Author Topic: 1977 CB550 K Project  (Read 1363 times)

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MacPhisto

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1977 CB550 K Project
« on: August 11, 2009, 09:58:22 PM »
I have started a thread on the Advrider forum on my project and some good people pointed out
that this is the best place to ask my questions.

To start with here is the link to my original post.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10596300&posted=1#post10596300

And a short copy and paste.

I have purchased a 1977 CB550K with the intent of restoring and possibly turning it into a cafe racer.

I have the bike with around 10k miles and it's in a surprisingly good condition except the engine does not start.
The previous owner suspects that oil got to the spark plugs and I believe that is the problem by looking at them.What is the most likely cause of this?

I have not done engine work on a motorbike before so I'm not sure where to start.
I was thinking of getting a compression checking tool to see if the pistons and rings are OK. Am I on the right track starting there?

The engine turns over and the gas tank was 3/4 full. The fuel looked OK after removing it and there was only a little rust in the tank on the top where the fuel did not reach. According to the PO it has been sitting for a year.

Another thing I noticed is that it's filled with oil way over the max line.
I'm not sure if that can have any negative effect, but the quality of the oil looks good.

Got a new battery and cleaned the spark plugs, got rid of the fuel and filled it with fresh.
Checked each plug separately if there is spark and all work fine.
When I try to start it now it seems like the engine wants to go but after a couple of turns it dies.

Offline BlindJoe

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Re: 1977 CB550 K Project
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2009, 04:23:39 PM »
Oil on the plugs, could mean the valve guide seals are shot and need replaced. But, it could also be the rings, so a compression check is a good first step. Spark plugs are cheap, you should just buy new ones, D7EA's. Too much oil can be bad, drain and refill to 3.4 qrts. Carbs should be taken off and cleaned. I.m.o the bikes too nice to 'cafe'.


MacPhisto

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« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2009, 08:46:35 PM »
Does anyone by any chance know if a tank from a 78 750K would fit my 77 550K?
I would like to have another one so I can have a color choice.