Topic: 1974 CB550k Boss Maroon

[brett_bike]

Question about the valve noise.

How much ticking is too much?  It seems to more pronounced on the left side.


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[denward17]

Question about the valve noise.

How much ticking is too much?  It seems to more pronounced on the left side.


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Does it sound like this?

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOUyM6MpkfP7248ZiIL8KMXyWb37uK8U0pSa8KsLpw6qTq8_8R-_CxCzmq1lNrPHA?key=RW5XNVlRdi1KQXJJVnNvME9JUjlaaDJsZjBHZk1B

That's my '76 550 that had a bad valve cover rocker shaft, and I recently installed a rocker cover from a '77/'78 model that has pinned shafts.

[brett_bike]

I don’t think so.  Hopefully not.

I had to do that mod to my old 73 500.

I can hear a different sound coming from the back side of the cylinder from the front of the cylinder so I’m hoping it’s just a rocker adjustment.

If I can figure out how to post a vid I’ll update.


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[RAFster122s]

Pulling end caps on rocker cover you can see ends of shafts and if worn significantly it will be clearly visible.

[brett_bike]

With only 8700 miles on it, I doubt the rocker shafts are badly worn.

Did you install fresh plugs or clean up your old ones after the carb adjustments?

I cleaned up the old plugs and took her for about a 20 min ride. I had to run to work but I’ll check them when I got home.


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[Stev-o]

Question about the valve noise.

How much ticking is too much?  It seems to more pronounced on the left side.

My 550F sounds like a sewing machine!  Have you sync'd the carbs yet, that may quiet it a bit?

[brett_bike]

I removed the carbs to redo the bench sync. I’ve also redone the valve adjustment.

I’ve been out of town in a work trip but getting home tonight, so tomorrow the carbs go back on and final (hopefully) vacuum sync.

Will report back after test ride.


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[brett_bike]

Finally had some time to take the Boss for a ride this morning.

We were out for about 20 minutes and here’s what’s up…

Idle screw is turned in more than I’d like so it won’t die on startup. After warm up it idles about 2500 RPM’s so I have to turn idle down to 1000-1200 at the next stop sign. Then it’s fine for the rest of the ride.

Mostly strong pulling until between 5-4k RPM’s. Then it’s stumbles/blubbers a bit till I give it more throttle then she screams up to 9k.


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[denward17]

What do your plugs look like now after the ride?

[brett_bike]

What do your plugs look like now after the ride?

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[brett_bike]

Left to right…1234


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[denward17]

So you leaned it out by lowering the needle one clip, right?  What position is the needle now and did it run like this before you adjusted the needle?

[brett_bike]

I lowered the clip, raising the needle.

It stalled before the latest “fix”. Now it at least rides without dying when I come to a complete stop.


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[denward17]

What is your air/fuel mixture screws set to?

[brett_bike]

What is your air/fuel mixture screws set to?

1 1/2 turns out.


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[denward17]

You could try different settings on the air/fuel mixture to see if it makes a difference.  Try 1 turn out, then try 2 turns out.

[grcamna2]

Nice find, don't see original Boss Maroon that often.  +1...change condensers with known OEM

Real nice looking bike;a previous owner kept it inside 

[brett_bike]

Nice find, don't see original Boss Maroon that often.  +1...change condensers with known OEM

Real nice looking bike;a previous owner kept it inside 

Thanks grcamna2, but it looks better in pics that in person. However, this isn’t going to be a show bike. I intend to put some serious miles on this little thing.


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[brett_bike]

Update…

Clip in middle setting. New plugs.

After a 30 minute ride here is what the plug deposits look like. 1-4 left to right. Oddly enough1 & 3 look ok, maybe a little rich.  But 2 & 4 look really lean.

What could I be missing?



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[brett_bike]

I have never placed much value in reading plugs after a “ride” because their condition does not tell you position of throttle that the state is occurring. It is best practice to start clean, fresh plugs, and do a plug reading at idle. Then again at WOT and chop the motor. Pull the plugs roadside and snap pictures of them. Then return to the garage to make any adjustments needed.

From looking at the picture, I’d say your fuel level is wrong on the carbs if all other settings are equal. If the bike is running strong, that somewhat rules out ignition issues, but not entirely.

I plan to pull the carbs again and verify everything.

Thanks


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[brett_bike]

I have never placed much value in reading plugs after a “ride” because their condition does not tell you position of throttle that the state is occurring. It is best practice to start clean, fresh plugs, and do a plug reading at idle. Then again at WOT and chop the motor. Pull the plugs roadside and snap pictures of them. Then return to the garage to make any adjustments needed.

From looking at the picture, I’d say your fuel level is wrong on the carbs if all other settings are equal. If the bike is running strong, that somewhat rules out ignition issues, but not entirely.

Thanks for all the input calj737!  I really appreciate all the assistance.

One thought/question…

Would the fuel lever still make the bike stumble  at approximately 1/4 throttle? 


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[brett_bike]

I’ve seen those.

Ramon thoughts in no particular order…

I’m wondering if the fuel lever would cause the plugs (1 & 3) to foul.

I’d imaging if it were spark it would be 1/4 or 2/3.

I’ve been searching the forum and came across an article that mentioned the needles being wore down, possibly from cleaning I guess, and allowing more or less fuel to pass.

I’m going to dig back in to make sure I didn’t miss something inside the carbs and inspect the needles and emulsion tubes. I feel like other than fuel level in the bowls that’s where I should focus.

Also, I’ll be doing a WOT plug chop in the next couple of days and report my findings.


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[brett_bike]

Needle position confirmed #4 from top (stock)

Yes, clear tube confirmed fuel level.


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[denward17]

Needle position confirmed #4 from top (stock)

Yes, clear tube confirmed fuel level.


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Should be 2nd from top (if you consider the tip the bottom). If you’re in the second from the tip, you’re too rich.

I had to go to the center position to lean my '76 550 out some on the bottom end.  When I tore into carbs they were in the 4th position from top, or 2nd from tip.
The bike runs much better when at operating temp, but doesn't run quite as well when cold.  I now have to fiddle with the choke a little bit more, which I am ok with.  I guess I made it a little more cold natured.

Don't know if it matters, but I also installed new Honda needles/emulsion tubes.

[grcamna2]

Needle position confirmed #4 from top (stock)

Yes, clear tube confirmed fuel level.


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Should be 2nd from top (if you consider the tip the bottom). If you’re in the second from the tip, you’re too rich.

I had to go to the center position to lean my '76 550 out some on the bottom end.  When I tore into carbs they were in the 4th position from top, or 2nd from tip.
The bike runs much better when at operating temp, but doesn't run quite as well when cold.  I now have to fiddle with the choke a little bit more, which I am ok with.  I guess I made it a little more cold natured.

Don't know if it matters, but I also installed new Honda needles/emulsion tubes.

Den,I've installed some special thin washers to go about a 1/2 step(+ or -),rather than a complete clip notch;it takes a little looking to find the washers that will be just right.