Author Topic: guys please help, bought first cb 550 four (Read 15581 times)

mystic_1 · « **Reply #100 on:** September 23, 2008, 11:07:12 AM »

Quote from: dustyc on September 23, 2008, 01:45:16 AM

I too think you're going in kind of deep pretty quick. I'd concentrate on getting it running well, then move onto other systems. As long as you can handle keeping it straight, ok, but before you know it, you could have just a pile of parts in the garage.

I tend to agree. Take a methodical approach and fix one problem at a time. At this point I'd button everything back up and see if cleaning the carbs has resolved your starting and idling problem. Go ahead and finish lubing the clutch cable, and cleaning the petcock, since you've already started those, but don't start anything new until the three things you're currently working on have been reassembled.

mystic_1

andy8190 · « **Reply #101 on:** September 23, 2008, 11:35:08 AM »

ok i will forget the clutch tightness for now i will put the carb back on, clean petcock and tank, and see if my battery is still good and go from there. dont know what i will have time to finish today but will see. anyone know where to get airbox rubbers for the 74 550 four if i do need them?

andy8190 · « **Reply #102 on:** September 23, 2008, 01:26:20 PM »

good news i got a cable luber to make the job easier

andy8190 · « **Reply #103 on:** September 23, 2008, 01:42:50 PM »

i have not used it yet but it sure looks like it will be. i just have to get cable lube, oil, and a filter for later. is regular 10w40 motor oil ok or does it need to be special bike oil?

Really? · « **Reply #104 on:** September 23, 2008, 02:15:56 PM »

You might stay away from ones that say energy conserving in the round specifications circle on the bottle. I have known many bikes to have clutch slippage and premature wear with energy conserving oil. Fine for cars, just not wet clutch plates.

John is right, you will get a ton of different answers. To me the biggest one is to stay away from is the above.

WFO · « **Reply #105 on:** September 23, 2008, 03:00:35 PM »

I used castrol only because the PO used it since it was brand new nothing wrong with castrol though but iam a valvoline man IT'S THE BEST I TELL YA THE BEST!

and whiskey is right stay away from the fancy stuff just use a proven brand it's up to you.

dustyc · « **Reply #106 on:** September 23, 2008, 05:10:45 PM »

Woo-hoo. Get the popcorn. It's an oil thread now.

Really? · « **Reply #107 on:** September 23, 2008, 06:31:14 PM »

Quote from: dustyc on September 23, 2008, 05:10:45 PM

Woo-hoo. Get the popcorn. It's an oil thread now.

LMAO

Car Tire threads can get interesting too. Let's not go there, lol, they go on in another owners club I am a member of.

andy8190 · « **Reply #108 on:** September 23, 2008, 06:47:07 PM »

after I change the oil is it best to check the dip stick with the bike on the kick stand and with the motor warm or is there a better way

WFO · « **Reply #109 on:** September 23, 2008, 06:55:53 PM »

Quote from: andy8190 on September 23, 2008, 06:47:07 PM

after I change the oil is it best to check the dip stick with the bike on the kick stand and with the motor warm or is there a better way

Temp don't matter you just want all the oil at the bottom for an accurate reading and put it on the center stand you what it level.

andy8190 · « **Reply #110 on:** September 23, 2008, 07:03:44 PM »

please someone tell me an easier way to get that heavy bastard on the center stand. it took both me and my roommate last time.

Really? · « **Reply #111 on:** September 23, 2008, 07:12:04 PM »

With your foot, bring the center stand to the ground. Wiggle, yes wiggle, the bike side to side slightly (may tip on one leg, it is ok) and get the feel that both of the centerstand feet are on the ground solid. Now lift up and back (one hand on the handlebar and one on something else in the back. You will get used to it, I am not nuts, and it will get better.

Btw, I lift my 800 pounder (XVZ12DN) like that and it works quite well. The secret is tipping on the centerstand legs to get a good footing.

Almost forgot, roll the back tire up on a piece of wood.

WFO · « **Reply #112 on:** September 23, 2008, 07:14:43 PM »

Quote from: andy8190 on September 23, 2008, 07:03:44 PM

please someone tell me an easier way to get that heavy bastard on the center stand. it took both me and my roommate last time.

Stand beside it put your foot on the bar coming out by the pipes push it against the ground and at the same time grab the hang on bar ( by the turn signal) and in one fluid motion lift up and push down with you foot you will be amazed by putting more pressure with you foot will lift the bike up onto the stand ( practice) but be careful not to tip the bike over.

05c50 · « **Reply #113 on:** September 23, 2008, 07:23:31 PM »

^^^^^^^^^^^^^like they said^^^^^^^^^^but I concentrate on pushing down on the stand,more then pulling up on the bike.

............Paul

andy8190 · « **Reply #114 on:** September 23, 2008, 07:24:37 PM »

yeah that's the problem I don't have a hold on bar. so the wood will prolly be my best bet

andy8190 · « **Reply #115 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:15:28 PM »

ran into one more snag. i was able to take out one spark plug with an deep 18mm socket but it was too big to get down in the middle plugs, where can i get a 18mm spark plug wrench? or something else that works

Really? · « **Reply #116 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:17:57 PM »

Did the bike come with a tool bag? It might be in it. If not, you may need to look for a thin walled socket. These other guys may have trick up their sleeve like grinding down the outside of the socket you are using.

andy8190 · « **Reply #117 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:22:09 PM »

nope didnt come with the tool kit

Really? · « **Reply #118 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:36:16 PM »

No tool pouch under the seat aye? Guess you may need to go to the auto parts store and see what they have.

andy8190 · « **Reply #119 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:41:02 PM »

yeah i went to oreilys and thats where i got the 18mm deep socket, bout to go to walmart but sure they dont have anything haha.

Really? · « **Reply #120 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:44:03 PM »

If it is cheap and too think, grind it thinner if you can.

andy8190 · « **Reply #121 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:50:12 PM »

if I can't find one that's what I will have to do, but I don't have a grinder.

dustyc · « **Reply #122 on:** September 23, 2008, 09:25:19 PM »

You can still order the toolkit from the dealer and they're not expensive. Tack on a few extra bucks to your parts order. The Honda spark plug wrench is really nice to have.

andy8190 · « **Reply #123 on:** September 23, 2008, 09:31:38 PM »

ok. I'm gonna try a 3/4 maybeeee it'll work for one time. what's the best site to use for that tool kit and parts?

andy8190 · « **Reply #124 on:** September 24, 2008, 12:06:34 AM »

well it wouldnt work dangit. i will have to try and find one at a bike shop in town maybe

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Author Topic: guys please help, bought first cb 550 four (Read 15581 times)