Topic: How do I tell the year of my carbs?

[robdrobd]

I have two sets of carbs that came with my 1975 cb550. I don't know if either is original. How do I tell what year they are from?

[1timduke]

Should be able to find it here (if my link works)

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?q=node/94

-Tim

[TwoTired]

Should be able to find it here (if my link works)

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?q=node/94

-Tim

Interesting.  I never noticed that linked page before.  Kind of a shame it's wrong, though.  

627B are CB500 Carbs (There may have also been a 627A carb on early models of the CB500.)
022A are 74 to 75 CB550K Carbs
087A are 76 CB550K Carbs
069A are 75 to 77 CB550F carbs

The stamps for the above carbs show on each carb body mount flange, top right.

PD 46A carbs are 77 CB550K Carbs  
(There is some question about an "X" that shows up in K3 documentation, but have never been noted as actually stamped on the carb bodies.)
PD 46C carbs are 78 CB550K carbs.
These carbs are stamped on each carb body on a panel just above the float bowl.


Edit: 086A => 087a for the 76 model K.  I did the list from memory.  (goes to show...)
There is yet another number.   It may be 049a.  I never saw any, but a Dutchman once told me they exist.  By the way, the numbers stand for an internal set up arrangement.  E.g., a different number means there is something inside different than other number stamped carbs from the factory.
Shade tree or home mechanics make changes inside without any external stamping mods, though.  Beware.

[1timduke]

Do I still get a cookie for trying, T.T.? 

-Tim

[Deltarider]

627B are CB500 Carbs (There may have also been a 627A carb on early models of the CB500.)
022A are 74 to 75 CB550K Carbs
086A are 75 CB550K Carbs
069A are 75 to77 CB550F carbs

Shouldn't that 086A be 087A? (cf Parts List)

[TwoTired]

Do I still get a cookie for trying, T.T.? 

-Tim

I know you meant well.

But...
Don't browsers give you enough cookies?

 

[TwoTired]

627B are CB500 Carbs (There may have also been a 627A carb on early models of the CB500.)
022A are 74 to 75 CB550K Carbs
086A are 75 CB550K Carbs
069A are 75 to77 CB550F carbs

Shouldn't that 086A be 087A? (cf Parts List)

Yes, you are correct.  Further, that's for the 76 model.
Thanks!
Check the edit above.  Aren't the Dutch carbs with the tiny mains 049a? 

[Deltarider]

Check the edit above.  Aren't the Dutch carbs with the tiny mains 049a?

Actually 649A. These carbs (main jet #78) were for Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Italy and some other countries [areacode: ED, G].
UK and France had the 627B (main jet #100).
Slow jet is #40. The needle set (part: 16012-323-004) is shared by the CB550, CB550K1 and CB550K2 '76. It has five grooves. For the CB500 the middle position is standard.
Airscrew (part: 16016-323-004) is shared by the CB550, CB550K1.
CB550K2 '76 has 16016-390-004. The latter airscrew is shared by the CB550F, F1 and F2. But they, CB550F, F1 and F2, have a different needle set: 16012-390-004.
The above information concerns 'oldstyle' Keihins only. Hope someone can use this for a correct overview. The ones I've seen were corrupt.