Topic: Toustic's CB550F - A Swiss' first build

[Maurice]

There you go, easy

[Toustic]

Hi Guys,

First of all, I'm actually mind blown by how easy strynboen makes it sound. On a more realistic note, machinists ask for big bucks here when it's a one off, and I can't afford to get any kind of machining work done around these parts of the map. Best shot would be to have it made in the States and sent here.

Secondly, I've disappeared for a while again. I don't give up, that's not happening, but I'm held back with parts, shipping, and finding the right people from a distance. Add to that the fact that the shop/local I was using is not for me to use anymore. It's a bit frustrating but it's what it is, and it's a good learning experience.

Back to the real business...

I still haven't figured out the tach gear cap matter, but I'f found the tach gear online at least.

I did however, despite struggling with the cylinder head question, found a way to move forward.

Big thanks to Ken at CycleExchange for hooking me up with an amazing work. He's a great dude, and know what he's talking about. I'm very happy to have pulled the trigger on it.

KPMI (std) Valves, Spring set, and valve job







Also had to order to break lines, because the stock ones were cut to the fiber.
Galfer it is... which I requested to come in a deep black at purchase because stainless steel lines are not allowed on bikes that are not factory-built with them (easier for cops to spot them in clear than black obviously), but somehow this ebayer manages to send me the standard clear ones. I'm just going to paint them... it'll give me the illusion I worked for it haha




Anyway, I'm back to working on the engine.


Put a little coper paste on the edge of the gasket

So, here I am thinking that I did it right.. till I realised the whole thing was backwards... Of course..



Anywho... I take it off, and redo it again... Cam timed, and feeling quite a bit of pride in my heart not going to lie.











YES SIR

I received a package today. The sender may recognise his creation now 
Yes, I am a man of my word, why do you ask?




Lastly, I'm trying to figure out the wiring on the Dyna coils. Not sure how to transfer the cables from the original coils to the new ones.



I'm not comfortable with many things at first, but electrical is definitely something I'm out of my comfort zone with. I looked all over the place and can't seem to find a schematic/diagram that I'd feel comfortable following. Any suggestion would be much appreciated.

I know I'm not reinventing the wheel here, and getting much of the stuff done the easy way. But I do believe the reason why I do it is more important than the how I do it, and even if I end up with "one more" CB550, she sure as s*** will be my pride and joy..

....And let's face it, she's the only CB550 in town, so how hard is it to stand out at this point 

Thanks for your time guys.

Cheers,
SD

[Toustic]

I'm back from the virtually dead once again.

Hope all is swell for your all, and that you get to spin some rubber.

I've been struggling with making time for all things in my life, but still managed to show the 550 some love.

i've been held back by some parts sourcing. I guess I'll know better for next time but like (I assume) most of us, I also have to wait for paychecks to get parts, so, progress takes a kick in the groin.

I will post all pictures that I've been taking and make it look like I know what I'm doing.

Yours Humbly,
Toustic


I think I got this right...




Also my first time doing this


She's her heart back


Moving to a garage I found in town (5 mins walking from my apartment. With running water and power). And apparently I was too eager cause I forgot I hadn't taken out the clutch rod. Lost it during transport (2 weeks to get a "new" one).


There it is


I found an aluminium seat base


Don't really know where I'm going with this but we'll see...


Exhaust on, and did a bit of wiring. Don't know for sure I did all this right




I keep mocking it up to see if I should do certain things. Here is the 2nd front fender holder.


Time for the juice




Here is the the bike I've bought as a daily rider. 81 XV750, Runs perfect. I got it for 600$ from an old man who had 20+ bikes from the 20s to the 70s (mine being a friend's bike he was helping him sell), Nortons, Tritons, BSA's, all running and maintained. He had a trio of CX500 and told him I need first right of refusal on the sale. Anyways, that's her:





Back to my Honda4... I'm having this issue with the clutch plate. I did get the bolt tighter. and it actually turns the engine over, but as soon as I try to put on the clutch cover, and bolt it tight, it does this exact same thing.

http://s1319.photobucket.com/user/Toustic/media/20140523_205242_zpse4bbdf31.mp4.html



I have tried to close it back up anyways, and start the engine. I've had no success. I'm sure I've done a few things wrong, but not sure what, and considering this is my first, I'm not sure to have the skills to to put the finger on it. So yeah, it's been a big bummer.


http://s1319.photobucket.com/user/Toustic/media/20140615_170756_zps1c918d93.mp4.html

I pulled out the carbs. and the floats on 2 of them were dry. N°1 (from the left on the picture) was bone dry and N°3 was fairly dry.


