Author Topic: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel" (Read 285422 times)

riverfever · « **Reply #275 on:** June 13, 2014, 03:45:05 PM »

Along the same lines...#4 seems to be firing right now so I'm also curious if the compression in that cylinder could be low enough to cause the issues of not firing? I know anything's possible but I still wonder if it might be happening due to the weak points?

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #276 on:** June 13, 2014, 03:51:23 PM »

Those numbers look fine to me. You can do a the top end when riding season is over i see no reason to get into the crank and bearings top end refreash should be fine. Just my thoughts.

Matt

goldarrow · « **Reply #277 on:** June 13, 2014, 03:54:02 PM »

Of all the bikes I've gone through, I haven't used compression tester

riverfever · « **Reply #278 on:** June 13, 2014, 03:59:23 PM »

OK so is the next logical step either to get new points or just make the jump to electronic ignition? If electronic...do I need to shy away from Dyna based upon the issues that some people seem to be having with it?

riverfever · « **Reply #279 on:** June 13, 2014, 05:11:24 PM »

Here's yet another question. Why are 1 and 4 plugs so wet when I pull them? Is it likely because the carbs aren't jetted properly or could it be because the points are not delivering a strong enough spark? Or both?

goldarrow · « **Reply #280 on:** June 13, 2014, 05:14:57 PM »

Quote from: riverfever on June 13, 2014, 05:11:24 PM

Here's yet another question. Why are 1 and 4 plugs so wet when I pull them? Is it likely because the carbs aren't jetted properly or could it be because the points are not delivering a strong enough spark? Or both?

Could be as simple as bad plugs. I had that happened. Try to swap with 2-3

riverfever · « **Reply #281 on:** June 13, 2014, 05:20:33 PM »

Oh I forgot about that. There's so much that goes into this that I have to keep in mind as I'm learning. I do think the plugs are wasted and will probably get new ones tomorrow just to see if that helps.

riverfever · « **Reply #282 on:** June 14, 2014, 12:26:02 PM »

Here's my current stator cover:

I picked up another one from a forum member and it was in much better shape but still needed some work. This is shortly after receiving it from him:

And here it is after a few more hours today:

riverfever · « **Reply #283 on:** June 14, 2014, 08:19:01 PM »

So I've gone back to the drawing board a bit with how I want to carry waders and fly fishing gear. The milk crate looks like well....it should hold milk. Here's a drawing I came up with tonight while having dinner with my wife.

My idea is to use 1/4" rod for the framework. I personally think I want the framework to be curved instead of being at a 90 degree angle but if I build it around the bags that I already have you won't be able to see it any way. I plan on using the top of the shock mount and the frame to fender mount to hold this. I know some might be worried that it will bend but I won't be carrying much weight on either side and I could always go back in and triangulate in some areas if necessary. Since the two mounting points are off-center, I would have to space things out a bit but that would be simple. I'd use more 1/4" rod to add feet (maybe 1/2" at the shock mount and 4" at the fender mount). I do not have a tube roller at home. I might have access to one at school but was hoping to do a few overnighters this summer. I was wondering if I could make some kind of template out of wood and use a torch to heat up that rod and bend it into shape? Thoughts?

rb550four · « **Reply #284 on:** June 14, 2014, 08:44:57 PM »

I like the 1/4 framework in the round to hold onto the frame mounted were you said. In years past I've used 4 inch PVC pipe with threaded clean out on one end for access to items such as copper pipes inside the sealed PVC, may work for flyrod too and rolled waders on the other side. just a thought. I had long PVC mounted to my racks, kept stuff safe, didn't weigh or cost much..... perhaps there is a wire fence post connector you could used in mounting the pipe to the bike. maybe 3 in pvc could work for you. I don't know , just throwing it out there.

riverfever · « **Reply #285 on:** June 14, 2014, 08:57:46 PM »

I see what you're talking about. I hope this will be able to hold more though. Part of the reason I bought this project was because I can no longer ride bicycles because of a pinched nerve in my neck. So I hope to be able to still ride two wheels and do trips (although not on single track) and be able to keep exploring.

streak09 · « **Reply #286 on:** June 15, 2014, 07:11:00 AM »

Just a thought, look into the Pamco units. I cant say anything about Dyna, but I chose the pamco because of the lower price point, and overwhelmingly positive reviews of the Pamco system and customer service from Pamco Pete. After some extensive research I cant remember reading any negative views. I bought mine from cb750 supply.

I havent had my bike running with it yet, but istallation was a breeze. Had it installed and functioning in about half an hour.

Just something to ponder!

