Author Topic: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.  (Read 3075 times)

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Offline cadyjam

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Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« on: January 22, 2015, 06:10:52 PM »
So here it is. I have a friends 71 cb500k that was bought as a runner/driver. Well short story the carbs were out of wack, leaking fuel, engine bolts missing or wrong, and so on. So I started my check list and found it would be easiest to tear the bike down and start from the ground up. I started with the wiring and found there were way to many "repairs" to use the harness. Luckily I had one laying around from another project. I also started robing other parts and misc. parts from the shelf to replace the missing bolts, hoses, and other rubber. We came across another 72 cb500 to use as parts so we picked it up. Come to find out this "parts bike" was the most complete cb500 I have in the garage so it has now turned into another project (my next daily driver). So with the 71 gauges being different than any of the other bikes in the shop I was unable to replace it being that the trip knob was broken off. I was able to scrounge up another gauge and make two into one. I found the engine was leaking oil at the head so lts begin tear down. Everything cam apart quite nice but come to find a piece of porcelain from a spark plug had made its way into the #3 cyl. Just putting a light scratch in the cyl wall. I had the head sent out and supprise a bent valve. Again I had an extra :D. So head done just need to hone the cyl and install new piston rings. So this is where i am stuck I can not find STD piston rings for this thing!!
Where can a get these? I have looked everywhere.
Anyway I will have pictures up with in a day or two for you guys.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline rb550four

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2015, 08:05:11 PM »
Are you saying that Honda standard, not oversized 500 piston rings are no longer available from Honda?
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2015, 12:40:28 PM »
Are you saying that Honda standard, not oversized 500 piston rings are no longer available from Honda?
I have been digging into it and checked a couple dealers around the area. What I was told was Honda doesn't have STD rings anymore for the CB500.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline rb550four

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2015, 03:18:24 PM »
https://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB500K1-FOUR-1972-USA/
looks like they are here for 28 a piston standard size, there are also up sizes.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2015, 04:03:10 PM »
https://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB500K1-FOUR-1972-USA/
looks like they are here for 28 a piston standard size, there are also up sizes.

Out of stock, rb.

Look here...   http://www.cmsnl.com/cb500-four-k0-general-export_model14652/ring-set-piston_13011323014/#.VMLgpdLF9Bo


And I believe he is right, NLA from Honda,
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline rb550four

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2015, 06:48:59 PM »
Good thing I stocked up last year.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2015, 09:07:18 PM »
I think I may be buying these things up as I have 4 cb500s waiting to be worked on. Limited stock means big $$$ though.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline rb550four

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2015, 11:40:04 AM »
That's what I figured too. If you get enough bikes, you can always justify the parts.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2015, 02:56:51 PM »
I was able to get my hands on 8 sets of rings, thank you ebay. They should be here by we'd so hopefully I will be able to get some time in the next couple of weeks to get the engine together and painted.  Any one have any good hints on getting the old base gasket cleaned off? I have used some gasket remover with little success.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2015, 05:38:20 PM »
So I dont have much for pictures as of yet. But this is what I have so far of the bike and engine
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2015, 05:42:56 PM »
So the last bike is my "parts" bike. It is the most complete cb500 I have and it will be the next project. In the second picture is my 72 cb500 that has a bent frame. I hope to get this taken care of in the next month or so. It is already apart for the 2nd time as well.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #11 on: February 02, 2015, 06:54:53 PM »
So I just got my rings in today. I was sent a free set of rings as well, missing one ring but free non the less. Parts are piling up no just need to get going.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #12 on: February 04, 2015, 04:33:27 PM »
While im waiting for some other parts to come in and my cyl hone. I decided dissemble of the forks to re polish the lowers and put new seals in. Im sure glad I did. Found that the forks had a bunch a build up in them and what seemed to be sand like chunks in the bottom. Im guessing from the 40 year old oil in them breaking down. I had a wonderful time removing the bottom bolt as the internal were spinning but a long 45 deg needle nose helped solve that problem.
on the second pic you can see the build up

I also added a nice pic of the broken top clamp. Found the ears falling off when I removed the forks. Cleaned and painted a spare I had, turned out nicely.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750

Offline calj737

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #13 on: February 04, 2015, 04:54:03 PM »
Common cause of the top clamp breaking is the absence of the washers between the pinch joint. Very important those are obtained and reinstalled. Else, the next one will break also.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline cadyjam

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Re: Getting another Cb500 back on the road.
« Reply #14 on: February 05, 2015, 04:04:34 AM »
I don't recall if the washers were there upon removal but they will defiantly be put back in.
70 ct70- in pieces
72 cb500k
73 cb500k(cbr project)
73 HD XLCH-sold
75 xl125
78 xs750