bike thought the rust filled tank and carbs of grossness are sitting in my kitchen so pictures of those might come earlier.
Sarah ;D
« Last Edit: June 30, 2006, 02:09:41 PM by pepsquad »

Offline turtle

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Re: Hello
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2006, 02:22:03 PM »
Hi Sarah
Its great to see more women on the forum. Good luck with your project.
Jane
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Offline clarkjh

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Re: Hello
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2006, 03:34:04 PM »
Welcome to the 550 club, don't take the 750 guys to seriously, they haven't gotten over the "Bigger is Better" stage of their life yet :P

James
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Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: Hello
« Reply #8 on: June 30, 2006, 03:34:54 PM »
Quote
Welcome to the 550 club, don't take the 750 guys to seriously, they haven't gotten over the "Bigger is Better" stage of their life yet

James

 ;D ;D
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline Bodain

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Re: Hello
« Reply #9 on: June 30, 2006, 03:38:03 PM »
Howdy Howdy. Your about to embark on a good experience.
I too was looking for a overbore kit for my 550.. Sometimes they can be hard to find. I found an overbore kit for the CB 500 that I used in the 550 worked great. There are several threads here about it.
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Boomologist

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Re: Hello
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2006, 03:41:18 PM »
More than once I have had to cut the head of that oil filter bolt with a right angle grinder and a thin blade. Once it is cut off, which releaves the pressure on the bolt, the rest can usually be unscrewed with your fingers. The bolt is available at most bike shops and online for 6-10$ If you do cut it just be careful not to nick the housing.
I have also placed a large nut over the rounded head of the bolt and welded it on in the center of the nut. Then you can use a large wrench.
Many people tighten that bolt until it squeaks and then some. Not good. Just snug works. I believe there is a torque spec in the manual.

Boomologist

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Re: Hello
« Reply #11 on: June 30, 2006, 03:50:00 PM »
Welcom.  I'm rebuilding a 550 myself and just ordered a 555 kit off evil-bay for under $120 including shipping.  Same seller had 605 kits for a little more.  they were meant as big-bore kits for 500s but work perfectly for 550s I'm told.  Good luck and Enjoy.
James
I'm interested in a big bore kit. I currently have two 550's and one 500 and am thinking I should restore at least one. Who is the seller or ebay number?

Offline clarkjh

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Re: Hello
« Reply #12 on: June 30, 2006, 04:05:11 PM »
Go here

http://stores.ebay.com/ClassicCyclePartsdotcom_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQftidZ2QQsclZ0QQtZkm

and just do a search for CB500 Pistons.  Should come up with the 605 and 555 kits.  I have the 555 kit just don't have the engine back together yet.

James
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1974 CB550, 40000 Miles
1980 GL1100, 102789 KM - Back on the road after a complete engine rebuild. 
*** Why, oh why, is it always head gaskets with me?***

Offline clarkjh

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Re: Hello
« Reply #13 on: June 30, 2006, 04:09:02 PM »
This looks like it could be the 555 kit as well.

e-bay item # 290001732166   
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1974 CB550, 40000 Miles
1980 GL1100, 102789 KM - Back on the road after a complete engine rebuild. 
*** Why, oh why, is it always head gaskets with me?***

Offline Roach Carver

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Re: Hello
« Reply #14 on: June 30, 2006, 04:27:39 PM »
I feel so stupid. I really thought bigger was better. Does anyone know if I can get a kit to make my engine smaller?  ;D Oh, and WELCOME.  ;D
« Last Edit: June 30, 2006, 04:30:03 PM by 71cb750 »

Offline Tim.

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Re: Hello
« Reply #15 on: June 30, 2006, 04:45:21 PM »
This is the kit you want for a 550.  Requires a 0.5mm bore, which is right in the middle of the original Honda specs for the bike's serviceable limits.  Takes the cylinders to 59mm from the 58.5mm stock.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB500-Four-BIG-BORE-555cc-Performance-Rebuild-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35595QQihZ002QQitemZ4651772552QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

The 605cc kit, also sold by the same seller, takes it to 61mm.  This setup would likely require a major tuning job, including likely re-jetting the carbs.  It would also use a non-standard head gasket.  I'm pretty sure the standard 550 head gasket will still be fine on the 0.5mm bore.

I installed the 59mm kit last spring, 2500 miles ago.  Has been running great since, except I'm burning some oil which I believe to be the fault of my valve seals.

Good seller too.  I had to point out a year ago that these were 59mm pistons, not 58 as mentioned in his auction.  I paid US$99 shipped to Canada at the time - he's since raised the price, but for US$120 + shipping for the entire kit, it's a bargain.

