Author Topic: I am not a wiz on posting. New member in Orlando, Florida  (Read 804 times)

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Bo Wedsmark

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I am not a wiz on posting. New member in Orlando, Florida
« on: February 19, 2009, 10:37:53 PM »
Hello, I am a new member. My first 550Four, a 1976. Developed a short somewhere around the main fuse (25A). It blew, and something got hot. I bought the bike two days ago and didn't get any wiring or owners man. SOHC4 got me both, so tomorrow or so I'll be fault tracing and then we'll ride again. Slow and respectful cafe racer conversionon the way, but I like her the way she is too. Still, got to make her mine.
Thanks, hope to see some of you at a rally some day.
Bo :)

Offline TwoTired

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Re: I am not a wiz on posting. New member in Orlando, Florida
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2009, 01:40:26 AM »
The main fuse is supposed to be 15A.
Common occurrence is for the fuse contacts to form a resistive oxidation layer that heat when current is passed through it.  The fuse should normally run at about 2/3 of it's rating which provides some, but not all, of the heat needed for it to blow.  if you add the heat generated by the fuse clip oxidation resistance, the fuse usually melts at or very near the end cap.
For those that don't know about this situation, they put in larger and larger rated fuses that can withstand some extra heat.  The fuse holder plastic then starts to melt and the fuse clips lose their temper or spring clamp pressure, making the heating issue ever worse and more problematic.

If your fuse holder is in otherwise good condition, you can polish the contact area bright and shiny, to solve the problem for another 15 years or so.  However, if the holder has gotten bad, a replacement is needed.

You should also test for fuse retention pressure.  There should be enough pressure that you need a tool to remove the fuse from the clips.  If you can pluck it out with bare fingers, the clips have lost their tension.

It is also important to use the correct length fuse, so that the clips have maximum contact area with the fuse ends.  I think the 76 K model still uses the 1 inch length fuse.  But, I don't have one of those.

With stock lighting, coils and other electrical equipment, the stock 15A fuse will run warm to the touch.  If you can't hold your thumb on it while the bike is on,  you have issues with the fuse holder.

You can search here for "download manuals" and find the shop manual for your bike, including wire diagrams.

Rather a pity about yet another cafe conversion.  There seem to be so few that appreciate the bike for its own greatness as it is.  But, it's your bike.  If your acquaintances don't appreciate vintage gear, you'll likely only get admiration from them with flat black paint, pods, clubmans, knee dents, invisible blinkers, and a rear fender/seat that put road water and grime on your back.

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Glenn Stauffer

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Re: I am not a wiz on posting. New member in Orlando, Florida
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2009, 06:30:39 PM »
I'm also a big fan of the stock configuration - it was pretty well thought out.

Those main fuses are fun, aren't they?  I had one go on a highway and it was a chilling moment to feel everything go dead and suddenly having to coast to the side of the road.  Fortunately I never had one go at night in traffic!

These are old bikes; take the time to clean and tighten up ALL of the elecrtical contacts.

whortman

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Re: I am not a wiz on posting. New member in Orlando, Florida
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2009, 03:35:51 PM »
Those main fuses are fun, aren't they?  I had one go on a highway and it was a chilling moment to feel everything go dead and suddenly having to coast to the side of the road. 

Yeah, I've had that happen a couple of times over the past 12 months. Not only do I try my best to avoid the Interstate b/c of this, but when I DO have to get on a multi-lane highway I stick to the right lane in case the bike goes dead.

My original fusebox is a mess of melted plastic, so I've got a replacement that's about to get the anti-oxidation treatment before it goes on the bike.

Maybe soon I'll see that left lane again...  :-\

Offline burmashave

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Re: I am not a wiz on posting. New member in Orlando, Florida
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2009, 12:48:10 AM »
Glad to have you here, Bo! Post some pictures if you get a chance.
Quote from: SOHC Digger, RIP
'Ere's whatcha do, Guvna', just throw a couple dookie logs in the hearth and bob's your uncle!
'77 CB750k

Offline seaweb11

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Re: I am not a wiz on posting. New member in Orlando, Florida
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2009, 01:00:46 AM »
A new wiring harness isn't that expensive/  if its really hooped ::)

It's your bike, have fun and do it your way ;)