I like where you are going with your carriers!

riverfever · « **Reply #287 on:** June 15, 2014, 06:07:41 PM »

After another couple of hours today the cover looks like this:

At some point I need to put the left side cover, this, and the fork legs to a buffing wheel.

riverfever · « **Reply #288 on:** June 16, 2014, 08:33:44 PM »

I don't know man. It is such a pita to polish these pieces. I've now done the forks, and both of the left side covers. I still need to spend some time with them on a buffing wheel. I feel like I kinda need to do the right side (oil) as well as the tops of the carbs and the bowls too. But I kinda don't want to.

My helmet showed up today.

Stev-o · « **Reply #289 on:** June 16, 2014, 08:59:26 PM »

Why after 14 pages haven't you installed new points and condensers? I was going to suggest that when reading page 1...

riverfever · « **Reply #290 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:17:54 PM »

Ha! Because I don't know what I'm doing Steve! The only reason I haven't done it the last few days is because I may have to leave town here soon and it might be last minute so the bike's going to sit for now.

Stev-o · « **Reply #291 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:45:11 PM »

Quote from: riverfever on June 16, 2014, 09:17:54 PM

Ha! Because I don't know what I'm doing Steve! The only reason I haven't done it the last few days is because I may have to leave town here soon and it might be last minute so the bike's going to sit for now.

Ha! Plan on ordering points, condensers, plugs and caps. And having the carbs cleaned/rebuilt, that is the single most important thing for a good running bike.

I think the compression is fine and you have some good polishing skills, time to get that bike running good!

riverfever · « **Reply #292 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:59:45 PM »

Well I've rebuilt the carbs (although I did not reuse the stock main jets or needles and may take them back apart to replace them). I installed new Dyna coils, wires and plugs. Dyna ignition is coming soon. Thanks Steve.

riverfever · « **Reply #293 on:** June 17, 2014, 05:57:32 AM »

Oh yeah I guess that is the clutch cover. When you talk about adjusting the clutch, you're NOT talking about simply adjusting the cable and that mechanism on the left side are you but more the actual guts of the clutch? If so, I don't think I want anything to do with that right now. I'm sure the clutch could use a cleaning or even replacement. It works quite well when cold but when hot it becomes a tad finicky when leaving from a stop. It's fine while going through the gears. Not sure how to describe it. The manual talks about slipping and dragging. I don't think it's a slip. I've had that stator cover off before but wasn't sure how to get the internals out of it so I could polish it up. Are they held on internally with bolts?

Being a new rider, I thought a full face was a good decision. I've had plenty of bugs hit me while cycling but I'd hate to wreck this thing after taking a june bug to the forehead at 55.

And I'm always on my best behavior when I'm on vacation.

Stev-o · « **Reply #294 on:** June 17, 2014, 06:47:18 AM »

Quote from: riverfever on June 17, 2014, 05:57:32 AM

I've had that stator cover off before but wasn't sure how to get the internals out of it so I could polish it up. Are they held on internally with bolts?

Yes, there are three machine screws holding the stator in place. An impact driver is a must to remove these.

MickB · « **Reply #295 on:** June 17, 2014, 12:01:00 PM »

Riverfever I was thinking about your ideas on how to carry your rods and fishing gear.

Why not have 2 wicker baskets one on each side instead of panniers. Or better still a couple of cray pots. Lol. I'm laughing just thinking about it.

It'd give it a real authentic look.

Don't forget a height light if you strap on a few beach rods they're around 14' high.

Regards

Mick

riverfever · « **Reply #296 on:** June 17, 2014, 02:49:47 PM »

While creels might look cool, I don't know that they would be all that sturdy. To simply buzz out of town a few miles to fish isn't that big of a deal. I never fish without a backpack and it actually holds the rod once it's broken down and safely inside the rod tube. The tube then attaches to the outside of the pack and is only a bit over 3' in length. I also have another bag designed to hold the waders and boots that could easily be lashed to the seat behind me.

The idea for carrying the dry roll bags on the sides of the bike was to hold more camping gear. I don't have my spreadsheets for gear handy (I used to be very serious as an endurance mountain biker so I wanted to know weights of my gear to the ounce) but my bivy, bag, and pad (good to 32 degrees) is right at 3 pounds. Stove, gas and ti pot is half a pound. I used to be able to be totally set for a week in the mountains with 35 pounds of gear (and 24 of that was my mountain bike). I really don't know that the weight of what I bring is going to throw off the balance of the bike but I do plan on balancing it out between each side as much as possible. This is my bike for the 2012 Colorado Trail Race (a little over 500 miles of single track).

MickB · « **Reply #297 on:** June 17, 2014, 05:08:36 PM »

Bolt the motor into that, you'll win the race for sure.

Mick

Regards

Mick

MickB · « **Reply #298 on:** June 17, 2014, 05:10:06 PM »

Good luck in the extreme race, it'd be easier on the 500.

Regards

Mick

MickB · « **Reply #299 on:** June 17, 2014, 05:11:12 PM »

Just remember Deliverance, out there in the bad lands.

Regards

Mick

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Author Topic: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel" (Read 285422 times)