Author Topic: Carb swap: added prospects  (Read 4800 times)

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guzzidude

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Carb swap: added prospects
« on: January 28, 2007, 07:08:44 PM »
Hi, i am new here and so this question might have been asked a million times. I tried to search it and nothing specific came up, so here. I have a '76 CB550F. The carbs' upper float bowls looked like the great barrier reef. I don't think they are repairable. I have been looking on ebay and found a few, but some folks are unsure if it's "K" or "F" type. They both look similar that year, so i dunno. I would guess you could swap jets? So, are there any carbs better that can be retro fitted to my 550F other than the K's carbs? Uggh, been one of those weeks. lol , Thanks for any input.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2007, 01:54:43 PM by guzzidude »

Offline csendker

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2007, 08:27:22 PM »
Look here for the 550 carb specs --> http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=5410.msg26534#msg26534

The model number (carb set-up number) is stamped on the flange of the carb.  Ask the seller to look for it to verify which model he has.  Crappy picture, but I circled where the number can be found. (Your carbs should be 069A's).
« Last Edit: January 28, 2007, 08:29:00 PM by csendker »
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2007, 09:12:17 AM »
Yes, the 76 CB550F should have 069A set up carbs.  This will work best with the stock exhaust and airfilter configuration.  If those last two bits are changed, then most likely the internal set up will, too.

And yes, if you swap enough internal parts (more than just jets) you can reconfigure K carbs (022A for example) to work as 069As.

However, following owners will curse you for obscuring the true carb set up.

Cheers,

Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

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guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2007, 12:30:08 PM »
Thanks guys. I also asked the people if there was sinificant crusting and/or corrosion. One fellow said "the white stuff wiped out and there is fuel crust" ,  the other fellow said "there is corrosion in the bowls. should clean up and be good rebuilders." . So I dunno. These are all 550K's that I know of. And the other fellow hasn't taken them apart, so waiting for a reply before I buy. Thanks again. Posted pics in the newbie area.


Added my options so far,

#1  currently about $25, said there was some corrosion, but looked like good rebuilds.
#2  currenlty $35 said the white crust wipred off, looked pretty clean
#3  $99 he doesn't know interior integrity.

I know looking on the outside is rediculous to tell what it is like on the inside, but this is it. Thanks guys
« Last Edit: January 29, 2007, 02:33:16 PM by guzzidude »

Offline WJL75

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2007, 02:06:00 PM »
If they are not F's you will have to buy new jets for each of the carbs...roughly adding $40-60 to your cost.  May be cheaper to find F's.
wjl75

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Offline Lumbee

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2007, 02:14:52 PM »
If they are not F's you will have to buy new jets for each of the carbs...roughly adding $40-60 to your cost.  May be cheaper to find F's.

 ???  crc has press in jets for about 4 bones each...
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guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2007, 02:31:57 PM »
If they are not F's you will have to buy new jets for each of the carbs...roughly adding $40-60 to your cost.  May be cheaper to find F's.

I know #1 and #2 are for sure F's. The third has the  extra fuel tubes which I don't see on the diagrams. I dunno, I may be wrong. 

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2007, 05:37:26 PM »
If #3 guy won't remove the bowls to check them out, avoid him. However they could be the best of the bunch.
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2007, 05:47:02 PM »
If #3 guy won't remove the bowls to check them out, avoid him. However they could be the best of the bunch.

Could be, they are the most expensive, lol. He just doesn't want the hassle i guess.

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2007, 05:49:32 PM »
When these carbs are allowed to have water stand in them for any significant amount of time, the carb bodies corrode where the main jet is captured.  It's the protruding post into the carb bowl.  With enough corrosion, the oring for the jet won't seal and the carb will never function properly.  I have a set where this has happened.  Unfortuneatly, the well drain at the gas cap on this model can plug and fill with rainwater.  As the caps are vented, this allows water to enter the tank and carbs.

White powder is usually aluminum corrosion.  A Light dusting is okay.  But, usually "light" is a different concept between buyer and seller.  Even severe fuel deposits are cleanable, but lost metal to corrosion isn't acceptable.

There is a fuel tube that feeds a T between 1&2 and 3&4 carbs.  Some 550s have a single fuel petcock outlet with an additional T for distribution and other 550s have a dual outlet fuel petcock.

All the carbs you pictured will physically fit onto your bike.  If the seller won't tell you the set up number of the carbs, don't pay over 20 bucks for them.  If you can verify they are for your bike, and pics of the main jet posts show good base metal is present, they should work and you should pay what you can afford.  Be prepared to replace all the rubber bits in the carbs regardless of what you buy.  Honda sells a rebuild kit with all you need for about $18 per carb.

I've never paid more than $40 for a 550 carb bank.  And, about 8 months ago I bought one off eBay for $10 + shipping 'cause no one bid against me.  They were F models, too.

I'd pay $100 for a set of carbs, but they'd better be primo, and me desparate.

