Author Topic: New from Boston  (Read 542 times)

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Offline Bopidah

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New from Boston
« on: October 24, 2016, 12:25:37 PM »
New here from the Boston area. Just picked up a '78 550 that was in fair condition. This will be my first CB and bike of this age so I'm hoping i haven't get myself in over my head.  Rough running with a hanging idle so I'm into the carbs at this point not knowing a thing about carbs but there seems to be a lot of info here. Hopefully I can get this in decent running order by spring. Hope to learn lots here and maybe just possibly have something to contribute. Pics to follow
Elliot

Offline calj737

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Re: New from Boston
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2016, 05:47:20 AM »
Welcome. First order of business is to NOT buy and use aftermarket rebuild kits. Stick with the stock brass. Gaskets and O-rings can be replaced as needed, but just about anything else is better stock and reusable.

Rough running is likely attributed to carbs needing a full clean. There's small pilot circuits that need to be cleared, fuel lines and tank filters that must be clean, and a good, full tune up. The hanging idle is likely down to a vacuum leak either in the rubber carb boots (between manifolds and/or air box). With the bike idling, spray some aerosol around the carbs, the manifolds, boot clamps etc and listen for an RPM change. This usually helps you pinpoint the source of the air leaks.

You can pull down a factory manual off this site to help guide you thru performing the renowned 3k Mile Service interval.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"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 Bopidah

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Re: New from Boston
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2016, 01:50:12 PM »
Thanks! Carbs are apart now, the previous owner told me he cleaned the carbs but 1/4" of crust in the bottom of the bowl says otherwise I think. I have some new boots on order and am hoping between the two i can get on the road... Unlikelu, I know...but my finders are crossed.