Topic: 1978 CB550 Carb Diagram

[Jkstull]

I'm putting a set of carbs from a 1978 CB550. I can't find anything anywhere. I have these carbs completely de-racked and I want to know if you guys have any links, or how-to's on getting them back together. If we cannot find anything, I'd like to ask for pictures on how your choke and throttle assembly work on the bike. I'm going to try and get them back together tonight, but will probably fall short. I'll post photos since I can't find anything to help future enthusiasts in my shoes.

[BomberMann650]

Welcome to sohc4

The parts microfiche is the diagram to use in this instance.
But to use that one needs to know the model of carburetor or year/model of the bike.

Two things to watch for, three actually.  Lots of little springs, ball bearings, and felt rings are involved in the 550/4 carbs.  Hopefully all the parts are there and sorted.

[harisuluv]

Hope this helps

[Jkstull]

Hope this helps

Haris, that helps a ton. Thank you.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

I'm putting a set of carbs from a 1978 CB550. I can't find anything anywhere. I have these carbs completely de-racked and I want to know if you guys have any links, or how-to's on getting them back together. If we cannot find anything, I'd like to ask for pictures on how your choke and throttle assembly work on the bike. I'm going to try and get them back together tonight, but will probably fall short. I'll post photos since I can't find anything to help future enthusiasts in my shoes.

Current status, if anyone cares. If not, please ignore. Bowls have new jets, emulsion tubes, o-rings, and gaskets.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

Welcome to sohc4

The parts microfiche is the diagram to use in this instance.
But to use that one needs to know the model of carburetor or year/model of the bike.

Two things to watch for, three actually.  Lots of little springs, ball bearings, and felt rings are involved in the 550/4 carbs.  Hopefully all the parts are there and sorted.

I don't see any ball bearings, and the parts microfiche? Excuse me I'm a newbie, and don't know what that is. I'm still getting used to the navigation on this site.

I appreciate your help and patience.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

Closer, and closer. I'm at a halt for the night until I get a few questions answered.

1. I'm missing a cap that goes on the end, and another fell out. Any ways to get around these?



2. I'm almost positive these springs go in the needle valves, just not sure where.



3. I've got stripped screws! Anyone know a website that specializes in weird screws like these? Gonna go to some mom and pop hardware stores to start with.



Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BomberMann650]

Oh you've got pd carbs!  A series carbs are different.

[calj737]

Here's the INDEX parts fiche for your bike:
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k-1978-usa_model7222/partslist/

Here's the carb specific page:
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k-1978-usa_model7222/partslist/E++18.html#results

One thing you should know, all the screws on your bike are JIS, not Phillips. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) is a very different shape than Phillips and thats why those screws strip. Get a paper set of drivers with JIS tips and you'll stop having that issue.

Member Harisuluv may have spare screws and parts for your carbs. He's our resident carb/rebuild guru and general parts maven for these beauties.

I'm not suggesting you buy your parts through that site, simply use it as a reference. You can locate the original Honda part number, then Google search it for a domestic source. Or use a domestic Honda dealer to buy authentic Honda parts. Some parts may not be available any longer.

[Deltarider]

I have these carbs completely de-racked

Why? if I may ask.

and I want to know if you guys have any links, or how-to's on getting them back together.

Wasn't it this site where somebody posted a lot of pics showing his disassembly/assembly of your type of carbs? Unfortunately the 'search' is still down, but maybe someone remembers. Before consulting any diagrams, verify what carbs you exactly have. The PD number is found just above the floatbowl (pic). You may want to consult p.4 in the Parts List where the various carbs are listed. http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_parts_list/pdf_spac500-550/CB500-550_K3-K4.pdf On p.33-40 you'll find all diagrams concerning the CB550K3 (p.33-37) and K4 (p.38-40) carbs first hand.

[b52bombardier1]

I will definitely be following this discussion.

Rick

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[calj737]

I have these carbs completely de-racked

Why? if I may ask.

Kind of pointless to ask now, since he already took them apart. 

[b52bombardier1]

My spare set of 627B carbs will soon undergo cleaning. I have been told that the carb bodies will need to be removed from the large, flat bracket but how much of the rest of the rack needs to come apart?

Rick

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

I have these carbs completely de-racked

Why? if I may ask.

and I want to know if you guys have any links, or how-to's on getting them back together.

Wasn't it this site where somebody posted a lot of pics showing his disassembly/assembly of your type of carbs? Unfortunately the 'search' is still down, but maybe someone remembers. Before consulting any diagrams, verify what carbs you exactly have. The PD number is found just above the floatbowl (pic). You may want to consult p.4 in the Parts List where the various carbs are listed. http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_parts_list/pdf_spac500-550/CB500-550_K3-K4.pdf On p.33-40 you'll find all diagrams concerning the CB550K3 (p.33-37) and K4 (p.38-40) carbs first hand.