Oh, and since I have to get it registered, I have to put the stock gear back on till it's cleared, I can get the other seat prepped and upholstered in the meantime.


Anyways.. that is the update on my yo-yo affair with this bike

Ride safe,
Seb

[rb550four]

Good to see that you are back, I was wondering how you were doing with that machine. Looks good.
 What isn't it doing to make it start, besides the non  fuel flow to 2 carbs?  any other issues?

[Stev-o]

The no-fuel issue could be a wrong float setting.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I like the new aluminum seat choice. 

[Toustic]

Good to see that you are back, I was wondering how you were doing with that machine. Looks good.
 What isn't it doing to make it start, besides the non  fuel flow to 2 carbs?  any other issues?

@rb550four
@Stev-o

I'm very unsure as to why I'm off. Maybe I got the timing wrong on the points, Maybe I'm lacking a spark, and maybe something off with the carbs (the bike was starting before I took them off, and haven't touched them since besides draining the bowls - 8 months). I have replaced my dried up silicon fuel lines for on of these black rubber lines, therefore I'm not too sure it flows right.

I tried to look for a checklist, but not quite sure how to actually verify all this. How can I make sure my Coils/points/plugs setup is sound? I have a multimeter handy in case it can help my case.

How can I troubleshoot this myself...? I'm the proud kind, so I'd like to think I don't have to take the bike to a mechanic to watch it start for the first time. After all the hours and bills I've put in, I want that honor for my own selfish self (well... and Y'alls help of course, but just as rewarding).

@CB750 Cafe Racer Fan - Thank you. I thought it was fitting, tho I'm not completely sold on the shape. May bend and grind here and there to make it a little less "straight."

Trying to sketch color schemes that features the old, but while looking very clean and sleek...


Thanks in advance for your insight.

Best,
Seb

[Toustic]

Alright... So, I was wondering if I was getting a spark at all..

because she really feels like she should start 
So I was looking over all my pictures on my phone and saw that my coils / spark plug order is off. Could that be part of my problem?



I think I have a dead battery too. Been letting it sit too long it looks like... it doesn't take a charge and dies after only a few seconds trying to start... 

Anyways, I'd like to know if It might be it.

[Stev-o]

You need a fully charged battery for spark, 12+ volts. I cannot make out your plug wiring, but one coil goes to #1&4 and the other 2&3.
Confirm you are getting fuel flow out the the tank first, then work your way down.

[seanbarney41]

Alright... So, I was wondering if I was getting a spark at all..

because she really feels like she should start 
So I was looking over all my pictures on my phone and saw that my coils / spark plug order is off. Could that be part of my problem?



I think I have a dead battery too. Been letting it sit too long it looks like... it doesn't take a charge and dies after only a few seconds trying to start... 

Anyways, I'd like to know if It might be it.

looks like you have the rh coil wired to cylinder 3 and 4...it's not gonna start like that.  See Steve-O's post above.

[Tews19]

I really like the seat. Where did you get it?

[Toustic]

I really like the seat. Where did you get it?

For you and those intersted:

http://www.bedlamwerks.com/


So. It appears that my battery was dead the whole time. Thought it was just low on charge, but it doesn't take one. After 36hrs charging, it doesn't go above 12.1V and displays as blinking/empty.

In hopes that's the problem I actually have, I'm gonna try and get my hands on a new battery.

And I'm still having the same issue with the clutch. It slips and won't turn the engine over. The kick doesn't engage and just spins freely.
Anybody has a useful tip in regards to the tightening of the clutch plate bolts?

Also, I'm not getting a neutral switch light.

That's the story of my failing so far.

[Tews19]

Hey Toustic, I was looking at your cam alignment. I recently went through this too. I noticed your cam notch looks to be in the right space but your advancer is showing it on fire. If I recall correctly the members here told me it needs to be on T.... I could be wrong but that's how I aligned mine. I have yet to start mine though.

[Toustic]

Hello,

I'm gonna lose it...

I do feel like my cam timing is spot on, with the notch at 3 o'clock, and on the T.

I got a new battery, all the juice it needs but I'm not getting a spark. I have unscrewed the spark plug, shoved it in the cap, and held the thread against my cylinder head.. I'm not seeing it. I'm assuming that I should see a spark, regardless of timing, and regardless of my points correct?

