Author Topic: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start  (Read 4476 times)

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Offline Can550

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1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« on: April 15, 2017, 07:05:44 PM »
I have had few random posts on the forums and got an amazing response. During the process I noticed that it was not proper recording and working way. So here I go to start afresh and build the bike with proper record. I take the opportunity to thank every member for valuable input.

I found one decent looking 76 CB550K with about 33k miles on eBay. PO had noted that it does not run and had been sitting in garage for about 12-15 years. Engine still turns over and comes with Vetter complete fairings.

I spoke with him and he did not seem to know what the problem was and guessed it was some valve related problem since bike back then was ridden past due maintenance of valves adjustment. Following are photos of bike as advertised on eBay.

When I got the bike here, had several inputs from local mechanics including cam tensioner adjuster gone bad to simple tune up requiring. Nevertheless, I removed the top and found the disaster sitting there.

Camshaft collar/ ear was cracked, one the studs came loose, came out and hitting the surrounding, broke in half and was quietly sitting there to be picked up. I was happy that it had not made its way down. Looking at the top (from inside) some of the rockers are somewhat scratched and rods/ pins are bent.

Today I got a used but appears to be clean camshaft, top cover, sprocket and rockers with rods/ pins from a 1978 CB550. I am looking at replacing and have concern for doing this job since I have never done anything like this before. Questions are;

1. 1978 Camshaft, sprocket, rockers and cover are compatible with my 1976 CB550 ?
2. Since my rocker pins/ rods seem to be little bent, does it mean that I have bent/ bad valves? How do I find out, or simply replace the part and try to fire her up?

Appreciate all input.

« Last Edit: April 15, 2017, 08:26:00 PM by Can550 »

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2017, 07:30:33 PM »
Parts are compatible and interchangeable.

You can't know about the valves being bent without removing the head, pulling the valves and measuring their runout.

You can perform a leakdown and compression test after you install the cam and new rockers. If the engine is leaking through the head, likely some valve damage or the guides, or just in need of having the seats re-cut. With 33k miles. A refresh of the top end might be in order given the condition you found it in. But get it running and diagnose it afterwards.
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Offline MRieck

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2017, 06:24:49 AM »
I would pull that head
Owner of the "Million Dollar CB"

Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2017, 02:11:37 PM »
So finally managed to put the camshaft, sprocket and chain. It was not the easiest thing but once got the understanding of cam tensioner screw/bolt, it got very easy. I haven't tightened the sprocket bolts to specs torque, tightened them to snug ( will do so later). Following are the pictures that I wanted to know from you guys if it's timed right.




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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2017, 02:19:49 PM »
Yep
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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2017, 02:23:08 PM »
Thanks Calj737
Next is to put rocker arms and rods/ pins in to new cover. I had cracked tach gear cover when screw stripped, will use the same for test purpose, meantime keeping an eye for a good used one.


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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2017, 06:03:04 PM »
I'm installing a 1978 cam cover on my 76. Would like to know if anyone can post bolts tightening torque and pattern to follow
Thanks


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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2017, 04:04:58 AM »
Torque pattern is in the manual. Follow it closely. Torque value is 8Ft/lbs, and NOT A POUND MORE.
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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2017, 07:09:01 AM »
Camshaft, sprocket and chain are in. Kick rolled engine few times to see proper movement and it seems fine except I don't see any oil on lobs over cylinder 4. All other lobs are showing oil on them. Anything wrong with it ?




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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2017, 11:53:11 AM »
Torque pattern is in the manual. Follow it closely. Torque value is 8Ft/lbs, and NOT A POUND MORE.
Thanks
My wrench has only inch/ lbs
It would be 96"/lbs ?



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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2017, 02:25:13 PM »
Torque pattern is in the manual. Follow it closely. Torque value is 8Ft/lbs, and NOT A POUND MORE.
Thanks
My wrench has only inch/ lbs
It would be 96"/lbs ?



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As long as 8x12=96 where you live  :-\
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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #11 on: April 21, 2017, 08:22:54 PM »
Thanks
Ontario


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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2017, 08:24:51 PM »
Thanks
Ontario
I know, I was being facetious.
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Offline Can550

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1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2017, 09:26:18 PM »
After putting the cam cover on to torque, filled some gas through two disconnected fuel lines (since tank is off), put charged battery, new plugs, adjusted valves, choke ON, kick start attempted over 10-15 times but no luck.

I have not conducted any compression or leak down tests. Got compression tester but haven't been able to find a size 12 adapter.

What could be done to see why it is not starting?

Is there a way to fire her without cleaning carbs ?

I would love ke to get carbs rebuilt once it fires up, tank is cleaned,

I have done some search to see a step by step guide to start it but haven't come across a comprehensive post.

What sort of kick resistance I shall feel 1-10 ?