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

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guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2007, 07:23:06 PM »
Well, the fellow w/ the #1 F's , said that there are only 2 that are good enough. Crap! The 550K carbs are all over the place for cheap. Huh.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2007, 07:30:48 PM by guzzidude »

guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2007, 07:43:02 PM »
If they are not F's you will have to buy new jets for each of the carbs...roughly adding $40-60 to your cost.  May be cheaper to find F's.

 ???  crc has press in jets for about 4 bones each...

what size jets?

guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2007, 04:46:28 AM »
#1  currently about $25, said there was some corrosion, but looked like good rebuilds.
#2  currenlty $35 said the white crust wipred off, looked pretty clean
#3  $99 he doesn't know interior integrity.

Well, #1 was beyond complete repair
#2 turns out to be a #087A carb.
#3 is stillexpensive @$90

Offline Lumbee

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2007, 06:13:50 AM »
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/misc_carb_parts.htm

...about 1/2 way down...KEIHIN Main Jets (push-in type)
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guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2007, 08:59:54 AM »
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/misc_carb_parts.htm

...about 1/2 way down...KEIHIN Main Jets (push-in type)

So just replace the jets and adjust the float bowls if i swap to the 087A? Size of the jets? Thanks

Offline Lumbee

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2007, 09:04:47 AM »
...I think stock size jets is 100's...anyone?
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Offline Einyodeler

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2007, 06:27:47 PM »
`75 -`77 550F models with the 069A carbs came stock with #38 slow and #98 main jets.
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2007, 06:41:51 PM »
The 069A carbs have #38 slows and #98 mains, a slide needle taper and emulsion tube configuration unique to that setup, and solid tipped Idle air screws with a different needle taper than 087A carbs.

You still haven't told us if your air filter and exhaust are stock, as all the above settings tune the bike to those components.
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

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guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2007, 08:33:38 PM »
The 069A carbs have #38 slows and #98 mains, a slide needle taper and emulsion tube configuration unique to that setup, and solid tipped Idle air screws with a different needle taper than 087A carbs.

You still haven't told us if your air filter and exhaust are stock, as all the above settings tune the bike to those components.

It is all original, Carbs, box, exhaust, everything.

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2007, 10:24:42 PM »
It is all original, Carbs, box, exhaust, everything.

Then I highly recommend you hold out for bona fide 069A carbs and set them to factory specs.

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #20 on: February 02, 2007, 04:29:15 AM »
Thanks guys. Two Tired, you tipped my scale. Thanks!!! I hate the waiting game though.

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #21 on: February 02, 2007, 10:44:22 AM »
What makes you think your present carbs are hopeless to repair/rebuild?
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

guzzidude

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #22 on: February 02, 2007, 05:04:27 PM »
What makes you think your present carbs are hopeless to repair/rebuild?

The one looks like a coral reef, the next is ok, and the last two have the jets JB weld-ed into place. The rest of the carbs looks super. lol. Should I dip in Muriatic Acid?
« Last Edit: February 02, 2007, 05:13:40 PM by guzzidude »

Offline paulages

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #23 on: February 02, 2007, 05:16:04 PM »
the jets in your 069A carbs are probably fine. the bodies are the same on all cb500, and cb550 '74-'76 carbs. it would be easy enough to replace the mains and pilots jets, but i've never seen an aftermarket kit for the F carbs that had the right needle profile. i'd disassemble your carbs, assess the quality of the innards, and go with one of the other carbs banks that is compatible.

there are definitely plenty of previous threads about this. search a little harder, and you'll find some detailed descriptions from Two Tired.
paul
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1976 CB550 (590cc) road racer
1973 CB750K3
1972 NORTON Commando Combat
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Carb swap: added prospects
« Reply #24 on: February 02, 2007, 06:08:04 PM »
The juanty angle of #2s main jet tells me it's carb body is going to need that JB treatment, too.  I'd much prefer to replace those carbs entirely.  Paulages is correct that the jets, slide needle, and emuslion tubes hidden behind the main jets can probably be transferred to similar but good condition carb bodies and be made to work.

There are a couple unknowns about the the carb bodies, though.  One is the size of the air jets at the carb mouth.  These are drilled and I don't know if all the carb setups use the same size.  Specs. are hard to find and I haven't measured all the models to determine consistency.  The other is that the idle air bleed screw is unique to the 069a Carbs. Others may work, but I don't know what setting to use.  And, I don't know if the carb bodies are machined to match the taper angle of the Air Bleed screw, or if, in fact, it matters.

Given the rest of your bike is in stock configuration, I would view it as highly desireable to hunt down 069A carbs to install, just to avoid tinkering with repeated adjustments in custom fitted carbs.  But, if you are confident of your abilities or can tolerate odd throttle behavior at certain settings, go ahead and transfer components into the cheapest carb bodies you can find in good condition.

I do hope the rest of the bike isn't in similar condition to those carbs, though. :o

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.