Topic: More electrical issues fixed!

[Duanob]

76 550K hadn't been on the road in 13 years. I got it running and riding but noticed a hard starting issue lately using the start button. Starter was very slow and intermittent. Got anew battery, still had issues. Started looking at the solenoid and possibly rebuilding the starter. Was going to check the solenoid when noticed PO had just put the nuts on not even finger tight. Tightened everything down and Voila! Starts like a charm! I love finding and fixing issues like this, especially when it doesn't cost anything. Still a couple of other electrical gremlins to sort out but it's getting there.

Also another cheap fix, I noticed the clutch slipping. I adjusted according to the manual and it would still slip a bit. Even though the motor oil looked good, I replaced the oil and filter with Shell Rotella 10W-40 and damn, if it didn't fix the clutch slippage. I figured the PO must've used some new fangled fancy synth oil that these old bikes weren't made for.

[CycleRanger]

Good work!
Cheap, simple fixes are the best. Enjoy them, they don't come around often enough. 

[Deltarider]

Good work!
Cheap, simple fixes are the best. Enjoy them, they don't come around often enough. 

I agree a 100%. Too many assume it all starts with buying stuff; the success of bombarding a society 24/7 with advertisements. In some societies you can't hide: it is always present and everywhere.
Another assumption often made is, when replacement parts are in the market, to deduct that your model needs them. Not so, that is: not automatically. Some bikes may need those parts, other models are known for not needing them. Dealers and experienced mechanics can educate on this.
 

[Duanob]

I always dig into issues first and then if the issue is above my pay grade I'll get help. Or start buying new parts to throw at it. 😀

[Bodi]

After a lot of years working on my old bikes and friends' old bikes, and people's bikes that friends sent my way, electrical problems are usually loose connections or corroded bullet connectors. Sometimes corroded switch contacts or ossified plastic switch housings. But if there's no butchery, cleaning and tightening the bullets plus replacing or bypassing (ie soldering the ends together) bullets that have obviously overheated badly eliminates most electrical issues on 60's & 70's machines.
Just don't give me a 70's Ducati. That wiring makes is just bizarre. What do those switches do??? Why, Ducati, why? Even Joe Lucas wasn't that evil.

[Deltarider]

[...]
Just don't give me a 70's Ducati. That wiring makes is just bizarre. What do those switches do??? Why, Ducati, why? Even Joe Lucas wasn't that evil.

Lol, that's quite a statement, Bodi. Hahaha!

[BenelliSEI]

After a lot of years working on my old bikes and friends' old bikes, and people's bikes that friends sent my way, electrical problems are usually loose connections or corroded bullet connectors. Sometimes corroded switch contacts or ossified plastic switch housings. But if there's no butchery, cleaning and tightening the bullets plus replacing or bypassing (ie soldering the ends together) bullets that have obviously overheated badly eliminates most electrical issues on 60's & 70's machines.
Just don't give me a 70's Ducati. That wiring makes is just bizarre. What do those switches do??? Why, Ducati, why? Even Joe Lucas wasn't that evil.

I agree! The same switches on my Benelli 750 SEI drove me nuts. I came very close to replacing them with HONDA parts!!

[Deltarider]

Spaghetti wiring we used to call it.

[Duanob]

Having the proper schematic helps a lot too. Apparently the 1976 CB550K is a bit different? I found a jumper wire that was wired to the wrong color terminal. The jumper only shows up on the schematic in my 1976 owners manual. haven't seen it on any other.