Topic: CB550K Cylinder Head Powder Coating

[Greg90]

Hello everyone. I purchased a ‘78 CB550K a little while back and I’m in the middle of a complete rebuild with it. Right now the entire bike has been disassembled to include the case being split. I intend to get the engine and side covers powder coated black before reassembly but have run into a few questions I need help/ advice on before I move forward with the project.

1) Does powder coating the jugs/ fins retain heat and lead to the engine over heating?
2) In order to powder coat the cylinder head, do you need to remove the valve guides since there is an o-ring on them or can it withstand the heat of the oven?
3) Is it better to use Genuine engine oil seals or OEM. I'm looking at either buying them individually on DSS or getting the package of them from common motor collective which doesn’t specify genuine, OEM or aftermarket.
4) I need a new cam chain tensioner blade. Does anyone have recommendations/ experience using the DSS aftermarket version? If so how has the aftermarket version held up?

Thank you in advance for any and all advice!

[calj737]

Powder coating is fine, it won’t hurt a thing.

I’d prefer to remove the guides, just in case they leech oil during the bake session, but they can certainly withstand the temps.

[Greg90]

Calj737, thank you for the response! I figured the guides themselves would be okay to withstand the heat. I’m just not sure about the rubber o ring around the valve guides. Part #12 in the photo.