Author Topic: Piston Ring question for cb550  (Read 517 times)

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Offline arncruz

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  • 1977 cb550
Piston Ring question for cb550
« on: May 09, 2014, 11:06:18 PM »
I am trying to decide what set of piston rings to get for my original pistons.  The cylinders are original and not re-bored.  David Silvers Spares website sells two sets:
CB550F SUPER SPORT 1977 USA
Piston ring set for one piston, 0.50mm over size
$25.49
OEM Replacement

And


CB550F SUPER SPORT 1977 USA
Piston ring set for one piston, Standard size
$22.40
OEM Replacement

Both are claiming OEM replacement.  Which one would you guys recommend.  There's a $3 difference.  I'm not sure what the 0.50 mm oversize means.
My Stable
1969 CB750 #6xx
1969 CB750 #20xx
1969 CB750 #27xx
1969 CB750 #43xx survivor
1969 CB750 #12xxx
1970 CB750 K0 survivor
2014 MVP Agusta 675 F3

Offline dave500

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Re: Piston Ring question for cb550
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2014, 11:59:17 PM »
you need the standard size! .25 is 1/4mm larger .50 is 1/2mm larger etc,that requires the bores to be rebored over size by that amount and new pistons aswell,you can get away with murder in these engines if the bore is in spec,new rings will need the bore honed,this takes off that shiney glaze and leaves it somewhat scratched looking,those scratches hold oil as the new rings grind(for want of a better word,like bed in?) into the fresh surface and create a good seal,be sure to clean the pistons well,by hand run a 1mm drill bit through the oiling holes and get any and all carbon out of the ring grooves,you can snap an old ring and grind it to make a scraping tool for those grooves.
« Last Edit: May 10, 2014, 12:05:15 AM by dave500 »

Offline arncruz

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  • 1977 cb550
Re: Piston Ring question for cb550
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2014, 08:00:26 AM »
Thanks Dave.  I will do what you recommend. Do you have any recommendations on where to buy the standard piston rings?
My Stable
1969 CB750 #6xx
1969 CB750 #20xx
1969 CB750 #27xx
1969 CB750 #43xx survivor
1969 CB750 #12xxx
1970 CB750 K0 survivor
2014 MVP Agusta 675 F3