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Offline b1jackson

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Rescued a 550
« on: April 23, 2016, 06:56:29 AM »
Hey guys and gals,

Brought home a 77 550k the other day.  Typical story of a bike that has sat for quite a while but indoors.  Previous owner did some "mods" that I am not too thrilled about:
- flat black crappy paint job in tank and side covers
- half arsed paint on frame and engine.

For now, I have to do a compression test and see where I am starting from.  Seat pan is pretty rusty and mushy.  Bike is complete though.  Fork seals toast.

This looks like and active and informative forum.  Glad to be a member!
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Offline CycleRanger

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2016, 10:51:24 AM »
Howdy! Welcome!  :)

Got any pix? We love to look at pix of rusty bikes!  ;D
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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2016, 11:00:50 AM »
Welcome to the forum
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2016, 11:25:59 AM »
Welcome from TX.  550's are a fun bike....
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline b1jackson

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2016, 01:41:07 PM »
I haven't done a photo shoot yet. I have spark and 120 lbs compression in 2 out of 4 cylinders.  Going out to test the other two tonight.  Carbs have been drained and the gas does not smell that stale.  There is actually a bluish tint to what came out so I wonder if it was stored with a little pre-mix?
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Offline rickmoore24

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2016, 02:01:46 PM »
Welcome!! I'd like a 550 in my life someday too.  :)
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Offline b1jackson

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2016, 03:42:26 PM »
Well that seemed just too easy.  Fired right up and ran great.  No carb drips or stumbles.  I may just run some sea foam through it and plan what I am going to do with it.
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Offline calj737

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2016, 02:18:28 AM »
Your compression may come up with some running time. Not unusual for them to be low after sitting and cold for extended periods of time. In addition to SeaFoam, you can also drizzle a bit of Marvel Mystery oil into the spark plug holes (do it after the motor is hot) and let it soak for a couple of days. This can help lubricate and dissolve any accumulated debris on the rings. Then ride it for a good little bit until the smoke clears from the exhaust and re-test your compression if you're interested.
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'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
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Offline b1jackson

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Re: Rescued a 550
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2016, 05:03:55 PM »
Well a dose of pretty strong seafoam seemed to work good.  Lots of smoke anyway.  Run about 1/2 liter of gas to 1/4 can of sea foam.  Then the last slug was pretty much full strength sea foam till she stalled.  Let it sit for a few minutes then drained the carb bowls.
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