Author Topic: Do I sell this or get it fixed (video added 5/11) (Read 5741 times)

andy8190 · « **on:** May 07, 2009, 05:33:19 PM »

I am at my wits end with this bike. I have a 1974 cb550 and i was trying to tune it up today. Well i got through the tappet adjustments and moved on to points gap and timing. Well when the bike started up it sounded less noisy which is good. So i couldnt get the strobe light timed with the f mark when using the kick start or turning the crankcase by hand, So i was trying to get the marks lined up while it was idling. Well long story short i was having s*** for luck and couldnt figure it out. I read like 3 post trying to but I was clueless. Then i was pulling the wire off spark plug four and the wire just completely came off like in the pics below, because the wire got so hot or something. What did i do to this thing? I have decided I am either breaking down and taking to a guy who works on bikes this old or I am either going to sell it as is, depending on the cost of repairs. Also, the bike was smoking while i was trying to set the timing. Can someone please tell me what happened, how much I might be looking at for repairs, or should i just sell it and if so how much you think its worth?

Industrial Cafe · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:37:01 PM »

that looks barbed, just twist that wire back in

Johnie · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:39:35 PM »

Hey Andy...I hear you...I was in that same boat last Sunday and ready to throw in the towel on this K1. It is time for you to walk away for a few days. Give it a rest. I am happy I did. My K1 runs great now. But sometimes you have to just regroup your thoughts and let it be. Sounds like your bike got hot from idling and that is why it was smoking. Did you have a couple fast blowing fans on the motor? Always a good idea. But I also was ready to throw in the towel and take it to a local dealer. But 4 days later all is well. You know what was causing most of my problem on the K1...something as simple as a sinking brass float. Now I have no idea of your level of expertise so you will have to make up your own mind where you are at. Can you live without the bike??? Your call my friend...good luck with it.

andy8190 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:40:36 PM »

ok, yeah i just found a post saying they just twist back in. I really am at a lost on this timing issue. Can anyone please tell me exactly how to do it because i am not having any luck. I have read the owners manual, the cb550 shop manual, and a few post on here and i cant seem to get it right. My strobe light isnt wanting to light up on the f mark, is this supposed to be done with engine idling or dead?

andy8190 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:42:14 PM »

i have zero experience from these bikes except what i have been reading on the threads. This is the first day i have worked on the bike in a week so i should be refreshed. Just so frustrating

Steve_K · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:44:11 PM »

I understand that you used the strobe timing light while using the kickstarter? Engine needs to be running for that to work. To get it close connect a 12v light across the points and when the light comes on it should be on the F mark.
Just screw the plug end back on the wire and it will be find.
Patience and it will come!
Steve

Industrial Cafe · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:46:11 PM »

I'm kind of a do it by ear, guy....
so here goes.
turn the engine idle up at around 1500rpm, loosen the plate and turn it till it speeds up about 300rpms, then back it off a little tiny bit. tighten it back down and turn your idle back down.

ride it around and if you're happy leave it. if not fiddle around with it till it feels good.

if you don't like this advice, then don't worry about it. someone with technical knowledge will chime in.

Johnie · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:49:09 PM »

I have always timed my bikes warm with a running strobe and a couple big fans...

andy8190 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:58:30 PM »

ok i got the plug fixed. am trying to time it now but when i get it to idle at 1000k it isnt at the f mark so when i move the points plate it kills the bike, what am i doing wrong? I got fans out there now haha

fuzzybutt · « **Reply #9 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:01:54 PM »

neither, send the bike to me in columbia sc for proper disposal

just kidding of course. i know how you feel about wanting to give up, just a week ago i was contemplating rolling my k4 750 out into the middle of the back yard and burning it. the fine gentlemen (and ladies) talked me out of it and helped me with parts.

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:03:33 PM »

That point plate can be a pain. Mine is. Mine will not only move clockwise and counterclockwise but also slightly up and down. I saw posts where some guys tap those 3 (on the 350 at least) guides a little but I'm afraid of breaking them... Try pushing that plate up and down or side to side, I have a "sweet spot" it needs to be in...

Johnie · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:03:57 PM »

I took some liquid white out and put a white mark on the timing mark to help me see it. Still trying to figure out why you can not see the mark. Does the bike kill when you move the plate in the other direction?

andy8190 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:05:46 PM »

i think i got 1,4 right now, just got to do 2,3 but it idles at 1000 now and is at the f mark on 1,4

nsargeant · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:08:57 PM »

andy,
I have been in your boat many times in the past but with the help of this site, I have gotten through all of them. These are all lessons learned my friend. Sometimes I wish my 550 would start acting up so I would have another challenge with it but it just wont. With time and practice, everything about these things will start making sense, believe me. Stay with it!

nathan

Johnie · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:11:21 PM »

So when you connect the timing light to 2&3 I would think you should see that F mark somewhere near by.

andy8190 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:21:32 PM »

if you cant get it on the f mark is it better to have it closer to the t mark side of the f mark or on the other side of the f mark?

Industrial Cafe · « **Reply #16 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:34:56 PM »

your points plate is a ground, when you loosen it you break the circut

andy8190 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:43:19 PM »

ok i definitely got the idle for 1,4 at the f mark but when i have it at 2.5k rpm it isnt near the advanced marks its like halfway between the f mark and advanced marks, is that ok?

andy8190 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:44:22 PM »

how do you adjust the higher timing?

Industrial Cafe · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:59:41 PM »

i don't know the answer to that.

moham · « **Reply #20 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:00:34 PM »

Did you set point gap first before going on to strobe timing? Not to sound like a douche, but are you adjusting the points correctly when at idle? For 1.4 (if i"m not mistaken) you loosen the whole plate and rotate until you've made your mark. Then got to 2.3 and to adjust you loosen the smaller plate that the 2.3 points are attached to. They have a notch where you can lay a flathead screwdriver point in to adjust forward and back (just like adjusting the point gap). I haven't done 550 yet, but I'm sure it's much the same as the 750. The manual will (should) walk you through step by step. I wouldn't worry about the advance until you have the timing sorted for all cylinders at idle. I've attached a closeup of my 550 points plate...

super pasty white guy · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:01:12 PM »

Double check to make sure that the advancer weights are moving freely. The posts could be rusted up and causing this.

spwg

andy8190 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:12:05 PM »

exactly what are the advancer weights?

Industrial Cafe · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:20:58 PM »

behind the points plate

andy8190 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:24:19 PM »

oh crap i definitely dont want to take the plate off now

i have it doing good at idle. I do have another question I have a carbtune and i can't figure out where the hoses hook up to on the bike. I am such and idiot

News:

Author Topic: Do I sell this or get it fixed (video added 5/11) (Read 5741 times)

fuzzybutt