Author Topic: CB550 Engine Rebuild (Read 2998 times)

blackchromia · « **on:** September 23, 2009, 09:30:19 PM »

Hi all,

I just got a 76 CB550K and have started rebuilding the engine. The engine wasn't in bad shape but it hadn't been started in 15 years and had 30k+ miles on it. The engine is now completely torn apart with the cylinder head, cylinder, and pistons sent off to get new valves, seals, bored if needed, and resurfaced. I'm new to engine building and don't know all the terminology so I hope that makes sense. The bottom end has been cleaned up and is ready to be reassembled with new bearings, gaskets, cam chain, primary chain, and hardware.

I need order parts and am looking for a some guidance. I'm not a racer and plan on using the bike as a daily ride. For that purpose, will an OEM primary and cam chain be sufficient or is there an aftermarket brand I should look into? Is their anything else I should do/replace while I have it apart?

Also, based on the tips from Honda Man I will be replacing the cam with one that has 5 more degrees of overlap and 10 degrees of duration. Does anyone know where I can get one of those?

Regards and thanks to all the members for their posts.

CaféElite · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2009, 09:40:00 PM »

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=51078.0

blackchromia · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2009, 09:55:16 PM »

Thanks CaféElite for the link. A 650 cam should be easy enough to find. Should I go after an OEM or do you recommend an aftermarket brand?

paulages · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2009, 10:34:08 AM »

the point with that mod is that you can find a used OEM cam for cheap. if you buy one from megacycle it'll be close to $350. you sound like you have your head on straight and are doing things right. OEM chains will do just fine. i'd check the starter ratchet on the primary shaft and make sure it's working fine. the big skinny wheel should spin easily in one direction, but not in the other. if you need to replace any of the tiny parts in there (springs, rollers, caps), now is the time to do it. PITA to get that shaft out once it's in the bike.