Topic: Need some insight

[rocco]

Hello,

So I bought a 78' CB550 about a month ago because I've always wanted to restore and learn some mechanics. My plan was to tear the whole thing down piece by piece as a learning experience. So far everything has gone smooth considering it's my first ever attempt. However, I've come to the point of crankcase splitting and I got the Oil pan off and looking inside and everything looks very clean and there is no damage or anything notable. I never took the time to try and figure out why the bike wasn't running in the first place, which was stupid in hindsight. I've got everything else torn down and I plan to go all out of the restore, all work being done myself.
The crankcase however is now making me nervous with all the gears and everything. Is it simpler than it looks? At this point should I go for it? Or am I just asking for headaches splitting it for maybe no reason at all? Or would it be silly not to open it if I'm going to go through the hassle of restoring every other part? Is there a gasket between the top and bottom halves?

I attached a photo looking in, not that it's much use for seeing or explaining anything.

[goldarrow]

Don't do it. 

[Tews19]

I wouldn't tear the engine open. It looks clean from the pic. No noticeable wear on anything.

[DaveBarbier]

If you want to have an idea what's involved, read through my build thread. I needed to replace my tranny and everything went pretty smoothly. But I agree with there being no reason to rip apart yours if there isn't anything wrong with it. Maybe buy a really cheap non runner for the motor and rebuild that and drop it in your frame. Maybe even spend a little on a big bore kit and hotter cam for some hp increase.

[Stev-o]

You've prolly gone further than you've needed to already. 

[b5rider]

I would just check that your connecting rod bearings are tight.  My engine looked great except when we split the cases,  we found 1 connecting rod bearing ready to fail.  If I had the time,  I would've done the same thing you are doing.  Just make sure you enlist some professional help if,  and when,  you need it.