Topic: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K

[denward17]

Running stock jets and pilots, stock airbox, just Delkevic pipe with baffle in.

Plan is pull a couple of plugs later, troubleshooting a turn signal issue first.

Float bowl level was checked last week, all good there (clear tube test).

[Stev-o]

DMV inspection passed, got tags and went for a bout a 10 mile shake down ride.

Got some tuning issues, seems like a little rich on the low end.

Will research and tinker, it did ride good, different feel from the 750.

How does it start and run cold vs hot....

Both hot and cold were pretty good, when it got up to temp I had to turn down the idle a little bit.  I did notice coming into the neighborhood in 2nd gear doing about 25 mph, it started burbling a little.  I reached down and pulled up the choke and it almost died.

Thats the nice thing about the 550, easy to adjust idle on the fly!   I'd ride it about 100 miles and see what issues persist...

[Little_Phil]

Well done getting it back on the road. If you feel it is good enough give it a 15-20 mile steady ride and then sort out the niggles.

[denward17]

Turn signal repaired with a new unit from PartsNmore; turned out to be 2 issues:
Where I soldered the loose connection, I think it was starting to ground out the power and blowing main fuses,
I thought the green ground was plugged in sufficiently (connected to the inside of fork ear), but it was loose as well, causing intermittent flashing. 

After fixing these all lights are working properly.

I do like the 4into1 Delkevic exhaust system, but decided to order the Delkevic 4into4 system.  Hopefully will be here late next week.

Pictures to follow.

[denward17]

Put about 35 break in miles on it today, ran good.  After carb adjustment (air/fuel screws) it seems to run little better, but will keep tweaking until I get it close.  I think I am 2 full turns out, maybe about 1/8 turn out now and try.

And the good thing, I see no leaks anywhere, just hope that maintains.

I did spot what appears to be a little gas coming out of the overflow tubes, I saw nothing running out while it was parked, but did notice when I got home and layed on the floor to look underneath, there was some wetness on a couple of them.

[denward17]

Does the 550 tick louder than the 750?

Mine seems to, take a listen:
NOTE: After 25 miles, ambient temp 85 degrees F, running Rotella T4 15w40.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qJJ2Yq9sgdgTQGWj9

[seanbarney41]

I would say that is loud enough for concern...I suggest opening exhaust valve inspection cap with the engine running,  You should see quite a good `splash in there..but I have never tried this with a 550 so can't get too specific.   Also double check valve clearance please.   I have heard sohc that loud and that was the sound of severely damaged camshaft

[grcamna2]

Have you adjusted your valves & synched the 4 carbs ?

[denward17]

Have you adjusted your valves & synched the 4 carbs ?

I adjusted the valves during the head install procedure, but will check them again before it is cranked up again.  I did sync the carbs, just got them close so I could start it, will need to do that again as well.

Next startup I will take a couple of the caps off to make sure oil is getting to the top end ok.

[grcamna2]

How did your valve guides feel,not too loose of a fit with their orig. valve stems?
The guides will wear in an oval pattern:front to back.
I also like to make sure each valve goes back in the same position/cylinder it was removed from.

[denward17]

How did your valve guides feel,not too loose of a fit with their orig. valve stems?
The guides will wear in an oval pattern:front to back.
I also like to make sure each valve goes back in the same position/cylinder it was removed from.

All the valve to guide clearances were tight, and all valves went back in their original holes.

[grcamna2]

How did your valve guides feel,not too loose of a fit with their orig. valve stems?
The guides will wear in an oval pattern:front to back.
I also like to make sure each valve goes back in the same position/cylinder it was removed from.

All the valve to guide clearances were tight, and all valves went back in their original holes.

Very good 

[denward17]

Delkevic 4into4 system arrived today, need to get busy this afternoon.

Packaged well, and looks awesome.

[BenelliSEI]

That looks stunning!

[denward17]

Installed the exhausts this afternoon.....

Fit and finish is very nice, sound pretty good too.

Next up is checking valve clearance, cam chain tension and making sure oil is getting to top end as it should.

[RAFster122s]

What does that run $, looks really nice!!
Bet it will be throatier than stock, I'm not a fan of loud bikes, some noise, but not loud stuff. I enjoy listening to music at other times too much to ruin it with loud exhausts and road noise...

[denward17]

What does that run $, looks really nice!!
Bet it will be throatier than stock, I'm not a fan of loud bikes, some noise, but not loud stuff. I enjoy listening to music at other times too much to ruin it with loud exhausts and road noise...

$999.99
https://delkevic.com/delkevic-cb500-four-71-73-cb550-four-74-76-complete-oem-replica-4-into-4-chrome-exhaust/

Yes, the 4into1 was a little too loud for my liking.

[BenelliSEI]

Paint  + pipes = perfect!

[denward17]

Paint  + pipes = perfect!

Thanks John!

[denward17]

The top end noise was getting worse so decided I needed to investigate.  See thread here:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,194909.0.html

I have a replacement ordered and will replace as time permits.

[denward17]

Looks like there will be a delay in shipping of the "new" used valve cover, and with some travel coming up, I won't be able to install for a couple of weeks.


Looking forward to wrapping this one up.

[denward17]

Received the valve cover today, will spend the next few days cleaning it up, inspecting, and polishing it up before install.

[BenelliSEI]

That machine just keeps getting better!

[denward17]

That machine just keeps getting better!

I really hope this is the fix...

[BenelliSEI]

I’d bet on it.