That's how they were when I got them. I appreciate the search. Thank you.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

Here's the INDEX parts fiche for your bike:
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k-1978-usa_model7222/partslist/

Here's the carb specific page:
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k-1978-usa_model7222/partslist/E++18.html#results

One thing you should know, all the screws on your bike are JIS, not Phillips. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) is a very different shape than Phillips and thats why those screws strip. Get a paper set of drivers with JIS tips and you'll stop having that issue.

Member Harisuluv may have spare screws and parts for your carbs. He's our resident carb/rebuild guru and general parts maven for these beauties.

I'm not suggesting you buy your parts through that site, simply use it as a reference. You can locate the original Honda part number, then Google search it for a domestic source. Or use a domestic Honda dealer to buy authentic Honda parts. Some parts may not be available any longer.

Harisuluv has helped me already. Thank you for the index. I know I should have a set of JIS screws looking into that now. Like I said, I'll try mom and pop screws for the hardware, and if not I'll do a part # search. I appreciate all the help.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Deltarider]

Quote from: Deltarider on Today at 04:59:23 AM

Quote

I have these carbs completely de-racked

Why? if I may ask.


Kind of pointless to ask now, since he already took them apart. 

Pointless is the activity of de-racking the carbs, says not only me but others that have a loooong experience with these bikes, including Honda dealers. You can read it also in practically all manuals. Notwithstanding that there could be something new I could learn from. That's why I always ask politely. But quite frankly I doubt it and so my politely asked question could enhance a warning for all new to these bikes to avoid a lot of unnecessary work.
But aren't you the one that's so clever with electronics or do you simply unbox what you've bought? Maybe you could make yourself useful by answering the question I put elsewhere. For the benefit of all. We count on you.
(5 min. later) O, gosh, too bad. Looks like you've escaped that one.  Dukieduke has answered already.

[Jkstull]

I have these carbs completely de-racked

Why? if I may ask.

and I want to know if you guys have any links, or how-to's on getting them back together.

Wasn't it this site where somebody posted a lot of pics showing his disassembly/assembly of your type of carbs? Unfortunately the 'search' is still down, but maybe someone remembers. Before consulting any diagrams, verify what carbs you exactly have. The PD number is found just above the floatbowl (pic). You may want to consult p.4 in the Parts List where the various carbs are listed. http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_parts_list/pdf_spac500-550/CB500-550_K3-K4.pdf On p.33-40 you'll find all diagrams concerning the CB550K3 (p.33-37) and K4 (p.38-40) carbs first hand.

Thank you again. That diagram showed where the mystery spring went.



Photo for anyone's future reference.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

Quote from: Deltarider on Today at 04:59:23 AM

Quote

I have these carbs completely de-racked

Why? if I may ask.


Kind of pointless to ask now, since he already took them apart. 

Pointless is the activity of de-racking the carbs, says not only me but others that have a loooong experience with these bikes, including Honda dealers. You can read it also in practically all manuals. Notwithstanding that there could be something new I could learn from. That's why I always ask politely. But quite frankly I doubt it and so my politely asked question could enhance a warning for all new to these bikes to avoid a lot of unnecessary work.
But aren't you the one that's so clever with electronics or do you simply unbox what you've bought? Maybe you could make yourself useful by answering the question I put elsewhere. For the benefit of all. We count on you.
(5 min. later) O, gosh, too bad. Looks like you've escaped that one.  Dukieduke has answered already.

Idk if you are being smart with me, or someone else. Or simply being sarcastic. I have the carbs reassembled with the exception of one crusty slide. I will reassemble after work.

Will they work? I won't know for a while, still a lot of work to do.

Will I keep with it? Your damn right I will. If anyone would like to assist in my endeavor, I thank you and will be posting the bikes progress as much as my budget allows me to do so.

Next stop is engine paint, and more assembly if anyone cares, I'm simply posting and asking questions for people like me, who ask stupid questions, and enjoy watching someone else's "ride" through a build no one else wanted to endure. Thanks to all who helped with links. More pictures to come.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

Quote from: Deltarider on Today at 04:59:23 AM

Quote

I have these carbs completely de-racked

Why? if I may ask.


Kind of pointless to ask now, since he already took them apart. 

Pointless is the activity of de-racking the carbs, says not only me but others that have a loooong experience with these bikes, including Honda dealers. You can read it also in practically all manuals. Notwithstanding that there could be something new I could learn from. That's why I always ask politely. But quite frankly I doubt it and so my politely asked question could enhance a warning for all new to these bikes to avoid a lot of unnecessary work.
But aren't you the one that's so clever with electronics or do you simply unbox what you've bought? Maybe you could make yourself useful by answering the question I put elsewhere. For the benefit of all. We count on you.
(5 min. later) O, gosh, too bad. Looks like you've escaped that one.  Dukieduke has answered already.

