Author Topic: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - Sold  (Read 36481 times)

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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - first rides
« Reply #225 on: March 06, 2018, 03:35:59 PM »
I think so too. I have another set of jets on the way i want to try as it is running a tad rich currently. I hope to reduce the popping on decel.
Points to running lean not rich.
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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 mscuiletti

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - first rides
« Reply #226 on: March 06, 2018, 06:07:21 PM »
I think so too. I have another set of jets on the way i want to try as it is running a tad rich currently. I hope to reduce the popping on decel.
Points to running lean not rich.

I love this forum. Great helpful people. Turns out I had been thinking when the choke lever was down that the butterfly valve closed off airflow. Whoops. Maybe I don't need those jets. When the choke is off/down it runs much better but idles high. Luckily a replacement throttle stop screw will arrive tomorrow. Growing pains.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - first rides
« Reply #227 on: March 06, 2018, 06:20:59 PM »
I think so too. I have another set of jets on the way i want to try as it is running a tad rich currently. I hope to reduce the popping on decel.
Points to running lean not rich.

+1.   Could also be an air leak, check your carb boots.   Also check your plugs, lean is not good for a motor.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - first rides
« Reply #228 on: March 06, 2018, 08:43:55 PM »
When the choke is off/down it runs much better but idles high.
So, you either have the idle set wrong (too high), or you set the carb slides too open when bench synching them. A surging idle would be more emblematic of a vacuum leak.
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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 mscuiletti

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - first rides
« Reply #229 on: March 07, 2018, 04:53:09 AM »
When the choke is off/down it runs much better but idles high.
So, you either have the idle set wrong (too high), or you set the carb slides too open when bench synching them. A surging idle would be more emblematic of a vacuum leak.

I'll spend some time with it with weekend. The boots and O-rings are all new so I would hope it's not a vacuum leak as that does not sound fun to find the culprit. Thanks as always.

Offline mscuiletti

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - first rides
« Reply #230 on: May 21, 2018, 07:41:29 AM »
I have now adjusted the needles three times, and never had it running as well. The choke had to be on to run, and once removed, any throttle would cause the bike to stop running. I went back to the third slot, and quickly realized that the timing was off. I ordered a Dynatek system as I was tired of playing with the points gap. I will get that installed soon and throw in some new plugs again.

That bike is a blast though. I have not had time to post anything because I have been enjoying it!

Offline mscuiletti

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - first rides
« Reply #231 on: May 22, 2018, 02:54:46 PM »
I found the issue. The timing advance was seized. After a good cleaning, installing the Dyna S, and setting the timing, the bike started immediately with no issue. The throttle response is much quicker. I did some other maintenance including replacing a leaking shifter seal (it was self-oiling the chain, and my pants...) as well as tightening the chain. I meant to go for a quick ride around the  block but ended up coming home an hour later. It is a completely different bike. No more popping randomly from the carbs nor exhaust. I'll work on getting a video shortly. Of course, I found countless posts related to this all on this forum, so both only took an afternoon. What an amazing site.





I do want to move the ignition cables off of the frame and hang them like the factory wires, but the factory "hangers" were rusty and too small for the new cable. I will take a look online to see what options are available.

Offline DurangoCB

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - Dynatek installed
« Reply #232 on: May 22, 2018, 03:35:25 PM »
Love it.  Clean and mean.  Nice detective work and I agree- these forums are a wealth of info. 
1971 CB500 Four- current project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170622.0.html
1978 CX500- next in line

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - Dynatek installed
« Reply #233 on: May 22, 2018, 03:56:54 PM »
Hardware store ā€œPā€ clamps that are rubber coated work perfectly for retaining the wires.
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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 mscuiletti

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - Dynatek installed
« Reply #234 on: October 21, 2019, 03:00:40 PM »
It occurred to me after getting a few emails that I should post an update. After riding the CB550 for a season, I sold it and the bike moved north. Since then, I did a couple VERY different projects, including my old trucks. I sold my Range Rover after being stranded three times in a few months, including replacing the transmission and then the motor a month later. Now i have an old Toyota which has been great, especially with the top off in the summer. Then came a basket case YZ450F, then a junk PW50, and finally my current project, a 1970 Yamaha R5. Thanks again for everyone's incredible assistance on this forum. The wealth of knowledge was invaluable.

The '76 550K:



The old Rover and the "new" 4Runner:




The YZ450F:



The PW50 for my nieces:



Finally, the current project, a 1970 Yamaha R5 350:




Offline scunny

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - Sold
« Reply #235 on: October 21, 2019, 03:12:06 PM »
Nice score on the R5.
past-cb100,ts250,cb500,cb500,gs1000,gs650g.phillips traveller
present-CB 650 retro
            VTR1000F3
           XL250S riverbed rocket
           TS250[sold]
           TS185[sold]
           XL125S[sold]
           MT50 (white)
           MT50 (red)[sold]
           KN250/XS400 project
           XR/XL250 bitsa under construction
           SL100[sold]
           XL250R
           pedal(pub bike) leaks oil
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Offline mscuiletti

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Re: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - Sold
« Reply #236 on: October 21, 2019, 07:52:23 PM »
Nice score on the R5.

I've read good things and am excited to ride, weather permitting unfortunately. Any personal experience riding one?