Topic: cb550 valve adjustment

[turk]

I am new to working on motorcycles,so I'll be asking some questions to learn more about my 1976 cb550.Everyone here seems more than willing to share their knowledge.If it weren't for this site i wouldn't even dream of trying this.Thank-you!! My cb550 hes been sitting for 8 years.So i wanted to check the valves and timing first.My Haynes  manual says .002 on the intake,.003 on the exhaust. Are these specs. good for the "real world" Any other advise is more than welcome. Thanks Turk

[OldSchool_IsCool]

yes, those specs are right on.  Only rarely has real world experience shown where Honda engineers could have done a better job.  By the way, get yourself one of these

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/view/tappet_feeler_gauges/

to make the measurement easier.  Your local MC shop prolly caries them or order online.  You might also want to get a .004 feeler.  You'll see why in a moment.

To adjust your intake tappet,
- rotate and position your crank as described in your Haynes manual
- Does the .002 slip between the tappet and the valve?
-- no  - your adjustment is too tight. 
-------- Loosen the lock nut and adjust the set screw outward.
-------- repeat this procedure until you are right on
-- yes - does the .003 fit?
-------- no Your adjustment is right on!
-------- yes
---------- your adjustment is too loose.
---------- loosen the lock nut and adjust the set screw inward
---------- repeat this procedure until you are right on

For your exhaust tappet, do the same procedure except use your .003 and .004 feelers

[scunny]

thats how I do mine...go-no go

[turk]

Thanks,I had measurements all over the place. intake  1 .004   2 .005    3 .005       4 .003
                                                                   exhaust 1 .005   2 .004    3 .003       4 .006

Being new to this i want to make sure I'm doing this right.It is a hard to use a regular feeler gauge.
the one you use will sure be a lot easier and i like that go/no go tip!
 
Is the Clymer manual any good? I have the Haynes and it seems to leave out some steps.                               Thanks  Turk

[1timduke]

I dunno about the Clymer, Turk.   I've got the Haynes and it's ok, but tends to gloss over really important stuff occasionally.   It used to be a staple in my bathroom but I rarely use it it now, this site has about all the tips and tricks you'll need.   And no, my laptop logged on to this website is not my new bathroom 'book'.
If you're searching for something in particular, don't forget to check the tips and tricks section, that's got some useful stuff too.
Sitting for 8 years    Post some pics when you get the chance, 'before' pictures are always nice

-Tim

[Lars]

I find the Clymer better than Haynes. Sometimes it is a bit hard to get the feeler placed, usually I loosen up the lock nut and start from scratch.

You will find some advice on my website:
http://www.hondahobby.no/website.aspx?displayid=1754

Lars