Topic: Newbie Here

[montana550]

Good day to all,

I've been lurking around this site since I bought a 1977 cb550k about 6 weeks ago in Bozeman.  Seems like a helluva lot of sharp folks here.  I also have a Buell X1, a v-rod and a 1950 Allstate that was my dad's when he was a teenager.

The 550 did not run when I picked it up, but it was in good condition otherwise.  I bought it from a college kid whose dad had bought it new.  I took it home went through the electrical, found some loose wires, put in new plugs, points, condensers, set the timing, set the dwell, and got it to run.  It ran rough so I pulled the carbs, cleaned them (somewhat thoroughly), and reinstalled.  It runs, but it leans out when you give it a lot of throttle (will barely pull itself up the hill).  I can choke it and it gets better.  I did not put the air box back on yet and wonder if that would be enough to do this.  I hesitate putting the box back on until I know if I need to do more work to the carbs. Good idea?  The carbs looked to be in good shape, no bad pitting; just some varnish in the bottom of the bowls.

I will post some pictures soon.  I'm looking forward to getting this bike in good order.  I have always liked the SOHC4 Hondas.  I am looking for an early 70's 750 for my next treasure.  Look forward to learning from you all.

[TwoTired]

It runs, but it leans out when you give it a lot of throttle (will barely pull itself up the hill).  I can choke it and it gets better.  I did not put the air box back on yet and wonder if that would be enough to do this.   

Yes, it would.  Especially on the lean burn carbs of the 77.

You could verify by looking at the spark plugs.  White tips = too lean.

The exhaust type matters, too, if different from stock.

Be careful with those air box rubbers.  Can't find new replacements and they are different from earlier models.  Take the band clamps off entirely to allow them to deflect during carb installation.  Be gentle.  Also, remove the filter box bolts to gain that 1/4-1/2 inch room. it helps.

Welcome to the madness, btw.

Cheers,

[montana550]

Thanks for the note Two Tired.  I've seen your handle many times on this site and you seem to have sage advice.

I do have one, make that two quick questions.  How do I identify that the carbs are correct for the bike?  I am assuming they are base on its history, but the carbs in the Clymers manual look different.  The carbs on this bike have the air/fuel mixture screws on the bottom of the carb rather than side.  They are Keihin carbs.  The only numbers stamped on the carb body is 46AA0J directly above the float bowl on the right side.  On the other side there is a circle with a 1 and a 2 2 below it. 

The second question is where to find re-build kits for these.  Most of what I've seen are for years up to '76.

Thanks in advance,

Pete

[TwoTired]

The Clymer manual was never updated to include information on the latest models of 550.  Much of their "real" information is based on the original Honda shop manual.  I never understood why Honda allowed them to plagiarize so.  Anyway Honda amended their own shop manual with supplements to cover later models.  Clymer either never noticed these, or didn't care, since the profits on their book sales never showed a need to provide accurate info for all bike owners.

The PD 46 series carbs are depicted in the Honda Shop manual. (Which can be downloaded from somewhere on this site.)  And, they are correct for your year/model bike.  In the carb FAQ is a summary of internal settings, btw.

I've read that www.siriusconinc.com still sells kits for your carbs.  However, if the rest of you bike is stock (air filter and exhaust), I highly recommend you use Honda parts in the carbs.  Or, only replace the rubber bits.

Cheers,

[montana550]

Thanks again Two Tired,

Everything is stock except the pipes.  This bike has the Kirker 4 into one pipes.  How much impact is this?  Where would I fond Honda carb parts (ie. jets).  The throttle jets in the carb have 90 on them.  The slow jets have have 42.  These all look good to the eye.

Thanks,

Pete

[TwoTired]

Thanks again Two Tired,

Everything is stock except the pipes.  This bike has the Kirker 4 into one pipes.  How much impact is this? 

I don't know.  Likely some.  But, I don't know the extent.  As I said before, you will have to check your spark plug deposits, and address your combustion needs.

http://www.dansmc.com/Spark_Plugs/Spark_Plugs_catalog.html

Where would I fond Honda carb parts (ie. jets).  The throttle jets in the carb have 90 on them.  The slow jets have have 42. 

Honda dealers would be a good place to start.  Perhaps their counterman is talented enough to look in their catalogs (if he can be bothered)
Otherwise, aftermarket is your only hope.  The link I provided above has listings for main jets in their catalogs.
http://www.motovan.com/common/cat/2008moto_en/html/2008moto_en.html

There are other parts sources listed in the FAQ.

Cheers,

[montana550]

Thanks again,

I have another question.  Where do you measure the float height on this carb?  The lowest point on the float is at the end.  The float, of course,vis different than in Clymers.  And is it 22 mm?

Thanks,

Pete

[TwoTired]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=5410.msg26534#msg26534

14.5mm  Pretty much makes them level.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17788.0