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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #14 on: April 22, 2017, 03:30:25 AM »
What happens exactly? Does it try to fire, but not catch? Pull a plug, thumb over the plug hole, hit the START button. Is there sufficient pressure to blow your thumb off? If so, repeat on all remaining cylinders.

When you pull that plug, examine it. Is it wet, sooty, clean as a whistle...? Post a picture showing the insulator.
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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #15 on: April 22, 2017, 08:51:12 AM »
No it does not attempt to fire. My battery is not acting right (though brand new Diehard 12A-A), struggles to crank and after 2-3 attempts dies. Therefore keeping battery for spark and trying to start with kick. Keeping thumb and noticing compression may be possible only with self start?

Had installed brand new (correct) plugs. Don't see anything on plugs, don't even smell gas.

I checked inserting a flat screwdriver on points, it gives spark when short circuited.

Just to note, tank and AirPods are off the bike


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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #16 on: April 22, 2017, 04:18:58 PM »
You had better drop the oil pan and investigate what might be further, near catastrophic damage with that motor. Depending upon what you discover, you might pull the head too.
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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #17 on: April 23, 2017, 08:13:40 AM »
I am going to (ultimately) drop the oil pan and replace filter but thought of trying to see if she fires up.

Fed some fuel in to fuel lines and it seemed it tried to fire up.

I have Diehard A12-A brand new battery but doesnt give decent crank and on second or third attempt only ticks solenoid. ground connections to frame was cleaned. When push the start button, third attempt even the neutral lights goes dim


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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #18 on: April 23, 2017, 01:18:18 PM »
Try the kick starter.
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Offline Can550

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1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #19 on: April 23, 2017, 03:03:18 PM »
Have been doing that with no luck so far
Spark is there
I smelled gas on spark plugs
(Didn't do compression test) but when kicked, I hear compression release



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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #20 on: April 25, 2017, 06:45:02 PM »
I feel I'm making progress on many other fronts except getting her to fire up ;(

As mentioned before, I thought my battery was bad, so earlier yesterday I tried jump starting from car and it was more ore less same behaviour of starter motor. Same hesitation perhaps a bit lesser though. Oh and dash lights dim down when starter starts to struggle??

So pulled out starter motor and opened it.

Lots of carbon dust plus some white crystal/ salt like stuff. Cleaned it with CRC electrical cleaner, polished copper contact area with 1000 grit paper. Brushes seem fine plus I couldn't get replacement. Lubed bearings area a drop of engine oil and put it back. Runs better but still some random grinding sound.

Magnetic area has some scratches though ? Not sure how ? Nevertheless I thought since it is a momentary usage part, may serve the purpose till I find a complete good condition starter motor.

While there, I managed to remove/ clean 30+ years of gunk, grime and oil etc. Was. Wry dirty.

Would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions on starter motor.




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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #21 on: April 25, 2017, 06:57:39 PM »
You had better drop the oil pan and investigate what might be further, near catastrophic damage with that motor. Depending upon what you discover, you might pull the head too.

Finally I dropped down oil pan. I had to remove pipes in order to reach bolts on right side.

Oil was pretty decent and not thick or black. No surprises found in there except a bit of aluminium shaving from cam cover (sprocket bolt coming loose and hitting the cover before it broke). A tiny hard plastic black colour piece and very fine metal dust (not much). Strainer was very clean.

Cleaned oil pan and strainer with perhaps 15-20 years old gas (drained from tank in a container to dispose), worked well :)

Will put it back on tomorrow and fill 2.75 ltrs of Castro SAE 10-40 oil.

Should I change the filter as well ? I'm putting this oil in for working on till it fires up then shall replace all fluids and filters etc.

By the way on drain bolt, there was no washer at all is it normal ? I'm used to an O ring on my Harley and a copper washer on a Honda CD200. Should I add a copper washer or only drain bolt as it came out? Don't know why tip of bolt is brass ?


Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #22 on: April 25, 2017, 07:01:44 PM »
Forgot about exhaust pipes.
No copper ring gaskets came out unless they are stuck in there? If so, can I try to pry them out with flat screw driver ? I'll have to put new ones or reuse the old ones (if they are there and come out in one piece)




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Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #23 on: April 26, 2017, 03:44:09 AM »
That hard plastic part in your oil pan, thats probably pieces of the cam chain tensioner. Thats a BAD SIGN.

Remind us, with the bike in NEUTRAL, does the motor rotate freely with the kick starter? Have you adjusted the cam chain tension? Did it adjust?
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Offline Can550

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Re: 1976 CB550K "Fried intake Valves" project start
« Reply #24 on: April 26, 2017, 05:01:16 AM »
Yes motor rotates freely and tensioner adjusted fine (at TDC unlock locking nut and screw moved a bit then I tightened the locking nut).


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