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Author Topic: 1978 CB550K RESTORATION PROJECT...  (Read 1098 times)

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Offline adibiase

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1978 CB550K RESTORATION PROJECT...
« on: September 12, 2015, 03:41:10 PM »
Hello friends! I'm new to the SOHC site and also new to Honda motorcycles. Years back I rode but after a few wrecks I put my bike down, literally as well as figuratively, until now, where the bug has bit me once again.
So I bought a fairly nice '78 CB550K and today started "dealing" with it. It turns over great, very strong.
Compression I  THINK is alright, I did a compression check and 3 cylinders were between 125 - 149 and one cylinder was between 90-100. 
I got rid of the old fuel, cleaned out the gas tank and added just a little fresh gas.
Checked the oil, looked decent. Removed each plug and drizzled just a bit of Marvel Mystery oil into each plug hole, waited about an hour and then tried to start it. It turned over very strong but refused to start.
Held a plug against the block and turned it over, no spark.
Now working to get fire to the plugs.
Any help, suggestions, clues, tips or general info that might help me get this bike running again is appreciated.
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Offline RAFster122s

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Re: 1978 CB550K RESTORATION PROJECT...
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2015, 10:06:18 PM »
The factory manual is on the site, get it and check over the section for points adjustment and replacement.  You are likely to need to clean up or replacement of the points and replace the condensors. Being careful not to ground them or assembly them wrong.  Stay away from the cheap Chinese points and buy a good set of TEC brand points.
Then set the points properly and if it is setup correctly you should be able to get spark.
 Check the connector blocks under the side cover for corrosion and clean up those and that can help.
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David- back in the desert SW!

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 CB550K RESTORATION PROJECT...
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2015, 04:24:22 AM »
first and foremost thing to check is the wiring form the KILL switch to the coils. Theres a BLK/WHT wire that leads to each coil from the headlight bucket harness. This carries 12v power tot he coils with switch set to RUN. Use a meter and probe the connection at the coils (need to remove the tank to do this). If you don't have 12v there, you will have no spark.

IT is very common for the wiring to corrode inside the switch at the handlebar, and for the switch to become faulty over time. Be careful opening the switch as the wires may be brittle and clean the backside of the connectors internally too.
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"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 adibiase

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Re: 1978 CB550K RESTORATION PROJECT...
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2015, 03:19:55 PM »
I just got back in from some work and now can relax and read the posts. Thanks big time for the suggestions, tomorrow I'll start by checking the points as well as the wiring suggestions. I must admit that wiring isn't something I relish but working with these old bikes forces me to jump on in!!!

THANKS and please keep the tips and suggestions coming...

Augie
Knoxville, TN
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