Topic: My first Bike- 77 CB550F

[benjamin550]

Ok, first off I would like to say that finding this forum has already made me feel better about buying this bike. The information and willingness to help is overwhelming.

Here we go-  yesterday I went to pick up a bike I found on craigslist for 350.00. After talking to the seller several times he assured me that besides bent handlebars from dropping the bike in his yard, a dead battery, and a hose clamp that was missing from the fuel line and thus leaking gas, everything was great and I could come right out and right it today. So after rounding up a trailer and driving 3 hours into the middle of nowhere KY, a friend and I arrived at the guys house. The seller was busy working on the bike, which of course would not start. After he got it cranked up it ran rough and died a few times. Electric start worked as long as the bike was being jumped from his truck, but the kick start wont work. SO, we manage to get it running OK and go to take it off the stand and give it a whirl, only to find that the front brake has clamped down on the disc. In his attempt to free it up by undoing the bleeder bolt, he snaps it clean off. He manages to free up the piston just a little bit but now the bike dies when you put it in gear and give it gas. Originally I thought it was because of some carb cleaning or adjustment issues, BUT after further inspection (and lots of searching and reading on this website) I think that his misguided attempt to reroute the fuel lines could be the biggest problem. In addition to there not being any clamps holding the hoses on which come off the carbs letting in a lot of air. After trying to talk him down with NO luck whatsoever,I paid the 350.00 for it and loaded it up. After all it is a running 77cb550 so it was worth that. Initially I was a little worried because the owner didnt come across as the sharpest tool in the shed and there are bolts missing here or there. I am really hoping he didnt do any additional damage to it in his half @$$ed attempts to fix things.

 So here it what I think it needs so far to get it back on the road.

New handlebar
new front caliper
new fuel lines and filter
hoses on carbs.
battery
new hoses for carbs
new rear turn signal
both side covers

I hope the list doesnt keep growing as I tear into it. My goal with this bike was to have something I could ride relatively cheap. I have loved the 70's CB bikes since i was young and am happy to have one, even if it needs more work than I thought. Right now Im not planning on doing a complete resto, but just enough to get it back on the road safely and have fun riding it. Im graduating college in Dec. and really cant take on a HUGE project right now. Ive attached some images of the bike and some detail pictures of the fuel lines. It would be awesome if anyone could take a look at the fuel line setup and tell me where its all gone wrong. Thanks in advance!

Kohl

[Logan80]

Well, the first glaring problem I see is the fuel line routing as you mentioned. The fuel flows via gravity down the lines and into the bowls of the carbs, but your tee is below the bowls, I doubt it will flow up hill to fill them up. Re-routing those lines will likely make a big difference...

Good buy though, looks like a fun project!

[Aatrain]

Spent almost as much in gas going to get it I bet! Real good buy! Don't feel too bad about him not coming down on the price, you did good. Be careful though- you'll end up with a garage, livingroom, front yard, etc... full of old cb's. I'm thinking about entering a twelve step program for my cb addiction:)

[Stev-o]

First off, welcome to "CB Land"!

Nice find, you got a good deal.

First thing I would do is remove those fuel lines and trash 'em! He obviously did not use the proper tubing or clamps, that made me laugh!
Empty the tank too, the inline filter problt was added for a reason, you may have a lot of trash in the tank [and carbs].
As said before, the fuel is gravity fed, so when rerouting, keep them as vertical as possible. The inline filter is not stock, there should be a filter attached to the petcock in the tank, clean or replace it [hard to find new].  some guys add the inline filter, but I do not think it is necessary.

Here is a photo of my 550F: Note the fuel lines do not go BELOW the carbs! My 550 is a '76, that may be why the petcock is differant?


You're going to have to rebuild your caliper and w/a broken bleeder, it may be best to find a used one. There are a couple 550's on this forum being parted out now, you can pick one up cheap, check the bikes/parts for sale.

Also, the side covers can be hard to find too. Frankenbike, a forum member, is in process of making some, do a search.

Good Luck!

[dave500]

download a manual from here,even the 500 one will do for things like points adjustment etc,so first thing get the ignition up to scratch,chasing fueling woes with a bad ignition will result in frustration,the line routing has been covered,a used caliper with out seeing it can be just as bad as yours is now,i know your trying to not spend too much but david silver spares has new repro ones,if you dont need to buy tyres spend on the brakes,you did mention that you want to get the bike running safley.,open the drain screws on the carbs and judge if much crud is in them,if so get a good stumpy screw driver and remove the bowls.