Since I'm not getting a spark, I'm just wondering where the F*%& I went wrong. I genuinely though I had done it all right.

Those of you who are patient enough to take on this case, thank you in advance.

Best,
Seb

[strynboen]

do you have 12 volt posetiv+ at the coil...vhen the key are turnded on..then it vil kick..vhen you take a small schrevdriver and open the platin ..it kicks vhen it opens....it are a simpel test ..so try to thange the viring at the coil..and do the knicker trix...
it must work..if there are power on the coils...

[seanbarney41]

I got a new battery, all the juice it needs but I'm not getting a spark. I have unscrewed the spark plug, shoved it in the cap, and held the thread against my cylinder head.. I'm not seeing it. I'm assuming that I should see a spark, regardless of timing, and regardless of my points correct?

Since I'm not getting a spark, I'm just wondering where the F*%& I went wrong. I genuinely though I had done it all right.

is your cylinder head covered with a luscious coat of beautiful paint?  find anything that is bare metal and grounded, within reach of your spark plug wire to test for spark

[Stev-o]

 I'm assuming that I should see a spark, regardless of timing, and regardless of my points correct?

Regardless of points?  No.  If your points are bad or not properly gapped, no spark is possible. 

[Tews19]

Plus 1 ^^^^

[Toustic]

 I'm assuming that I should see a spark, regardless of timing, and regardless of my points correct?

Regardless of points?  No.  If your points are bad or not properly gapped, no spark is possible.

Well... That's how you learn 

I didn't check my points... doing that tomorrow. I feel dumb indeed

[Toustic]

Gapped my points at 0.3mm:
http://s1319.photobucket.com/user/Toustic/media/20140622_195335_001_zps0b68fb65.mp4.html

Needed a test light so I got one at my lunch break today (it vaguely resembles this: http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/kennyz1963/2011-03-11_030209_testlight4.jpg)
Also got a multimeter so that I have the bare minimum tools to handle electrical matters.

I have set my coils on 1-4, and 2-3 as they should be (they weren't before  ), wiring looks to be healthy overall. If I'm still not getting a spark tonight, I will do a continuity test to see if there is any bridge in my power supply to the points.

Just to clarify. When I do the test-light test, I should put the clamp on the case, and aim the tip of the tester at the blue or green cable?
I've seen contradicting info, as people seem to question the information from the HAYNES manual. Am I supposed to take either cable off for testing?

In anticipation, I have found instructions from to fellow member TwoTired (big up for your patience my friend), and I will be going through the following steps in order to give you guys legitimate feedback on my power readings.
For those interested in that thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107498.0

___________________________________________

Insert slim paper/cardboard between both point contacts.

Turn the lights off at the bars.

Stop RUN Stop switch set to RUN.

Key switch on.

A) - One probe on battery NEG terminal.  The other probe on the yellow and blue (in turn) connection to the points.  Note readings and report.

Remove paper and carb board.

Rotate the engine crankshaft so that one set of points is closed.
B) - Measure ether yellow or blue connection of the selected points set that is closed.  Note reading and report.
Rotate crankshaft so that the other opposite point set is closed.
C) - Measure ether yellow or blue connection of the selected points set that is closed.  Note reading and report.

D) - Measure the voltage at the battery posts.  Note reading and report.
__________________________________________

I know I'm out of my depth here, but forcing myself to learn this is cause I hate being the guy who says he doesn't know and leave it at that.

Really trying to have it start by doing the tweaking myself... Even if it means forcing you guys to lead the blind.

I appreciate your patience oh so very genuinely.

Best,
S

[Toustic]

Here is my Battery reading. Literally brand new.
Charged it before installing too



Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

[strynboen]

looks a bit low...try to take the one battery vire off. and test one more.think the bike eats some power.??...is the bike, power off vhen you test

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Here is my Battery reading. Literally brand new.
Charged it before installing too



Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Definitely on the low side for a brand new battery, charged up. 

[Maurice]

Not looking good. But FWIW it will kick-start to life with way lower than that. Don't ask me how I know

[vfourfreak]

I was going to suggest someting similar. Leave your battery Negative terminal connected. Disconnect the Red lead from it's (positive) terminal. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF. Set your multimeter to amps and put it in series between the Positive terminal of the battery and the red lead and see if any current is flowing.

best to eliminate any possibility of a short.

Kev