Author Topic: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)  (Read 14331 times)

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Offline b1jackson

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Re: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)
« Reply #50 on: October 02, 2017, 01:35:09 PM »


I rembered this thread from awhile back and looks like I may as well order one for my 400F project.  Starter won't spin so dug into the dirty disentegrated switch. It looks like perhaps some one was in there before as the tiny ball bearing is missing so I'll have to stick one in.




When I jump the center bridge with the terminal to the left it cranks over so my culprit must definitely be the ratty switch.

Offline b1jackson

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Re: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)
« Reply #51 on: October 02, 2017, 04:16:52 PM »
Someone should take point in other countries for a group order to save on shipping.  Wow.  The printer saw Hondaman's thread on shipping to Canada?

Kind of used to being gouged for stuff shipped north of the border!  I just closed my eyes and clicked the mouse. :(

Offline Smudgemo

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Re: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)
« Reply #52 on: October 02, 2017, 05:19:33 PM »
Kind of used to being gouged for stuff shipped north of the border!  I just closed my eyes and clicked the mouse. :(

Bummer.  Hopefully it works on your bike because mine has been working100% since this spring.  I would imagine Honda used the same part for as many bikes as they could justify.  I fixed one with a missing bearing and it was available at Ace for maybe $.25.  Gotta believe any half-decent hardware store will have it.
« Last Edit: October 02, 2017, 05:21:42 PM by Smudgemo »
-Ryan

Thread - How to fix your starter button (for real): http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,163170.0.html

Offline b1jackson

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Re: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)
« Reply #53 on: October 16, 2017, 07:04:19 AM »
Package arrived today.



I think I will keep the large box I paid for via the shipping gouge to keep my precious jewels in.  Or has the price of bubble wrap skyrocketed?

Either way, glad to have the part. :)

Offline Smudgemo

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Re: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)
« Reply #54 on: October 16, 2017, 09:50:00 PM »
Amazon does that sometimes and I just shake my head.  I hope it works out for you because it sure is an easy fix compared to all the alternative fixes I've seen.
-Ryan

Thread - How to fix your starter button (for real): http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,163170.0.html

Offline mattsz

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Re: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)
« Reply #55 on: January 05, 2019, 11:34:09 AM »
Same story, different day.  Ordered the switch body to replace the knackered one on my '77 CB400F.   I didn't bother with pics, as there's plenty just like it in this thread, and the video speaks for itself.

My switch works again - at least it passes all the VOM tests.  I can recommend this thing for the US spec CB400F switch... but take note of my experience: the video makes it look very easy, and it wasn't so easy when I did it - either the 400 switch components and handlebar housing are slightly different (which, to be honest, I doubt), or maybe there was some "error" in the 3D print process that was used to make this switch body, and that maybe the plastic ended up a little too... "thick?"... in all dimensions - if such a thing is possible?  The openings were all just a hair too small, so the little tabs on the switch parts didn't seat easily - although they did eventually.  The start switch button bound slightly in it's u-shaped slot; I had to scrape some of the plastic away until it moved freely. And once I got the parts situated inside the switch body, they flexed it so it ended up being a bit too thick to fit into the handlebar housing.  I ended up using a sharp utility knife blade as a scraper to shave a bit off the sides until it fit easily.  But a minor hassle... if I did it again, I'd test fit the empty shell in the handlebar housing, and maybe hit it with some sandpaper before installing the switch guts.

Still and overall, though, I'd call it a success!  $15 to keep my otherwise original and working handlebar housing intact - a bargain!  4.9 out of 5 stars.

Thanks Smudgemo!

Offline b1jackson

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Re: I Fixed my CB550 Start Switch - For Real (Updated)
« Reply #56 on: February 02, 2019, 08:22:54 AM »
Good to have this report.  I haven't installed mine yet as its a slow mo resto happening.