What question did I escape? Sorry if I'm being ignorant.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Deltarider]

What question did I escape? Sorry if I'm being ignorant.

Sorry, Jkstull, I thought it was clear my reaction was ment towards Calj. Personally I feel sorry the PO left you with the chore to assemble the carbs. Make no mistake; you can be confident I and everybody here is willing to help you. But I will continue to advise others not to de-rack. For now, pay extra attention not to loose those tiny parts. Some are so small that you will hardly detect them in the diagrams if at all. Then this: often an answer in this forum is not only for who started the thread, it's then ment for the benefit of all readers.
Let me add some advice in general. If you acquire a bike, first thing to do, is identify precisely what model you have. The year is irrelevant and often leads to misunderstandings. Three numbers are relevant: enginenumber, framenumber and the stamped on number on the carbs. With that you can go the Italian Honda4Fun site that has all the parts lists and manuals. In the first few pages of every parts list you will find those numbers for you to consult and so verify what model you have, colour codes and all. Even then one sometimes has to go to the pages because there can be differences for various markets ('area code'). Only then you will have the complete overview. Some of us, including myself, did a lot of work to have it all available. Use it. Your Owner's Manual is here: http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/libretti-uso-a-manutenzione scroll down. If you want to have a look at all the 550 parts lists, they're here: http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb550.
The Honda CB500 - CB550 Shop Manual can be found in this here site. Here's the part about your carbs: https://www.classiccycles.org/media//DIR_1653304/DIR_1653404/DIR_1653507/24a1fc97eff08d37ffff8517ffffe41e.pdf Go to p.173
And please dump the Clymers, Haynes and other manuals. They all have errors. In fact even the genuine Honda Manual has some.

[BomberMann650]

I've de-racked carbs.
It was a necessary evil.

[Jkstull]

What question did I escape? Sorry if I'm being ignorant.

Sorry, Jkstull, I thought it was clear my reaction was ment towards Calj. Personally I feel sorry the PO left you with the chore to assemble the carbs. Make no mistake; you can be confident I and everybody here is willing to help you. But I will continue to advise others not to de-rack. For now, pay extra attention not to loose those tiny parts. Some are so small that you will hardly detect them in the diagrams if at all. Then this: often an answer in this forum is not only for who started the thread, it's then ment for the benefit of all readers.
Let me add some advice in general. If you acquire a bike, first thing to do, is identify precisely what model you have. The year is irrelevant and often leads to misunderstandings. Three numbers are relevant: enginenumber, framenumber and the stamped on number on the carbs. With that you can go the Italian Honda4Fun site that has all the parts lists and manuals. In the first few pages of every parts list you will find those numbers for you to consult and so verify what model you have, colour codes and all. Even then one sometimes has to go to the pages because there can be differences for various markets ('area code'). Only then you will have the complete overview. Some of us, including myself, did a lot of work to have it all available. Use it. Your Owner's Manual is here: http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/libretti-uso-a-manutenzione scroll down. If you want to have a look at all the 550 parts lists, they're here: http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb550.
The Honda CB500 - CB550 Shop Manual can be found in this here site. Here's the part about your carbs: https://www.classiccycles.org/media//DIR_1653304/DIR_1653404/DIR_1653507/24a1fc97eff08d37ffff8517ffffe41e.pdf Go to p.173
And please dump the Clymers, Haynes and other manuals. They all have errors. In fact even the genuine Honda Manual has some.

Thank you for all of the information. This helps a lot. I will reference everything correctly from here on out. It really sucks the search is down. I feel most of my soon to be questions have already been answered. I will reference my bike correctly to receive the right info from here on out. Thanks again.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Jkstull]

I've de-racked carbs.
It was a necessary evil.

It was kind of fun putting them back together, but I'm afraid I missed out on something. Won't know until after I get the rest of the bike together though.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[BomberMann650]

I've de-racked carbs.
It was a necessary evil.

It was kind of fun putting them back together, but I'm afraid I missed out on something. Won't know until after I get the rest of the bike together though.

Unfortunately there are too many well-intending motorcycle owners who begin disassembling their bikes with utterly no regard for inventory organization.
One particular basketcase i entertained buying had been literally disassembled with a hammer.  😓

[Jkstull]

I've de-racked carbs.
It was a necessary evil.

It was kind of fun putting them back together, but I'm afraid I missed out on something. Won't know until after I get the rest of the bike together though.

Unfortunately there are too many well-intending motorcycle owners who begin disassembling their bikes with utterly no regard for inventory organization.
One particular basketcase i entertained buying had been literally disassembled with a hammer.  😓

It is ridiculous, what I've seen. My buddy disassembled his, after I told him not to do so. Now I am afraid to help because I don't know a thing about the bike.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk