Author Topic: 1976 CB550 F - First Bike, First Build (now with photos) (Read 13572 times)

manjisann · « **Reply #25 on:** November 25, 2009, 08:05:44 PM »

The two tubes not connected to the petcock are probably the breather tubes, they should be routed down past the swingarm like the overflow tubes.

When you say you tried the kick and nothing, and tried the start and it sounds like it's trying, is it turning over? I'm just trying to make sure it's turning over, and not seized up (seriously hoping that's not it.)

If fuel is coming out the bottom of the carbs, thats an issue and "flooding it" isn't the case. You may have stuck float valves that are allowing fuel to enter the carb bowls even though they are already full. Is the fuel coming out of all four carbs, and where exactly is it comeing out of (the overflow tubes, the part where the bowls meet the carb bodies?)

I know it's been pointed out already, but pics really can be a big help with these bikes. Don't give up, we've all been here, and can all tell you will absolute honesty that there is no better feeling that working out the kinks and the thrill of hearing it fire the first time

Brandon

Stev-o · « **Reply #26 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:01:57 PM »

You need 3 things to make it run: fuel [which you have] compression and spark. Next easiest thing to do is get a spark plug wrench and pull the plugs and see if you have spark. Then if you do, you'll need to check compression.

Good Luck.

PS. These bikes tend to run best with the stock airbox.

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #27 on:** November 28, 2009, 01:56:17 PM »

photo updates, questions to follow.

If anyone has any suggestions or tips on what to do next, please let me know. The holidays have slowed this build way down, and will continue to do so.

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #28 on:** November 28, 2009, 02:36:57 PM »

does anyone know what is supposed to be done with that jumble of wires? There does not seem to be anywhere to house all those wires, and they certainly should not just be hanging loose resting on the engine.....

thanks

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #29 on:** December 04, 2009, 08:19:37 PM »

some updates.

Performed some electrolysis on the tank, inside and out. Turned out nicely, however, I did not do anything to prevent flash rusting. What is the best substance to use to prevent this?

Also, here are my points, they look good to me, anyone think they need to be replaced?

Electrical plate looks awful, I think I may try and replace it if possible.

clayman74 · « **Reply #30 on:** December 04, 2009, 10:58:58 PM »

ditch the points all together and get a CDI. probably find one on ebay. i love my dynatek ignition.

brand new only 150$ excellent investment.

http://www.dynaonline.com/skins/products/sportbikes/dyna_s/

Ogri · « **Reply #31 on:** December 05, 2009, 09:57:57 AM »

Are you getting a spark? Remove the spark plug cap from #4 cylinder and hold the bared cable within 1/4" of the cylinder head (or any ground.)Spin the motor with the electric start & you should see a spark jump from the end of the cable to the 'head. If there's no spark then you need to see if you're getting power to the coils, and then the contact breakers. Have you cleaned the points since taking that picture above ? They look pretty filthy. It's the touching faces that are important, they need to be completely free of grease and dirt. I use a piece of 2000 grit wet and dry, fold it over so there's a gritted surface on both sides then sandwich that between the points' faces and 'saw' back and forth for a few strokes. Hose down the faces with electrical contact cleaner then do the sawing thing with a clean piece of thin white card - like a business card. When the card comes out clean you're good to go.

I'd recommend getting those old spark plugs out and installing the new ones. They really help in starting a dormant motor.

Stev-o · « **Reply #32 on:** December 05, 2009, 10:21:23 AM »

Clayman - when you installed the Dyna, did you upgrade the coils too?
[I just purchased the Dyna, have not installed yet].

Sorry for the hijack!

-Steve

clayman74 · « **Reply #33 on:** December 05, 2009, 02:46:19 PM »

haha no worries. no still stock coils. i have been planning on upgrading soon. just because. but it runs great with the stock setup

my dyna was an ebay purchase tho. its the older external box setup. essentially the same exact technology tho. super easy to set timing!

just hate those points man hehe

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2009, 07:46:28 PM »

are there any cheaper options? $150 is on the high end for me. Maybe used, or another brand?!??!?!?!

thanks,

clayman74 · « **Reply #35 on:** December 06, 2009, 11:37:38 PM »

yeah man look them up on ebay. mine is an older model i wouldnt be amazed to find it for a third the price.

i understand where your coming from as far as budget goes (i make lattes for a living

). so if its not for you it seems like you have everything you really need. ignition upgrades can always wait.

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #36 on:** December 10, 2009, 04:48:08 PM »

does anyone know a store i can actually walk into and buy carb rebuild kits for my bike? Toronto, Ontario, Canada region?

so far everything is online, which is a bit of a pain.

I need carb rebuild kits, spark plug tool (3 I have bought do not fit), air filter (pod or otherwise), and probably a large number of other parts in the coming weeks.

