Topic: CB550 Tracker Orange

[redbaron]

I started with a $150 1976 550K, drag pipes, high bars, pods etc.  Took me 4 years... maybe a few hours a month.  Today was the first of many to come.  I rode for 30 min as a shake down.  The stock air box with a short exhaust pipe...if I change carb needles will it improve performance?  Upgrades include: 550F tank, Hotwings seat, Carpy 4-1, fresh top-end, Dyna S ignition, DOHC coils.  I have some $ in it but its way cooler than my brothers $16,000 1964 Galaxie convertible and a lot more fun to ride.  I have a problem with the starter and/or button which means I kick start for now.  Thanks to all the 'experts" and others for help with tricks, tips, and stuff.  I have another one, a 550F that I will begin soon. 

[calj737]

The stock air box with a short exhaust pipe...if I change carb needles will it improve performance?  Upgrades include: Carpy 4-1, fresh top-end, Dyna S ignition, DOHC coils. I have a problem with the starter and/or button which means I kick start for now.

Typically a 4:1 exhaust wants larger main jets, no change to the needles. The DOHC coils tend to be very low ohm units and that will cause an electrical drain on your charging system. You don't indicate what "performance" problems you're having specifically, so its difficult to provide pertinent advice.

The starter button issue is...? Is it the solenoid? Does the starter motor spin but not catch? Does it simply "click, click, click" when pushed? Is it wired properly?

[Scott S]

 Not a bad looking bike. I believe I'd come up with an extension for the exhaust. I bet it would be happier that way.

[Smudgemo]

I like it.

[redbaron]

Hey Calj, Thanks again for your help over the years.  I am a beginner with electrics.  The coils: I was told the combo of Dyna S with DOHC coils would be the best set up.  Is this wrong? What would be best with the Dyna S? Stock coils?
The Carbs: I had them rebuilt to stock.  Can I replace main jets without pulling carbs off bike?  What size main jets?
The Starter: I don't hear the solenoid clicking when I push start button.  I will check solenoid 1st.  Heard you can "jump" solenoid by placing screwdriver on both terminals.  Is this right?  Thanks again for help. red

[calj737]

The optimum coil s 5.0ohms. You can check yours with a meter or research what they are. Lower ohm coils will work, but they put a strain on the charging system without really adding a great deal of performance improvement. You can add resistors to your setup to increase their ohm rating without swapping them, but see how your bike runs before changing it.

As for the carbs, stock main jets should be 100s give or take. Probably 105s would be plenty, but you next o verify where things are first. Plug chops would be the best approach. Start with an idle chop (fresh clean plugs installed into a warm engine). Let idle for 3 minutes with NO throttle or choke. KILL the motor and pull the plugs and post pictures of them.

Once you have the idle circuits set properly, go for a ride with fresh plugs. Find a place to make a spirited, wide open throttle run in 3-4th gear minimum (choose safety over speed here). Pull in the clutch, kill the engine, coast safely to the roadside. Pull the plugs and post pictures.

Main jets can be changed without pulling the carbs, but with a stock airbox it's not easy. 

If you push START and don't hear the solenoid click, then try a screwdriver across the 2 large poles. MAKE SURE THE BIKE IS IN NEUTRAL and pointed in a safe direction. With the key on, RUN position, try the screwdriver. If that trips the starter motor, then you probably need to turn some attention to the solenoid. It could be a bad push button, wiring, a dirty contact on the back of the starter....

[redbaron]

I did the screwdriver jump and the starter works fine.  The solenoid does not click.  Is there a way to check solenoid?   

[Scott S]

 You just did.
 

[calj737]

Well you certainly want to verify that the solenoid is getting power and a proper ground. Test the 2 thin wires for voltage when the START button is pressed. Also, check the ground wire for continuity to ground with your meter. And, have you tried pulling in the clutch when hitting the START button?