They're made by ART as well, who is the original OEM for the Honda pistons in your bike now.
Roule comme dans les années 70...   Roll as in the Seventies...

Offline angeldeville

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Re: Hello
« Reply #16 on: June 30, 2006, 04:54:16 PM »
Welcome to the forum I'll be leaving So. Cal soon and will be hauling my collection of Honda's with me to Albuquerque.

76' cb750f custom
69' cb750 sandcast
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and enough parts to build about 6-7 more bikes

Offline JHansen

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Re: Hello
« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2006, 05:55:33 PM »
Welcome to the forum Sarah.

??? How many miles are on your 550?

JH
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cd811

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Re: Hello
« Reply #18 on: June 30, 2006, 07:17:49 PM »
welcome...welcome...good people here 8)

Offline Bodain

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Re: Hello
« Reply #19 on: June 30, 2006, 07:38:33 PM »
I feel so stupid. I really thought bigger was better. Does anyone know if I can get a kit to make my engine smaller?  ;D Oh, and WELCOME.  ;D

Go ride a good running Yamaha RD 350.. You will quickly realize. Bigger may not be better, nor quicker.
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Offline Roach Carver

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Re: Hello
« Reply #20 on: June 30, 2006, 07:46:33 PM »
Quote
Go ride a good running Yamaha RD 350.. You will quickly realize. Bigger may not be better, nor quicker.

The only rd 350 I know of is yours. Can I ride it? Thanks in advance. ;D

pepsquad

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Re: Hello
« Reply #21 on: June 30, 2006, 09:08:38 PM »
8k and some change is what the odometer reads.  thanks for the advice i'll go with the smaller kit since this is my first build i'm really not sure how all this works so the path that is eaiser is the one i will definatley take. ;D

Offline jaknight

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Re: Hello
« Reply #22 on: June 30, 2006, 09:21:58 PM »
HI PEPSQUAD,

     Welcome to the group!!  Kick back, relax and enjoy the ride!

     I lived in New Mexico for awhile.  Was just kicking back and unwinding after leaving Edwards Air Force Base in California.  I stayed way down southwest corner, remote.  Hachita, about 60 miles southwest of Demming.  Haven't been there since '88.

     At any rate, glad to have you join us and I wish you the best of luck with your project ride.....

     ~ ~ ~ jaknight ~ ~ ~
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..........EXCEPT IN A SWORD FIGHT"
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Offline Tim.

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Re: Hello
« Reply #23 on: July 01, 2006, 06:49:14 AM »
Let me ask the obvious question - why the rebuild?  Is the bike running now?  Before you sink money and time and risk possible additional issues associated with boring cylinders etc., have you confirmed compression etc. in the cylinders?  You might not need a full rebuild.

For the $120, you get a fantastic deal for new pistons, rings, pins, circlips and a head gasket.  Cheap at twice the price.  Boring/honing the cylinders would run $30 or so for each hole.  If you do the wrenching yourself, that should be the total cost.

Of course, while you have your cylinder head off, it's a good time to get the valves reseated and replace the valve seals, and perhaps whatever guides need to be replaced as well.  Could be another $200 or more depending on the new parts needed.

So you're looking at $240 - $440 or so for the top end rebuild + labour.  These bikes can quickly eat up even the most substantial of budgets.  Either stick to your budget and spend the money where you need to only, or don't pay attention to the total spend.  Many of us have spent more on our 30 year old Hondas than it would have cost to buy a much newer bike in decent condition.

I for one don't regret a penny of the money I've spent so far, even though I could have bought a decent running 70's/80's BMW at this point for the money.

BTW - I too have spent time in New Mexico.  Funny how it draws people in.  I lived in Window Rock Arizona for a few months back in the early 90's, and spent considerable time in Cuba, Gallup, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Roule comme dans les années 70...   Roll as in the Seventies...

Offline JHansen

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Re: Hello
« Reply #24 on: July 01, 2006, 07:17:58 AM »
I'm with tintin here.

My $.02

If you can fire the bike up and hear it run, I'd do that to make sure it really does need rebuilding. Plus, you can diagnose sounds to see what else it might need. With only 8k on the ticker, you may only need tune-up and carb synch to be on your way. My 1st bike was a '78 CB550 with close to 40k on it. It wasn't perfect, left a dime size leak out of the shifter shaft if parked on the side stand, and it would burn little clouds of blue oilsmoke when cold, but it was an honest bike that could have gone wherever I wanted it to go without complaint.

Then again, were all big boys and girls here, if we want to build a motor for either fun, education or both, we should build a motor. But if the bike runs OK now, you could ride it and perform all the general maintenance on it until you find that dream job that so many of us are still looking for.
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pepsquad

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Re: Hello
« Reply #25 on: July 01, 2006, 09:42:44 AM »
bike has sat for 17 years now,  good compression can be had out of three cylinders one is not so good. i haven't seen the inside of the cylinders yet. I'm banking right now on them being grooved like crazy.  two of the carbs are frozen solid,  two i was able to disassemble mostly.   with that amount of time sitting i sort of assumed it owuld need new rings, gaskets ect right off the bat.  Sunday i wil hopefully see the inside of the cylinders and can give you a better idea of what is going on, on the inside.

Offline Tim.

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Re: Hello
« Reply #26 on: July 01, 2006, 10:03:25 AM »
Last year when I decided it was time to overhaul my 32,000 mile 550F engine, I was hoping I'd manage with a honing and new rings.

However, when trying to source new rings, I realized Honda no longer sells the standard size, and it was near impossible to find them anywhere else.

So, when I came across the entire kit for $100, I jumped on them.  Honda's price for a single ring set was $40, so $100 for everything was less money anyhow.  I spent extra boring vs. just a hone, but marginally more, and it should be better than a hone anyhow.

Just make sure whoever does the machining on your cylinders knows what they're doing - i.e. don't take it to your local auto mechanic.  Boring small cylinders requires different tools than doing larger engines.

It turned out I had broken rings in cylinder #3 which had deformed the grooves on the piston, so I needed at least the one new piston anyhow.  I've been tempted to pick up another one of the $120 kits just to have around for the future.
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Hello
« Reply #27 on: July 01, 2006, 11:11:12 AM »
bike has sat for 17 years now,  good compression can be had out of three cylinders one is not so good. i haven't seen the inside of the cylinders yet. I'm banking right now on them being grooved like crazy.  two of the carbs are frozen solid,  two i was able to disassemble mostly.   with that amount of time sitting i sort of assumed it owuld need new rings, gaskets ect right off the bat.  Sunday i wil hopefully see the inside of the cylinders and can give you a better idea of what is going on, on the inside.

You have nothing to lose by getting it to run first.  These engines are tough.  Unless the compression test was grossly off in the one cylinder, a little run use might reseat the bits.  You WILL spend more money if you take it apart before trying it out.  And, if compression doesn't come up with a lille use, then you are facing the same repair as if you take it apart now.
I have a 77CB550 that sat over 12 years.  8000 miles, but poor compression on one cylinder.  Rebuilt the carbs and a 100 mile drive around on new oil had the compression on all four equal.  It's the best running CB550 I have.
However, Carb kits, tires, battery, seat, tank cleaning, etc., will still siphon away money from your budget faster then some people blink.

It's your choice.  But, have fun!

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

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Offline seaweb11

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Re: Hello
« Reply #28 on: July 01, 2006, 11:44:57 AM »
I'm curious, what is your background?
 I'm impressed when my wife remembers to turn the on switch before trying to start her bike ;D

Very cool that you would dig into one of these old things 8)

Get it running 1st would be my recommendation as well. There will be plenty of time to take it all apart.

Offline JHansen

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Re: Hello
« Reply #29 on: July 01, 2006, 09:36:13 PM »
I'll vouch here for Two Tired as one of, if not the most, insightful and knowledgeable participants on this forum. Not just on the SOHC's but general engine knowledge.

It's a damn shame we did away with karma points!  ;D
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brimar6

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Re: Hello
« Reply #30 on: July 01, 2006, 09:58:53 PM »
"I'll vouch here for Two Tired as one of, if not the most, insightful and knowledgeable participants on this forum. Not just on the SOHC's but general engine knowledge."

 I'll second that!!
« Last Edit: July 01, 2006, 10:00:45 PM by brimar6 »

Offline Rushoid

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Re: Hello
« Reply #31 on: July 01, 2006, 10:59:26 PM »
"I'll vouch here for Two Tired as one of, if not the most, insightful and knowledgeable participants on this forum. Not just on the SOHC's but general engine knowledge."

 I'll second that!!
All those in favor say "yea" :D

Welcome to the group. And I agree with TwoTired. Try to get it running first. If for no other reason than to test ride it and see if it's the right bike for you. You might want to move up to the 750!  ;) ;D ;D

BTW, I drove through NM once.  ::)
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pepsquad

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Re: Hello
« Reply #32 on: July 03, 2006, 07:51:10 PM »


I talked to a buddy of mine who has worked on numerous other vehicle projects (the former owner) and he and I both decided that the bike needed to have an engine rebuild.  This is what we've accomplished so far.   I hope to be able to afford the rebuild kit in a few weeks :)  I'll keep you guys posted.