Topic: 1974 CB550 Valve Cover Issue

[BallAquatics]

Is there a ballpark mileage figure for when I can expect to start having problems adjusting the valves on this bike?  Currently has 23000 and no sign of a problem.

Cheers - Dennis

[BomberMann650]

The 550 rockerbox wear problem depends on the usage more than the mileage.

Quality oil and a gentle right hand will extend the life the rocker shaft bores. 
Redlining it and reticent oil changes, could see conditions deteriorate rather quick like. 

The lowest effort preventative measure discussed has been to squish a few o-rings between the inspection cap holes and the rocker shaft ends.

The Honda solution was to pin a full length rocker arm shaft in place.  The 77 update.  Unfortunately the available rocker arm shaft part from 77 does not fit into the valve covers of previous the generation. 

To secure the multitude of rocker arm shafts in the early model rockerbox would require a bit of time at the milling machine and drill press.

Repairing worn rockerboxes may be more trouble than it's worth.

[BallAquatics]

Thanks BomberMann.  Is the o-ring fix worth the effort, or is it better to just replace with a '77-'78 cover?

Cheers - Dennis

[flatlander]

if your cover is not yet worn, then definitely it's worth the effort. especially because the effort and cost is almost 0.

[BallAquatics]

if your cover is not yet worn, then definitely it's worth the effort. especially because the effort and cost is almost 0.

Is there a thread on here about the o-ring procedure?  Size of o-rings, inspection cap removal, etc?

Thanks again - Dennis

[flatlander]

use the same o-rings as on the end cap, no. 20 in the diagram.
you just take off the end cap itself, insert 4 additional o-rings in the holes where the rocker shafts are, then put the end cap back on. done.

[BallAquatics]

use the same o-rings as on the end cap, no. 20 in the diagram.
you just take off the end cap itself, insert 4 additional o-rings in the holes where the rocker shafts are, then put the end cap back on. done.

Perfect!  Thank you flatlander.  =;-)

Cheers - Dennis

[flatlander]

use the same o-rings as on the end cap, no. 20 in the diagram.
you just take off the end cap itself, insert 4 additional o-rings in the holes where the rocker shafts are, then put the end cap back on. done.

just re-read that and realise it could be misunderstood. you need 4 o-rings total, and put 1 in each hole. not 4 per hole

[BallAquatics]

Okay, so I just broke down and purchased a late model rocker cover.  It looks like the seller removed the nuts on the studs holding the rocker shafts in place.....





Do these have washers under them?  Looking at a parts diagram, it looks like the diagram shows bolts and not nuts and washers???



Dennis

[jakec]

use the same o-rings as on the end cap, no. 20 in the diagram.
you just take off the end cap itself, insert 4 additional o-rings in the holes where the rocker shafts are, then put the end cap back on. done.

just re-read that and realise it could be misunderstood. you need 4 o-rings total, and put 1 in each hole. not 4 per hole

So you're just doubling up all the O rings?

[bryanj]

Wrong parts diagram, you need to look at the one with rockers shafts and arms for the 77 550 or the technical bulletin in the manals section

[BallAquatics]

Wrong parts diagram, you need to look at the one with rockers shafts and arms for the 77 550 or the technical bulletin in the manals section

Thanks Bryan, it was in the bulletin.



Cheers - Dennis

[Erny]

I'm thinking about the same "retrofit" in the future.

There are quite some on ebay etc but I don't know how it should look like to avoid purchasing old version.

Can someone post photo how new improved version of cyl head cover looks like?

[middletons]

A good picture is already posted above (reply #8). The newer rocker cover has 8 bolt holes in the middle section instead of 4.

[BallAquatics]

Can someone post photo how new improved version of cyl head cover looks like?

New style...



Old style...



Cheers - Dennis

[Stev-o]

I'm thinking about the same "retrofit" in the future.

You have a 550?

[Erny]

Yes I have 550K1 model year 1975, built 10/1974. By engine number I shall have old style cover. Engine has never been opened... But I'll check before buying. The point is that I hear ticking noise from top (valves are set correctly), so suspect shaft/cover wear

This one

[bryanj]

Before you comdem the valve cover check the exhaust gaskets as a slight blow sounds exactly like a loose tappet,  believe me i have the tee shirt AND video for that one (not literaly before somebody asks for a copy!)

[Stev-o]

Yes I have 550K1 model year 1975, built 10/1974. By engine number I shall have old style cover. Engine has never been opened... But I'll check before buying. The point is that I hear ticking noise from top (valves are set correctly), so suspect shaft/cover wear

This one

Very nice!