Topic: 1975 CB550 Super Sport project ***Headlight update 7-18***

[brett_bike]

Yeah, now if I can find a exhaust to slip in them, that would be great.

[brett_bike]

Here is an update with the carbs.  I'm still waiting on parts but this is the current stage.  Review to earlier post to witness the sad beginnings.

[fastbroshi]

Yeah those cleaned up great...but did you notice the broken float post?

[brett_bike]

SON-OF-A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fastbroshi]

Member big-jim may be able to help you out if you still have the post.

www.jmfmicroweld.com

[Old75_ratafe]

Yeah those cleaned up great...but did you notice the broken float post?

You mean flat out missing I think   If you can find it u might be able to weld it back on.. looks like a clean break.

[brett_bike]

I was able to find a replacement carb body at the salvage yard today.  Awesome!!!!!    This place has everything.

More to come when I get my rebuild kit.

[gmonkey]

I think this picture is going to give me nightmares.

[fastbroshi]

That carb isn't that bad, it's just fixing the post for the needle jet that's going to be the challenge.  the bowl roof should smooth out okay with some JB Weld.

[brett_bike]

This morning when I was re-assembling the carbs, I noticed something amiss.  When the slide closes on one of the carbs, it pushes out the emulsion tube from the tower.  Very odd.  I tried the emulsion tube on another carb body and the same thing happens.  All of the emulsion tubes insert to what seems like the same depth (barely any protrudes out the top).  All the needles are the same number, but it appears that the needle is hitting the emulsion tube and pushing it out.

If it's not one thing it's another.

[75cb550 (kyle)]

Here is an update with the carbs.  I'm still waiting on parts but this is the current stage.  Review to earlier post to witness the sad beginnings.

that's impressive

[TwoTired]

This morning when I was re-assembling the carbs, I noticed something amiss.  When the slide closes on one of the carbs, it pushes out the emulsion tube from the tower.  Very odd.  I tried the emulsion tube on another carb body and the same thing happens.  All of the emulsion tubes insert to what seems like the same depth (barely any protrudes out the top).  All the needles are the same number, but it appears that the needle is hitting the emulsion tube and pushing it out.

Difficult to imagine this is possible.
The emulsion tubes are held in by the main jet, which is held in by a spring clip, which is pushed on by the float bowl and four screws.
Further, the emulsion tube end has a jet orifice which is of a larger diameter than the jet needle.

If the slide is bottoming, are you sure the slide body is not hitting the protruding emulsion tube end?  The slide does not normally close that far on a running engine, even at idle.

[brett_bike]

Not yet running.  I was reassembling the carbs after cleaning and noticed this happening before I installed the main jet.

As it turns out, there was dried residue in the top section of the emulsion tube that the cleaning missed.  I had to get in there and carefully pick away at the hard residue as to not damage the tube.  There was also some of this residue on other brass parts that were difficult to remove, but I'm pretty sure I got all of it now.  I will do a final inspection to confirm all is clean and clear before I reassemble.

[TwoTired]

As mentioned, the end of the emulsion tube is also a jet orifice (where the jet needle inserts).  Distorting that orifice with lead to tuning issues later on.  I hope you weren't too aggressive with your cleaning efforts.

[brett_bike]

I had to get in there and carefully pick away at the hard residue as to not damage the tube.

I too hope I was gentle enough.

TT, glad you are still with us.

By the way, this is probably for another topic but, I saw you posted a pic of one of your bikes earlier.  I would love to see a video of that baby running.  I'd guess I'm not the only one.  Think about it.

[brett_bike]

HOLY EFFING HELL!!!  She fired up!!!

Now that I know she runs, albeit poorly, I have a base to move forward with.  Time to get serious about cleaning out the tank and getting new MC and caliper guts, new 550F Super Sport seat cover (ebay, I guess), cables, and give her the full tune up.

I will post a video after I figure out the sticky floats (pissing gas out of the over flow tubes of #3 & 4 carb) and hook up the muffler (thanks meriggi).

Anybody want a Windjammer SS fairing?  It's taking up a whole parking spot in the garage.

[Stev-o]

Glad to hear it's running!

Did ya get the muffler?

[brett_bike]

Yep, not installed yet.  I need some clamps but it should work out fine.  Thanks again.

[Stev-o]

OK, good. It did not have a clamp when PO installed it on my bike and it had some blowby, you should be able to polish it up.

Forgot to mention, the trim ring had a broken screw in it, didn't notice it 'till I packed it. Hopefully you can back it out.

Good Luck.

[brett_bike]

Update - Got it running enough to sync the carbs and it actually runs really smooth and sounds strong. I'm trying to get a video but my camera doesn't want to cooperate.  It actually sounds better and seems to run smoother than my '73 CB500 that I've been riding for the past year and a half.  Guess I need to dig into that one soon.

Still need to fix the front brakes, get a headlight and find a new tank then I'll be able to take her around the block and see how she rides.

Video coming some time early next week.

[Zaipai]

That's awesome.. That is half the battle.. Now button her up and away you go..

.: Scott :.

[brett_bike]

Except for the pinholes n my tank.  Gotta work on that.

[brett_bike]

I've been busy with work and my '73 the past week, so I haven't been able to work on the '75 until today.  The wifey and myself were doing a little cleaning/stripping on it and I ran into a couple of things.

I'm trying to take off the original bars, they are bent from being dropped, and install superbike bars.  How the hell do I get the internal wiring out from the stock bars?   There doesn't seem to be a section of wires that disconnects.  Am I supposed to cut and re-connect them?  Is there a spot inside the plastic box below the coils where the wires separate?

Next question...The bike had a sweet   Vetter fairing on it then I picket it up, now the fairing is going by-by.  There were a handful of wires spliced to the fairing wiring by little blue splice boxes(?) of some sort.  They only cut the housing of each wire and did the same with the wires going to the faring (if that makes sense).  Now that I removed the splice boxes the wires are still intact, should I cut and butt connect the wires?  Or would wrapping the cut housing with electric tape be enough?

Also, what other tanks will fit this bike?  I know the tank off my '73 CB500 fits, but I like the size and shape of the SS tanks.  Will a 77/78 fit?  I've seen a few on evil-bay for sale.

Thanks for the input.

[Stev-o]

Shipped your headlight trim today, consider it an early Xmas present!

Sorry, won't be gettin' rid of my 550F fuel tank anytime soon, it is in excellant cond.

[brett_bike]

Thanks for the early present, but Boooooooooooooooooooo on the tank.  Hold on to that thing with your life, they are apparently extremely hard to come by.

Mine looks okay from the outside but leaks through many pinholes from the underside.  I gotta figure something out.