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #37 on:** December 11, 2009, 11:11:20 AM »

got some carb work done, they were gummed up, filthy and parts were stiff to move. Got them pretty clean with some carb cleaner and elbow grease. No rust, no significant damage. Until I broke a main jet. Also, one of the main jets is clogged. When I try to spray compressed air through, it wont go. Any thoughts? Should I buy carb rebuild kits?

Narsist · « **Reply #38 on:** December 13, 2009, 07:50:50 PM »

I had a hell of a time finding carb rebuild kits for my 77 550f. These guys had a full rebuild kit for me and got it to me in 2 days

http://www.outwestmotorcycles.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77&products_id=221

Hope it helps

later
frank

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #39 on:** December 18, 2009, 11:12:02 AM »

okay, so I bought 4 rebuild kits off of them, and they will be here on Xmas Eve (great timing

, just under $100.00, not too bad.

Once I have those, I will rebuild the carbs, and reattach. So, here is my checklist for trying to get it to start:

1. carbs
2. battery
3. fuel
4 spark

I know that the first 3 will be fine, but I cannot find a spark plug tool that fits. I have purchased 2, and one was too big, and the other was too small. Does anyone know of a wrench that will work for sure? I will buy in online immediately if someone can point me in the right direction.

thanks

Ogri · « **Reply #40 on:** December 18, 2009, 03:35:58 PM »

Can you take one of the new spark plugs to an auto parts store and ask for a tool or 'deep socket' that fits ?

Is the exhaust still off ? It'll struggle to start without some kind of system on it; back pressure etc.

Personally, I wouldn't bother switching to an electronic ignition or CDI. Contact Breaker Points may be a bit fiddly but at least you can check each part and monitor its performance. I've been riding bikes every day since 1981 and have had about 3 instances of points failure.

scooter1 · « **Reply #41 on:** December 19, 2009, 05:57:08 PM »

you will need a 18mm spark plug socket...crapy tire sells them.

scooter1 · « **Reply #42 on:** December 19, 2009, 06:06:28 PM »

also be very careful not to try and bend those little leaf springs....I made the mistake and broke one and they are not available from Honda

fastbroshi · « **Reply #43 on:** December 19, 2009, 07:12:52 PM »

For your ignition, I think you could go with new points and condensors, and maybe a hondaman ignition module and be better off than if you bought the dynatek. Hondaman's module supplements the stock ignition system by not routing so much voltage through the stock points, so they last far longer. Pricewise you might be in the same ballpark, but at least you won't have to worry about changing up your ignition plate so drastically.

And keep in mind those carb rebuild kits don't come with jets, so you'll need to replace the one you broke elsewhere. Have you gotten a copy of the service manual from the FAQ's?

I think you can save your electrical panel, just needs to be cleaned up with some electrical contact cleaner and some dielectric grease. Don't let the dusty cruddy look fool you. And lastly, the connections that are hanging over your engine should have a plastic cover that bolts to a metal plate that's on the backbone of the frame right underneath the coils. Get you a pic if you need it.

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #44 on:** December 21, 2009, 01:11:45 PM »

Thanks Fastbroshi. The carb kits actually include the jets, so I am in luck there. I will pick up the cleaners and wrench today and let you know how that goes.

If you could post a pic, that would be great.

thanks

B.O.X.N.I.F.E. · « **Reply #45 on:** December 21, 2009, 03:05:19 PM »

If money is a factor get a HondaMan ignition. And have you read through the factory service manual yet? Twice? It should be your bible right now.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #46 on:** December 22, 2009, 03:33:37 PM »

Josh, here's the pics you requested of the harness' junction under the coils. Right side

Left side

Cover that goes on the left side....

and here's the captive screw that holds the cover to the bracket.

JoshuaJames · « **Reply #47 on:** March 12, 2010, 09:05:17 AM »

thanks for the info, Now I just need to try and find one of those harness boxes.

I am considering buying this tank, any idea how well it will fit, or if I can easily mod it to fit my cb550 f ?

Hasenkopf · « **Reply #48 on:** March 12, 2010, 09:44:13 AM »

good luck on that harness cover, Ive been looking for one for over a year, (after throwing mine away). seems everyone "doesn't have that" is all I hear lately.....

Stev-o · « **Reply #49 on:** March 12, 2010, 04:13:26 PM »

Quote from: JoshuaJames on March 12, 2010, 09:05:17 AM

I am considering buying this tank, any idea how well it will fit, or if I can easily mod it to fit my cb550 f ?

Why do you want a Suzuk tank on your Honda?!?

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Author Topic: 1976 CB550 F - First Bike, First Build (now with photos) (Read 13572 times)

Narsist