Topic: 1976 CB550F Top end oil leak?

[Texas Ty]

Hey guys, new to the forum.

Bought myself a '76 CB550 Supersport a month or two ago and took it on it's first long(ish) trip back home to see the folks for christmas. About 300 miles each direction. Upon arriving at my destination about a third of the way across Texas, I parked the bike and checked everything out, noticing that I had either burned or leaked about 1/3 a quart of oil during the trip. Compared to what i've read, the bike also seemed to top out at lower speeds than the 550 is supposed to (it would max out around 85mph indicated speed).

Near the top end gasket by the 4th cylinder I noticed a trace amount of oil and am thinking that may be my problem. My question is, how in depth could this be to repair? Piston rings and gaskets I'm confident I could service but a top end rebuild would probably be out of my league.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Ty

[Stev-o]

Hey Ty.....welcome to SOHC. 

As far as max speed, if tuned properly, your 550 should do close to 100. These speedometers are notorious for not being accurate, but often indicate as much as 10% high. 
Check your sprocket sizes, it's possible the PO changed the ratio. 

Minor oil leaks are fairly common on these motors but are relatively easy to fix. It is most likely your cam cover gasket and/or the "pucks", I would replace both. 
Lucky for you, the cover can be pulled with the motor in the frame (not so on the 750).
Look here, part #16.   


http://www.westernhonda.com/fiche_section_detail.asp


Where did you find the bike? I had a '76 550F but sold it a couple years ago to buy my 750. Wish I still had it!

[Texas Ty]

Cool, great point about sprocket sizes. Any recommended gasket sets? I found a few on Ebay and Dime City has a full kit available as well.

I found the bike for sale in Denton, TX. Couple of guys have a small operation restoring old Japanese bikes.

Cheers

[LesterPiglet]

If properly tuned it should do close to 115 more like it, on the clock.

[Stev-o]

Cool, great point about sprocket sizes. Any recommended gasket sets?

The Vesrah gaskets are good quality, heres one...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Top-Gasket-Set-1983-85-cb550-cbx650-vg-1072-/111217401519?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e512deaf&vxp=mtr


Let's get together for a ride once you get it roadworthy, I can show you some fantastic roads out by Lake Travis!

[Texas Ty]

Stev-o,

Thanks for the info. Think ill order a set and hopefully get to work on it in a week or so once work cools down a bit.

Always down for a ride!