Topic: Help with 75 CB550

[TheOtherOne]

First time bike owner so, any help on this appreciated (I have gotten a lot of help and parts from this board!). I bought an non-running 75 CB550 back in May. It finally starts but doesn't exactly ride, which is a lot further along that it was in May.  In May, would not start at all. Wanted to but wouldn't.

Not including non engine work, this is what I have done:
1. Rebuilt Carbs
2. Replaced cylinder head (two valves were actually bent)
3. Replaced ignition coil
4. New battery

This is what happens:
1. The bike will only start with the choke on. I have to really rev it high to keep it from stalling, and then take choke off. Runs and idles OK at the point.
2. When bike is on center stand, the bike runs through all the gears just fine.
3. When I attempt to ride the bike, it quickly stalls under the load shortly after engaging first gear.
Fuel leaks from two of the carbs through the tubes

Any thoughts on what I need to correct or adjust to finally get this beast running?

THANKS!!!!

Dan

[bender01]

Clean the carbs again x 2 and then they will be right. Espescially the emulsion tubes. Also read and re read the info on timing and setting the points. If you can get it to idle thats a great starting point on that. As you move the points gap and plate it might run better and youll set it or youll move it the other way to get it back the way it was. Is your battery strong? Hope that helps.

[Lars]

Hi, check out this website http://www.hondahobby.no/website.aspx?displayid=1736, good advice to pick up there.
My first thoughts are to point out the sparks. If they are old, get a set of new ones. Very often they are the problem. If valves and timing is taken care of, check the air screws, tighten them carefully and open counter clockwise by 1 turn.
Finally, your bike will not run properly until you have synchronised the carbs. Absolutely a must after disassembling them and cleaning. Your overflow from the carbs are due to not perfect setting of the float hight, sticky poor moving floats or new valve that needs to settle properly.
Lars