Topic: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"

[calj737]

Make sure you do the compression test with a wide open throttle for proper results.

[riverfever]

OK so here's the results from the compression test with a warmed up motor.

With dry cylinders:
#1 114
#2 103
#3 105
#4 107

With a bit of oil in each cylinder:
#1 130
#2 121
#3 120
#4 128

I know these numbers are low and probably worthy of new rings but is this a motor that could likely be run this summer and then torn down in the fall? Also...when getting into this motor how much of a tear down would be recommended? Just rings and the top end (valves, guides, seals, etc.) or do I need to take apart the entire motor and deal with crank and bearingsm as well?

[riverfever]

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]

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]

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

[calj737]

They look fine. A long as they are within 10% of each other! that's your watermark. By running the engine more over the summer, you may see an improvement in those readings.

At most, top end and rings/pistons. But, you should likely also replace the primary and cam chains, so that means slitting the cases. Don't get over wrought yet until some real mileage is on the bike.

[riverfever]

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?

[calj737]

If it's rung fine, stick with points. They're inexpensive and work. If you're concerned about keeping the bike healthy, go with a Dyna. Of all the units they sell worldwide, to have a small percentage fail is pretty normal. Mine works great. Many members are very satisfied with them. Some are not.

[riverfever]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[calj737]

You can bend/roll 1/4" against wood bunks. You might even have a steel column in the garage that would work? You may find it necessary to heat the steel, but that will depend upon how many bowls of Wheaties are in your diet-

Your biggest challenge is not where/how to mount, that's easy enough to make a small bracket as needed, it's getting a decent balance side-to-side on your load. Fly rods vs Waders is tough fight. Just bear that in mind. I might suggest, you pull all your gear out, then attempt to find a decent balance, and perhaps build storage bins "per" side and forego equal bins. Make sense? If your waders aren't thermal, they won't weight much, but if they're neoprene, well that's a different story.

I like RB's idea of PVC tubing mounted vertically (slanted to rear) to hold rods. Hang that off one side, and perhaps a small box as well. Drop some foam in the bottom, threaded cap on top. Maybe easiest to carry waders in a back pack, and everything else on frame attached custom boxes/bags.

[streak09]

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]

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.

[calj737]

Polish looks great. Now jerk that stator cover off and polish it up too!

[riverfever]

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]

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

[riverfever]

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]

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]

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.

[calj737]

That right side oil cover you describe is the clutch cover. Remove it, and you'll be undertaking adjusting your clutch- ha, ha, ha! If you have found anything frustrating as a new owner/refurbished, I guarantee you, that will have you looking about the garage for a short length of rope with which to hang yourself.

It's not hard, it's finicky and there are some little tricks to it. If your clutch is operating well, leave that cover until a winter rebuild. The stator cover can wait too, it's a lot easier to remove and replace (no adjustment necessary).

Glad to see you bought a full face for a helmet. That's a really smart choice. Bikes looking beautiful, enjoy your trip and wear sun screen, Paleface! And don't get thrown in jail down there, we don't need a #returnRiverFever campaign littering up this forum!