Topic: sitting for 25 years with 5000 miles in it

[gary-stidham]

my family acquired a CB 550 about 6 years ago and it has Ben setting for years be for we got it 3 weeks ago i pulled it out of my side yard to get it running. the first thing i did was pull the carbs off and i found 2 full of rust after cleaning them with purple cleaner i found that i only had 2 of the four leaf springs so i wired the main jet to the body will this causes me any problems if so weir can i get the leaf springs all the places i have looked do not carry them and they said they are discontinued  when i put the carbs back on and it fiered up


my second question is on the electronics the bolts that connect it to the frame have rubber isolators  i want to relocate it will it be a problem if they are not their

and any other advice you can give me for bringing this bike back to life would be grate

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Welcome to the forum, Gary!

I'm not sure what you mean by leaf springs.  Also, what year is your 550?  Is it a "K" model or an "F".  One air filter or four?  The carb likely has casting marks which may reveal their true nature if you aren't sure about year/model.  There were a few different carb styles on the 550 through the years.

I don't know how familiar you are with wrenching on a motorcycle, but the SOHC/4 is about the simplest machine you can get!  This forum is dedicated to the restoring/reviving/riding them.  There is a search feature here which should help you find detailed info on just about anything.  Take a close look at the FAQ section. 

If you are new to fixing bikes, just be sure to take it slowly, repair it right and get an experienced bike mechanic to take a look at her before you trust her with your life.

[andmoon]

If all you need is the jet retaining spring on the bottom of the bowls, get a set of used carbs off fleabay.

[TwoTired]

the first thing i did was pull the carbs off and i found 2 full of rust after cleaning them with purple cleaner i found that i only had 2 of the four leaf springs so i wired the main jet to the body will this causes me any problems if so weir can i get the leaf springs all the places i have looked do not carry them and they said they are discontinued  when i put the carbs back on and it fiered up

I don't have much confidence in the wire retention.  And, if you didn't replace the o rings on the jet , it will most certainly leak.
There is a difference between running and running well.  Plan on having tuning issues.

Sometimes, you just have to have the right parts.

Cheers,

[gary-stidham]

it is a 1976 k model and yes i have wrenched on a few motorcycles in my days

i bought new slow jets and main jets from bikebandit  so it came with new o rings

i have had bad experience with eBay but i will look at some recyclers for the jet retaining spring