Author Topic: Green and attempting at getting 71 CB 500 K0 to run  (Read 1771 times)

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Offline Mortie21

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Green and attempting at getting 71 CB 500 K0 to run
« on: March 22, 2011, 07:45:52 PM »
Hello all... Please bare with me as this is my first post and I am new to the site. To begin I am very green when it comes to overhauling engines or bikes for that matter. I have had experience riding in the past but have never owned. I came across a  71 CB 500 for not much at all and decided I would like to try something new. I hope to get some help with some questions from all those with much more experience than me.

The previous owner informed me that to his knowledge the bike has not been ridden since 75' when it was last registered in N.Y. and has been garage kept ever since. He turn the engine several times a year using the kick start. Over all for its age it doesn't look to bad, but it doesn't start either. I haven't been able to get a spark and check the ignition coil (it was bad).

I have slight concerns with the damage to the right and left sides of the bike. There is damage to the cooling fins. First question: will this cause major problems down the road?

Since I am waiting for and ignition coil in the mail I decided to check compression and cylinders 1,2,4 read 120 psi. Unfortunately cylinder 3 read 0 psi, I also put some oil in cylinder and check again with same results.  Question 2: does the room think the probable cause of lack of compression would be from I would think head gasket? The valves are moving freely.

Thanks ahead of time for your help.


Offline MoMo

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Re: Green and attempting at getting 71 CB 500 K0 to run
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2011, 06:53:22 AM »
Welcome.  Fins certainly are nasty looking, did someone beat them with a hammer?  But should work OK.  As far as the low compression you probably have a bunch of crud under one of the valve seats holding the valve  open, or....there could be a hole in the piston.  I have seen the former on a 500 but not the latter.  500 top end can be done in the frame.  Try an ounce or less of Seafoam in #3, let it sit for a day or so and check compression again. The manual can be downloaded from this site.  good luck with the bike and post some photos...Larry

Offline dagersh

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Re: Green and attempting at getting 71 CB 500 K0 to run
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2011, 09:53:32 AM »
Mortie,

Just navigate around this site, all your answers are here!  But do not hesitate to ask any question you have, you will be guided in the right direction!

Welcome to the madness!

Gersh
1962 CA95
1966 Black Bomber
1966 CA77 Dream
1967 Superhawk
1970 CB750K0
1972 CL350
1972 CB450/500 Custom
1972 CB500K1
1975 CB550F
1976 CB400F
1975 CB750 Future Restoration
1976 CB750K6
1976 CB750F
1976 GL1000


1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra
1990 BMW K1
2001 'Busa
2003 RC 51
Bunch of Guzzi's

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Offline GrandRapids750K3

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Re: Green and attempting at getting 71 CB 500 K0 to run
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2011, 09:59:24 AM »
Welcome, I'm working on my first project as well know very little about what I'm doing. I'm lucky enough that my project ran when I bought it. This forum is awesome and I have got so much advice and tip already that I'm now hooked on getting my bike running strong. Good luck!