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Offline novaember

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74 CB550 engine won't start
« on: November 06, 2013, 02:13:35 am »
Hi guys

Very new to motorcycles and for some reason decided to go for a 74' CB550 as my first bike.

I bought it from a dealership and here is the description:


"Very low mileage original Honda CB550. This bike is barely run in having covered only 6700 miles from new. Needless to say the engine, gearbox and clutch are like new. The lights, instruments and charging system are in good working order. This bike is an instant starter on the kick or electric runs and with the exception of the old tryes and rides wonderfully well."

HONDA CB550
MANUFACTURE DATE 10/73
FRAME NUMBER CB550 1011173
ENGINE NUMBER CB550E 1011231
MILEAGE 6766

NEW PARTS AND SERVICES
1. New Battery
2. Carbs overhauled
3. New petrol tap seal
4. New spark Plugs
5. New engine oil


However, the engine just won't start (or kick into idle)... I have the owners manual and tried to "cold start" the engine to no avail.

I think I have the main bases covered:

1) Ignition switch to "ON"
2) Start in neutral
3) Fuel tank valve to "ON"

Tried with the choke closed and open, electric and kick-start but nothing.

The battery seems fine as all the lighting and instruments are working.

Any obvious things that I am doing wrong or ideas that I should look into?

I have sent an email to the dealership to get their opinion on this too... I was hoping this would be in an easy start and go.

Thanks for any help / insight offered!

Cheers
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Offline bwaller

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #1 on: November 06, 2013, 04:04:04 am »
Is the kill switch "on"? Did you use full choke?
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2013, 06:02:45 am »
What happens when the start button is pushed? Does the motor turn over??
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline wowbagger

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2013, 06:23:37 am »
Start with the basics:

FINE-C:

F - Turn on the Fuel Valve/Petcock
I - Set the Ignition/Key to "ON"
N - Put the bike in Neutral
E - Set the Engine Kill Switch to "Run"
C - Set the Choke as needed and depress the clutch

http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?pagename=RiderCourse%20Interactive%20Tour&content=4204FEC2-A0CC-53D5-6454758F10F78A07&referer=Motorcycle%20Basics
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2013, 08:06:14 am »
You started and rode it before buying, right?
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"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline novaember

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2013, 03:21:53 pm »
I think I have covered FINE-C

The motor does turn over when I push the electric start and I can feel that resistance when I try with the kick-start too.


Unfortunately I did not have a chance to start and ride the bike before purchase because it was interstate... but the dealership is reputable and seems trustworthy - going to give them a call today to see if they know what the problem might be.


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Offline Vinhead1957

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #6 on: November 06, 2013, 03:31:12 pm »
Remove one plug and see what's going on. Is it getting fuel? Is the fuel old? While it is out check the spark to make sure it is strong. Turn it over with the plug electrode touching the cylinder.   
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Offline Duanob

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #7 on: November 06, 2013, 03:37:05 pm »
Yep i would say check your fuel. Pull the fuel lines from the tap put a cup underneath it and turn it on to see if you're getting any through the tap. If not, either the level isn't high enough or the tap is clogged. If they put a new tap seal in it it might have slipped when tightening and is now clogging instead of flowing. But first check to see if there is fuel then go from there.
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"Just because you flush a boatload of money down the toilet, doesn't make the toilet worth more",  My Stepfather the Unknown Poet

1974 CB360T
1976 CB550K2 Resurrected
1976 CB550F2 Barn Find
1979 CX500 VG "HONDA-GUZZI"
2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 750ie
2015 BMW F700GS
Another 1976 CB550K Cafe?

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Offline novaember

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #8 on: November 06, 2013, 04:01:56 pm »
Thanks guys, will check your suggestions when I get home.

If I can hear the fuel swish around in the engine as I rock the motorcycle - is that an indication of enough fuel to start the engine?
« Last Edit: November 06, 2013, 04:33:37 pm by novaember »
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #9 on: November 06, 2013, 05:12:23 pm »
Quote from: novaember on November 06, 2013, 04:01:56 pm
Thanks guys, will check your suggestions when I get home.

If I can hear the fuel swish around in the engine as I rock the motorcycle - is that an indication of enough fuel to start the engine?

They shipped it with gas in the tank?

Maybe try the reserve setting.  Open the gas cap and look for gas.  The tank is a saddle a bag type arrangement and drapes over the frame spine.  Low side right won't feed to low side left where the fuel valve is.  Either lean the bike way over to slosh fuel to the feed side, or use momentum and quick braking to make it slosh over the hump, from high(er) level side to low side.
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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

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline novaember

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #10 on: November 06, 2013, 06:05:24 pm »
TT - Yeah they probably didn't ship it with gas (or very little)...

