Topic: Engine out of frame what would you do with it?

[frogman79]

75 Honda cb550f

Ok I do apologize if this has been asked before, on mobile and staring at the engine in the garage wondering wtf the next step is. Odometer says 25k, not 100% sure this is the original engine based on numbers. Frame says cb550f 100xxxx engine says cb550E 110xxx. Either way, cam chain tensioner, charging system, head gasket, etc.

Engine ran well when I parked it years ago good compression, is it worth replacing the head gasket as it does seep, have no idea about the tensioner not opened the engine yet. Just figuring out what parts I need to order.

Thanks

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[bryanj]

You wont know what it needs until you open it, Far better to strip it, make a list and then order.

[DaveBarbier]

If I had other bikes to ride I’d  plan on doing a top end refresh. Gaskets, sealing pucks and o-rings, valve lap, rings, cylinder hone. If other parts look worn I’d replace them. Tensioners are hard to find so I would hope it’s not trash. A new cam chain means splitting the cases. I wouldn’t do that unless I felt I needed to.

If this was my only bike I would put it in a frame and ride it as is. Assess oil leaks/weeps as they happen. Top end work can be done in frame in a 550. If it weeps as you say then I might just wrap a cotton cord around the head gasket fin area and keep riding until my shoes get oil on them. Then do the first paragraph.

25k miles isn’t crazy, these motors are built strong.

[DaveBarbier]

The serial numbers don’t normally match each other. That could very well be the original engine.

[low-side]

I'd do the head gasket while the engine is already out.  Seeping can turn into worse leaks pretty quickly.

[bryanj]

Its a 550 so top end will come off in frame anyway.
Strip top end and if it looks abused by PO it takes an extra couple hours to split bottom change cam and primary chains plus damper rubbers and get back to where you were.

[DaveBarbier]

Disagree with splitting cases Unless you remove the oil pan and see damage or a lot of metallic sludge that has copper colors in it indicating bearings. Put miles on it first and only go as deep into the engine as you need. I feel people crack these motors open too often for no reason.

[bryanj]

I said split it if it looks like the PO  abused it, i have had these motors where the primary chain is so bad its hitting the main oil gallery when only 25000 on the clock. Harsh acceleration and hard braking usually go along with neglect of service items and things wear out quicker.

[DaveBarbier]

I said split it if it looks like the PO  abused it, i have had these motors where the primary chain is so bad its hitting the main oil gallery when only 25000 on the clock. Harsh acceleration and hard braking usually go along with neglect of service items and things wear out quicker.

Yeah every motor is different. I still think running and assessing is the way to go. Many ways to go about it. Happy Easter