Author Topic: CB550 Starting Woes (Read 2204 times)

gregripko · « **on:** May 05, 2014, 03:20:19 PM »

The bike started amazing for about year but recently I've been getting hit and miss with the starter.... It clicks and and I notice lights dim but does not turn over except on rare occasions (most of the time I kick start because it turns over first kick). Reading online I was able to put key in the ignition to start and using a screwdriver I bridged the solenoid points which caused the bike to fire right up no problem immediately. From this info can you guys help me out? I'm not an electrician by any means. Ty

rb550four · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2014, 03:35:21 PM »

Could be corroded starter button, clean up the contacts a bit and see if that improves the issue.
You could put a tester light on the starter wire to be sure that current is flowing to the other post when you push the button
If it still doesn't turn over and you have current going to the starter , you may need to try a different starter (don't know what parts collection you have) to double check that the starter itself is surely the issue...... removed starter can be spun by hand, you can feel if there is a very tight spot in it, or locked up, that would indicate a problem with the first starter.

gregripko · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2014, 03:47:02 PM »

Ok... Any recommendations for a cleaning contacts?

rb550four · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2014, 06:02:36 PM »

Might as well pick up a test light while you're there too.

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2014, 06:14:25 PM »

Rb550 nailed it, it's your starter button. I have not had good luck repairing them, I usually just replace, not too expensive.

If cleaning fails......

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Honda-CB750-CB550-CB500-Right-Control-Start-Switch-Run-Off-Kill-575-/141271135299?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20e46a7443&vxp=mtr

gregripko · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2014, 06:41:32 PM »

You guys Rock Ty..... I'll give it a go and see how things turn out.... Luckily I can give it a swift kick and it starts up no issues until I resolve it

TwoTired · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2014, 06:45:16 PM »

The US Cb550 line :
1974 CB550 K
1975 CB550 K
1975 CB550 F
1976 CB550 K
1976 CB550 F
1977 CB550 K
1977 CB550 F
1978 Cb550 K

Fs and later Ks used a different start button than the early Ks.
You'll need pretty good prowess to clean the F and late K starter switches.

gregripko · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2014, 06:48:41 PM »

76 550k

Duanob · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 2014, 08:34:53 PM »

Yep I had to replace mine on both my 550s. Found a good used one on EBAY haven't had a miss start since on the K. I had to buy a new one for my F model, it was around $100.

gregripko · « **Reply #9 on:** May 05, 2014, 08:44:35 PM »

Hmmm..... Do I have to get my exact year and model letter?

76 cb550k

Rgconner · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2014, 06:40:59 AM »

Use the kickstarter.

Airborne 82nd · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2014, 07:36:37 AM »

Quote from: rb550four on May 05, 2014, 03:35:21 PM

Could be corroded starter button, clean up the contacts a bit and see if that improves the issue.
You could put a tester light on the starter wire to be sure that current is flowing to the other post when you push the button
If it still doesn't turn over and you have current going to the starter , you may need to try a different starter (don't know what parts collection you have) to double check that the starter itself is surely the issue...... removed starter can be spun by hand, you can feel if there is a very tight spot in it, or locked up, that would indicate a problem with the first starter.

Quote from OP " Reading online I was able to put key in the ignition to start and using a screwdriver I bridged the solenoid points which caused the bike to fire right up no problem immediately."
Wouldn't this mean the starter is OK?

gregripko · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2014, 09:48:57 AM »

I've seen aftermarket starter switch/buttons on these bikes but I'm guessing they're a lot more expensive than just picking up a used one....

gregripko · « **Reply #13 on:** May 08, 2014, 11:59:15 AM »

Cb550 Starter Button After Contact Cleaner

I sprayed contact cleaner in the starter button switch area to clean out the crud that had accumulated and it seems to be doing ok now.

Stev-o · « **Reply #14 on:** May 08, 2014, 03:46:26 PM »

Quote from: Airborne 82nd on May 06, 2014, 07:36:37 AM

Quote from: rb550four on May 05, 2014, 03:35:21 PM
Could be corroded starter button, clean up the contacts a bit and see if that improves the issue.
You could put a tester light on the starter wire to be sure that current is flowing to the other post when you push the button
If it still doesn't turn over and you have current going to the starter , you may need to try a different starter (don't know what parts collection you have) to double check that the starter itself is surely the issue...... removed starter can be spun by hand, you can feel if there is a very tight spot in it, or locked up, that would indicate a problem with the first starter.

Quote from OP " Reading online I was able to put key in the ignition to start and using a screwdriver I bridged the solenoid points which caused the bike to fire right up no problem immediately."

Wouldn't this mean the starter is OK?

Yes

Vinhead1957 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 08, 2014, 04:43:51 PM »

What it also means is the starter solenoid many be bad or the starter button circuit.

Vinhead1957 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 08, 2014, 04:49:35 PM »

I also have had a bad connection in the headlight bucket the red/green wire feeds the 12v to the button circuit

gregripko · « **Reply #17 on:** May 08, 2014, 05:51:25 PM »

Did you see the video I posted? It's starting fine now....in fact this morning I fired it up and it started up faster than it ever has

RodPlunger · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2014, 11:29:03 PM »

What's up with the delay in your rpm being shown? In the video?

gregripko · « **Reply #19 on:** May 08, 2014, 11:39:01 PM »

Eh I've never really noticed because after startup it functions perfect.... Has a tiny delay but maybe it has to register? Kinda like when you check your pulse.... You can get a more accurate reading with time elapsing. I may be wrong but that sounds like a good explanation. I started bike up tonight to ride home and it fired up like a champ. Whatever it was is now resolved after using electric contact cleaner

Stev-o · « **Reply #20 on:** May 09, 2014, 04:55:49 AM »

Quote from: RodPlunger on May 08, 2014, 11:29:03 PM

What's up with the delay in your rpm being shown? In the video?

That does look odd. May want to lube your cable.

gregripko · « **Reply #21 on:** July 18, 2014, 08:01:19 PM »

Ok so this is where I'm at:

Cb550 only starts if I pull clutch or kick
Bike also starts when I bridge solenoid with screwdriver

Any ideas?

Stev-o · « **Reply #22 on:** July 19, 2014, 09:25:12 AM »

Quote from: gregripko on July 18, 2014, 08:01:19 PM

Ok so this is where I'm at:

Cb550 only starts if I pull clutch or kick
Bike also starts when I bridge solenoid with screwdriver

Any ideas?

Bad starter switch on right control is my guess. Very common issue, I just ordered a new control from Partzilla for my 550F.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-35130-377-P00.html

gregripko · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2014, 09:54:44 AM »

Why does the starter button work with clutch pull?

gregripko · « **Reply #24 on:** July 19, 2014, 03:19:06 PM »

Is the clutch grounding what the starter switch normally grounds? Just trying to understand what's going on from an electrical standpoint

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Author Topic: CB550 Starting Woes (Read 2204 times)