Topic: it's late and all I can think about is my bike!

[Ayrity]

So I posted a bit a go about how I am going to take my cb550 engine apart soon to do some checking and replace some gaskets that are leaky, so I wanted to put my list of things to do while the engine is open here, and see what you guys have to say about it. Anything to add? Any advice etc. Please let me know, I am a bit nervous about doing this, but I will only learn one way, and I want to learn (and do it) haha. Here it is:

install cb650 cam shaft w/550 sprocket that has been drilled to advance the breathing timing by 4 or 5 degrees.
port and polish valve head and intake runners with dremel
polish intake and exhaust valves
clean and polish piston heads. Check rings
re-lap valves
general cleaning
new drive chain and sprockets
check cam chain and chain tensioner. Possibly replace both if chain is tensioned to the limit and is still too loose
oil and filter change (drop oil pan to check for metal flakes just in case)
new gaskets

[Hush]

There is only one way to do it, wheel the bike into the garage and have at it.
I've just done my partner's twin cam 400, right down to taking the pistons out and splitting the cases....man did I have a few moments where I thought I'd over estimated my prowess with a spanner.
My partner is now proudly riding her bike around now totally confident in my abilities.....fingers crossed.

[Ayrity]

haha nice, I'm sure ill feel that way a bit, but I will at least have some help on this project. How did my list of to do items sound?

[justfours]

The list sounds good. Just go easy on the dremel.
get a clymer manual if you dont already have one. read it once or twice, then dive in. There is no substitute for just getting your hands dirty.
How long have you owned the bike, and how many miles are on it. Id say replacing the cam chain and tensioner while you are in there is a good decision.
Also, I'd recommend having all the parts that you KNOW you are going to replace already on the bench and ready to go. Being stuck with an engine open and having to wait on parts to come in can be really frustrating.
Stay organized. Bag and label everything.
and ENJOY IT!!

I've sold off most of my 550 parts i had, but if you ever need some advice or help, Im over in St. Augustine. just pm me or send me an email.

[Ayrity]

thanks so much justfours! I needed that confidence booster! I sure as hell will hit you up sometime, maybe even just to go riding? I may want a second opinion on jetting/slide needle adjustment at some point after all this engine stuff. If you're up for a bit of help (I would rive out to you of course) I would love to buy you lunch.

[justfours]

Absolutely man. I am moving into a new house in a week or 2 and will finally have some garage space again so I can set up the workspace. I may have a few spare parts around after I pull everything out of storage, and always available to help wrench.

There is a great vintage show here in St. Augustine on May 15th if you are interested. Its called "Riding into History". Google it and let me know if you would be interested in coming over for it.

my email is :  justin_mafr@hotmail.com

[Hush]

I used a heap of old 2litre ice cream containers and takeaway food plastic packets to hold all the wee screws and nuts'n bolts, you can write on them too so you don't forget what goes where.

[Ayrity]

good tip Hush, thanks, Ill use that for all the bigger parts, I already bought a ton of ziploc bags for the screws though, and recruited my girl to label everything for me haha, my handwriting sucks. I'm on my way, got some gaskets and new valve seals! Just to rekindle the question that is most important to me atm, anyone see any problems with my list? Anything you really would recommend against or add to it?

[mystic_1]

Old muffin tins make great organizers for small parts

I also use paper plates while I work so I can keep groups of small parts separate temporarily.

Oh and you think it's bad now, wait until you lay in bed at night visualizing the reassembly order of the bottom end as a means of falling asleep.  Beats the hell out of counting sheep! 

mystic_1

[bucky katt]

i went to the dollar store and got 10 of those silicone muffin pans. theyre solvent resistant and theyre soft so stuff doesnt get marred by the metal.