Author Topic: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550  (Read 1649 times)

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straightpipez

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Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« on: April 04, 2008, 02:34:09 PM »
Hello all. I just bought my second (first was CL360 about 20 years ago) Honda, a 78 CB550. Starts and runs great, paid $600 bones.

Anyway I'm not sure the last time the bike has been serviced so I'd like your recommendation as to what I should start with in terms of getting this thing safe and reliable. I would also like to do this in stages according to a budget of $200 per "round".

I know for certain the front brakes need bled and the intake boots are shot from the carb to the airbox and possibly from the manifold to the carbs. I'd like to use the cone filter instead of the factory airbox but will wait for the forum's thoughts.

So in a nutshell I want to spend $200 on the the first priorities and go from there. What can you suggest?

Thanks and be on the look for questions!
« Last Edit: April 04, 2008, 03:04:59 PM by straightpipez »

straightpipez

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Re: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2008, 03:04:09 PM »
Corrected the year. It's a 78, not 79.

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« Reply #2 on: April 04, 2008, 03:14:15 PM »
I strongly favor the stock airbox over Pods filters, though I do use the Uni 4055 foam replacement element instead of the paper filter from Honda.  Its an economic decision, as the Uni is reusable and the Honda paper one is replace every 6 months, $50 a pop.
There are plenty of pod people on this forum.  I'll let them sing their praises.  However, beware that you most likely will have to re-jet your carbs to accommodate the loss of carb throat vacuum resulting from pod use.

Having said that, the carb airbox rubbers are getting difficult to find for your bike.  They are unique for the 77-78 models, and "used" is the only source.  The carb couplers to the intake manifold are also unique to those two years.  And, I'm not sure they can be had from Honda, either.

I would expect to rebuild the front brake caliper and master cylinder.  These parts can still be had from Honda.  Also consider replacing the rubber brake lines with new or better yet, SS braided for a marked improvement.

Do a complete tuneup on the engine. Spark plugs, clean or replace NGK D7EA,  Examine points, if pitted, replace. Set the point gap and ignition timing. Adjust tappet clearances, and cam chain tensioner.  If you use the stock airbox, clean or replace the engine breather element in the bottom of the filter box.

Check steering head bearings for "notchyness".

Grease swing arm bearings and check for lateral rear wheel movement.

Drain/ replace the fork oil.

Check chain/sprockets for wear, lubrication, and correct tension.

Clean and polish your fuse clip contacts.

Check tires for dry rot/wear, proper inflation.

Check battery electrolyte level.

Check gas tank for internal rust.

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

straightpipez

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Re: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« Reply #3 on: April 04, 2008, 03:47:48 PM »
Thanks for the start. I forgot to mention the carbs also leak from bottom of the bowl. Any ideas? Rebuild?

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« Reply #4 on: April 04, 2008, 04:09:19 PM »
Thanks for the start. I forgot to mention the carbs also leak from bottom of the bowl. Any ideas? Rebuild?

Need to find the leak source.

The bowl gasket?

The nipple at the bottom is for both the overflow pipe and the carb drain.  The screw at the bottom opens a valve for draining the bowl.  The screw has an o ring which can leak. 
The carb bowl stand pipe sits in gas, if it has a crack, it leaks out the bottom.
If the bowls are overflowing, it leaks out the bottom.
The float in the bowl operates a fill valve.  The float can be adjusted for too high a level.  It leaks out the bottom.
The float valve needle or seat can be damaged.  It leaks out the bottom.
There can be debris in the fuel that blocks the float valve closure.  It leaks out the bottom.

Any or all of the above may be true for your leak.

First thing I'd do is to drain the carb into a clean pan.  Is the fuel clean?  If not where is the debris coming from.  The Tank?  Start there with cleaning.  Then flush the carbs. and try again.  Still leak?
Remove the offending float bowl.  Is the bowl clean?  If it looks like all the carbs may have crusty deposits inside, then a cleaning/rebuild is in order.  Otherwise, address each problem piecemeal.

However, if it runs well now, perhaps a good fuel system flush will do the trick?  I try not to do more than what is needed to make it work properly.  Others on this forum favor taking everything apart and rebuilding entirely, whatever is wrong with the carbs.

cheers,

Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

straightpipez

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Re: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2008, 07:24:16 PM »
Do you have a good online source for parts?

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« Reply #6 on: April 04, 2008, 09:11:04 PM »
Do you have a good online source for parts?

Did you look in the FAQs?
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline steven400/4

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Re: Noob w/ a 1979 CB550
« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2008, 11:32:20 AM »
welcome
1978 honda 400/4 f2 my baby