Topic: Valve guide for 1976 honda CB550

[Spiderbath]

I was cleaning the valves on the head and one of my valves was bent. While trying to removing it the valve guide snapped off at the tip where the rubber seal attaches. I've read I can throw the head in the oven and heat it up to remove the guide, but I can't find a guide to buy for it anywhere. Would it be easier to take it to a shop and/or cheaper? I know there are special tools I'll need to remove it as well.

[calj737]

You might reach out to Mike Rieck (mrieck) and see if he has any stock guides that are useable. Else, you'll have to buy a single guide and have it installed.

[Dunk]

Not sure if a 550 is the same as a 750 but for my 750 I used:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/K-Line-KL2993-6-6mm-Air-Guide-Driver-/121305840222

Hone PN# 07984-ZE2000D valve guide reamer

http://www.ebay.com/itm/APE-High-Performance-Bronze-Valve-Guides-VGH750-Honda-CB750-Motorcycle-Parts-/171724682246?hash=item27fb96b406&vxp=mtr

http://www.cylinderheadsupply.com/neway-valve-seat-cutters.html

Removing the old guides was easy. Clean all carbon off the side in the port, must be clean to not score the hole the guide is pressed into. Heat head (but not guide), remove guide with guide driver on air chisel. Clean hole with a soft brush, don't open up the ID. Install is more or less reverse. Heat the head, freezing the guides can help, install with tool. I go as gently as I can on the chisel so as not to damage the head on removal or deform the new guide on install. You need to ream the new guide after install to correct any distortion and check valve to guide clearance and ream as required to achieve correct clearance. Then cut your valve seats and lap valves. Seats must always be cut after new guides as it will change the seat location slightly.

[Duanob]

Sounds like a PO didn't install the cam cover correctly. I had that happen to two valves and guides both on the exhaust side. I got lucky and found a member selling a decent set of guides and valves for $50.

[Spiderbath]

Yeah, just talked to a guy that does valve work and he suggested replacing all the guides, pretty pricy. I don't have all the equipment needed to do a job like that myself. I'm just working out of my basement and this is my first rebuild project. I found another head on ebay that's the same year and model, it includes the valves, springs and everything is in good condition. I think I'll just go that route for now. I'm just egger to get on the road.