I don't know why but my common sense has been failing me lately.

Also do you guys use stands or lifts to elevate the bike? I need to take the front and rear wheels off to change the tyres, but I noticed the exhausts are kind of blocking a typical universal paddock stand for the back.

Thanks again

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #11 on: November 06, 2013, 06:29:26 pm »
I've had bikes shipped with gas, put in a fresh gallon and try again.

Does your bike have a centerstand? That's all you'll need to remove the back wheel. For the front you'll need a jack. 

I think it's time to download the service manual. 
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline goldarrow

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #12 on: November 06, 2013, 06:43:14 pm »
If you have stock pipes, yes they'll be in the way when remove rear wheel. If they are in the way, You can remove the pipes and send them to me :D but seriously, you just need to be creative if you don't want to remove the pipes.  Can be done
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Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline wowbagger

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #13 on: November 06, 2013, 06:56:18 pm »
I've put mine on the center stand, removed the rear wheel and then used a ratchet strap on the neck to lift the front. I just blocked the back end of the frame to keep it from tipping.

If you do pull the pipes and use a standard lift, watch for clearance with the oil pan. I had to build a jig to support the bike by the frame only when I use my lift.
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Offline brooze72

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #14 on: November 06, 2013, 07:04:34 pm »
I'm a little surprised they sold a bike with a new battery, oil, carb overhaul etc. and left old rotten tires on it? WTF, hope they discounted at least $300 off the price.

PS , I agree with the fuel check & Goldarrow is a pipe hog :) :)
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #15 on: November 06, 2013, 07:10:40 pm »
Maybe...
For shipping, they drained the tank from the fuel tap, which only left the fuel on far side of the tank which doesn't get to the fuel tap.

Bike on center stand and jack under the oil filter housing, but just until the rear tire touches the ground and no higher.  Plenty enough height to remove the front wheel.  Done it that way for years.
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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

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #16 on: November 06, 2013, 07:23:27 pm »
Quote from: Brooze72 on November 06, 2013, 07:04:34 pm


PS , Goldarrow is a pipe hog...

...and a Lester hoarder!
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline goldarrow

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #17 on: November 06, 2013, 07:25:28 pm »
Quote from: Stev-o on November 06, 2013, 07:23:27 pm
Quote from: Brooze72 on November 06, 2013, 07:04:34 pm


PS , Goldarrow is a pipe hog...

...and a Lester hoarder!

Didn't know I earned the title!
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Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline novaember

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #18 on: November 07, 2013, 02:25:39 am »
Yay my engine starts - it just needed more fuel... I feel dumb but very happy at the least.

Thanks for all your calm and reassuring help guys.


Now to change the wheels, I think it's best to change one wheel at a time (to limit the damage I do)

Will be lurking the forums and hopefully collecting wisdom until my next move.

Cheers
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Offline Duanob

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #19 on: November 07, 2013, 08:09:19 am »
Hey the only reason we mention it is because of our own past experiences. It's that *Shrug shoulders, Slap forehead* moment we all go through on these bikes. Now get some new tires on it and enjoy!
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"Just because you flush a boatload of money down the toilet, doesn't make the toilet worth more",  My Stepfather the Unknown Poet

1974 CB360T
1976 CB550K2 Resurrected
1976 CB550F2 Barn Find
1979 CX500 VG "HONDA-GUZZI"
2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 750ie
2015 BMW F700GS
Another 1976 CB550K Cafe?

  __o
_- \_<,
(*) /' (*)

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #20 on: November 07, 2013, 09:16:24 am »
I agree with Brooze that it is odd they would sell a bike that needed new tires.

Yes, one wheel at a time unless someone else is mounting the tires for you.

What are you using to remove and install the tires? Do you have at least two decent quality tire levers that are a reasonable length (at least 12 inches long, but I think 16-18 is better). Plastic rim protectors can be worth getting too. DO NOT use a screw driver to remove the tires. You will likely destroy the tubes and they can easily slip and injure you too.

I recommend replacing the rim strips while you are at it (rubber strips that run around the inside of the rim to protect the tube from the spoke nipples). They shouldn't be expensive, they are usually $7 or $8 each here in the states.
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"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline novaember

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Re: 74 CB550 engine won't start
« Reply #21 on: November 08, 2013, 11:50:18 pm »
Thanks for that Dan

Not going to attempt to fit new tyres myself - I saw a DIY video on youtube and it just looks plain hard lol

Just going to take the wheels off with the tyre on and go get them taken off and fitted at a tyre shop / mechanics, which shouldn't be too hard I hope.

Need to buy tools as well, considering I have none though...  the journey begins
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