Topic: 76 CB550 engine parts different?

[Doggie]

    While taking apart a CB550 engine, I noticed that the Cover, Cylinder head, was different than on my other engine. Both have (4) bolts in the middle, but the other has (4) more bolts to the outside of the middle (4) that don't seem to do anything.
     Is this a newer model cover? Which one is better? And what is the reason for the change?
                                                 Doug

[jonda500]

I had to ask this question too!- they are in fact cotter pins that the later models had to stop the rocker shafts turning.

[Doggie]

So this is a newer and better model?

                                               Doug

[jonda500]

So this is a newer and better model?

                                               Doug

I believe that is correct. Although I haven't seen any problems with the older design I'm sure honda changed it for a reason!

[DustyRags]

The steel rocker shafts would turn in the aluminum head, and gradually elongate their holes. That led to loose rockers that couldn't be fixed. By pinning the shafts, Honda forced the steel rockers to turn on the steel shafts, and the whole thing lasts much longer.

[Doggie]

So if I wanted to put the best one on, I would use the newer version. Cool... Thanks for all the input. I knew you guys would know, lots of knowledge in this forum.
                                                             Doug