Topic: 1973 Honda CB550 Rocker Arm tappets hitting Tappet Cover Problem! Help!!!!

[kaptainkid1]

Ok it seems I have a problem with a 1974 Honda CB550 Rocker arm inlet tappets hitting my cam Covers on Piston 1 and 4 are hitting the Valve cover caps. I've been reading this a typical problem for CB550 and CB500 I haven't heard what the solution was fixing this problem. I'm guessing I would need to rebuild the rocker arm?
Can anyone point me to the solution to this problem? Also, I have 1975 CB750 and wanted to know if this problem is common on other CB's series and years. What's the cost to fix this problem? What's the easy way and about to fix this issue on the cheap? Is it something I could fix on my own? I'm pretty handy but I rather not work on the problem like this if I need special tools.

Also, the bike has about 26k and seems the bike has never been worked on except for oil changes and maybe regular maintenance.


Thanks,

Kap-

[TwoTired]

The complete cure usually entails a Cam and cylinder cover assyembly from a 77 or 78 Model CB550.

There have been discussions of using installing set screws to reposition the rocker shafts, correcting the geometry.  But, usually the cam is worn out of spec as well as the cam followers.  I haven't been able to get into the shop to give the set screws a try.

You could check out Honda S/B 500/550 #8.

Cheers,

[dave500]

this is whats happening,a tiny amount might be ok but yours sounds like an extreme case?

[kaptainkid1]

Can i change the cam rocker cover without taking the engine out? I found a 1978 cam rocker and im just going to replace it with a good one. Thanks.

[flatlander]

yes, it just lifts off.
when installing the new cover, back off the tappet adjust screws and make sure they don't bind on the valve stems, either with your fingers or keeping them back with rubber bands.

[TwoTired]

Yes cylinder cover and cam can be replaced with engine in bike.

Do heed the Shop manual warning, though.

[kaptainkid1]

Why would 1977 and 1978 rocker cams be better than the earlier years? Can anyone explain the difference? Photos would be awesome.

[dave500]

the rocker shafts are locked so they don't spin in the cover which wears them out like yours has.

[kaptainkid1]

Thanks...

[kaptainkid1]

I found a 1978 Honda CB550 Rocker cams and cover. I bought it on Ebay and it's from a questionable source. Can anyone explain the difference between the improved 1977-1978 Honda CB550 Rocker Cam cover and what to look for? I opened up my 1974 honda CB550 right and left side cover mount to exposed the rocker shaft rod and I could see in 1 and 4 inlet shaft rod were very loose and saw the gap everyone is talking about.  I did a valve adjustment and aligned the rocker shaft rods so it would hold the rocker cams inline. It seems if you push the rocker shaft in. It would fall out of alignment and expose the gap. So there is no fix to align these gap issues?? If you can post a picture of the improved Rocker Cam difference that would be awesome.

Thanks,

Kap-

[TwoTired]

If you look at the pdf I posted earlier, the drawings will show the features of the new style cover.

Cheers,

[kaptainkid1]

cool thanks...
I hope I got the right parts when it shows up.

[dave500]

yeah theres quite a few posts on this subject over the years,and all the fixes,which is hope yours aint worn too bad or get the later cam cover.