Author Topic: CB Wiring Questions  (Read 667 times)

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Offline L5wolvesf

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CB Wiring Questions
« on: September 14, 2020, 01:31:43 PM »
Hi all, these are questions regarding my CB550K (1975) engine, Wards frame project
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180747.0.html

As I won’t be able, and don’t want, to use the Wards frame wiring I am going to go with wiring from a Honda CB. So my first question is how restricted am I to using a CB550K wiring harness? One reason I ask is there is a 1975 CB750K wiring harness currently available. I know the part numbers are somewhat different between the ’75 750 and 550, but are they close.

Also, how much interchange is there between other CB electrical components like voltage regulators, starters, ignition components, indicator lights, etc?

Is Honda’s wiring holding up well after 40 plus years?

Thank you
1978 CB750
Wards/Honda CB550 (project)

Offline Bodi

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Re: CB Wiring Questions
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2020, 02:36:31 PM »
The wiring harness should work, some minor changes may be needed. The engine plug might be different for example.
All electrical parts for a SOHC4 bike will work OK. Mounting the regulator, rectifier, flasher, safety diode/module, and solenoid may be a challenge.
I think the 500/550 use sliprings to power the alternator rotor rather than using the passive induced field rotor on other models, and the sliprings need maintenance plus these rotors do fail.
All the coils look the same but the GL ones are a lower resistance and should not be used for the others. You want 5 Ohm coils, DC resistance should be around 4.5 Ohms.
The starters are model specific because the drive differs, but any 500/550 one should work.
The wiring itself is, in my experience, basically good after 40+ years - unless butchered by some PO. If the harness has rubbed and chafed, check that no wires have their insulation damaged.
I have not seen it yet in Honda harnesses, but some 60s & 70s wires get insulation degradation that weeps a corrosive chemical from the decomposing plasticizer. If you see green slime/goo coming out of a wire end (by a terminal) the wire must be replaced: this chemical corrodes and destroys the copper conductors.
The bullet connectors are susceptible to damage though: if the wire or plastic sleeve is burnt dark brown or black from overheating due to a weakened or corroded connection, probably the connector should be replaced with the wire cut back to clean bright copper. Definitely clean all the male bullets and female ends, and a squeeze with pliers to tighten the females is a good idea. Multi connectors - you can pull each terminal out of the shell (stick a tiny screwdriver in the open end and push in the tiny barb that holds it in the shell) to be cleaned plus squeezed lightly.Some dielectric grease on the terminals will help prevent future corrosion.

Offline HondaMan

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Re: CB Wiring Questions
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2020, 04:59:24 PM »
You're in luck so long as you stay close in model years: the 550 you're working on should have a LO-HI headlight switch on the left handlebar and an OFF-ON switch on the right: if so, there will be some wiring changes needed with the connections to the START button. If you have a late-year 550 it may not have the OFF-ON switch on the right: then the wiring is closer to the 750. Fortunately, all of the 550 engines have similar wiring for their alternators: even the voltage regulators will swap between the bikes.

Where it will be different: the plug to the fuseholder on the 750 wiring harness may be opposite gender from your fuseblock, unless you have the matching fuseblock. I can make up a correct one for you if needed, though, and it will use modern ATC blade fuses to boot.
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

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Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
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Offline bryanj

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Re: CB Wiring Questions
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2020, 11:17:33 PM »
500/550 DOES NOT have slip rings, that didnt happen till 650 and dohc 750
500 and 750 coils are different
Rect same
Reg same
Flasher same
Positioning varies

You MUST remove paint from where main ground lead connects to frame brack and bracket to engine also where small ground connects. You need good ground from headlamp and indicators, forks to frame is not good enough as greased head bearing do NOT conduct
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline jonda500

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Re: CB Wiring Questions
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2020, 06:05:36 PM »
Only the horn grounds through the steering bearings (earlier 500/550), so they do conduct well enough for momentary grounding.
John
Remember that an ignoramus is only someone who doesn't know something you just learned yesterday!

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1972 CB500K1 original 4 owner bike
1972 CB500K1 returned to complete/original condition
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Offline bryanj

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Re: CB Wiring Questions
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2020, 01:22:06 AM »
If its wired properly nothing grounds through the headrace bearings, if its not everything will.
That was my whole point
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline L5wolvesf

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Re: CB Wiring Questions
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2020, 05:00:03 PM »
Thanks for the info guys - it all helps a lot.

The ATC fuse things sounds like something I may do.

So what is the 'slip rings' thing - I don't have to worry about that correct?
1978 CB750
Wards/Honda CB550 (project)

Offline bryanj

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Re: CB Wiring Questions
« Reply #7 on: September 21, 2020, 12:46:13 AM »
Not if you are using standard 550 alternator
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!