[benjamin550]

Thanks for all of the great advice so far!

Aatrian- Yeah, it was a ways out there, which is why i think no one picked it up sooner, it had been sitting on CL for a while. Thats also probably why the guy wouldnt come down in price even after more problems started cropping up- he knew we werent going to drive all that way and not leave with the bike.

I dont know much about bikes but after seeing those fuel lines I knew were probably to blame for the rough running. Is there a fuel line kit that comes with all of the correct sized hoses, or are guys just buying tubing and running it themselves?

[Deltarider]

Judging by the front fender and forks your model is a F2. On p 31 of the genuine Honda Parts List for your model we find that petcock and tubes underwent modification, compared to F1. Yours is probably equipped with a 3-way fuel joint for 3 tubes. Originally they are 80, 100 and 200 mm with an internal diameter of 5,3mm (5,5mm is close enough). If yours happens to have the old F1 petcock, life is much easier. No fuel joint and just two fuel tubes, 17 and 28 mm resp. with an internal diameter of 5,5mm. Correct tubes are almost guarantee for free and unobstructed flow of fuel. If the fuelfilter above the petcock is still good, no further filtering is required.

[benjamin550]

So, I think Im gonna call this project "More than I bargained for."

After taking everyone's advice, and doing a weeks worth of reading and searching around on this site, I got back out to dig into the bike some more and I have some discoveries and questions (mostly questions).

First, the fuel lines- I went to Advanced auto to have my battery charged (which is definitely dead, btw) and while I was there I found some 7/32 auto vacuum hose. Being that it only cost me a dollar, I bought it. I have read good and bad things about it on this forum. In one thread Hondaman said he uses it often, and it works great and another member said it broke down quickly and became spongy. So, 1st question- can I use this vacuum line, or do I need to keep hunting for fuel line? My plan was to use it until I got the routing correct, and got everything running right, and then replace it.

Next, I have included 2 photos of the fuel lines. My bike has a single line running down from the petcock, and then a T that splits the lines and sends it to the carbs. You can see in the photo called "fuel_lines_B" that the T is positioned in a way that the fuel flows in a straight shot down the long hose, but must make a right turn to go down the short hose. This setup allows all of my lines to fit in with minimal kinks and looks like the best way but I am concerned that the fuel will flow down the long tube, starving the short one of fuel. In the photo called "Fuel_Lines_A" the fuel flows out of the petcock and must go right and left to get down both tubes, perhaps this works best to distribute fuel? But as you can see, doesnt really fit in there too well. Maybe Im over thinking this... Guys with similar "T" fuel line setups- How do you have your hoses run?

Last fuel line question- clamps, do I need em?

Carb Bowls- After reading a lot of post on checking the carb bowls, I decided to do it, and they were quite nasty, as was the gas that came out. When I bought this bike, I was really hoping I could get it back to riding condition without a carb rebuild. Based on these pictures, What do you think? Should I was shout the gas tank put in a new filter and clean out the bowls as best I can and go from there? Or do I need to rebuild the carbs all together?

This brings me to my next question. When I pulled out the petcock there was no filter on the white straw. Ive searched around, but I cant find a picture of what it is supposed to look like. I did notice that on the hold where the petcock assembly screws in, there is a yellow plastic sheath that is stuck in there (see picture). I looked up in there and it appears this could be a filter, but for the life of me I couldnt get it out and I didnt want to try to hard and break it. What do you guys think? If someone has a picture of the petcock filter, Id love to see it. Thanks.

Thanks in advance for all of the advice, this thing looks like it might be turning into more of a project that I wanted, but I dont really mind.

Kohl

[benjamin550]

Picture of Petcock filter

[Stev-o]

That fuel line will work, but get the right type when you can. I don't have clamps on mine right now, no leaks w/the correct fuel line.

You're going to need to rebuild your carbs looking at the crap that was in your tank.

The fuel filter "screen" should be on your petcock when you pulled it out, look here:

http://www.westernhonda.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=123186&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1977&fveh=2944

It always more than we bargined for! Just take your time.

[benjamin550]

Meriggi-

Thanks, I was afraid of that, but ive got time. Honestly when I bought this bike I wanted something I could get on the road quick. But after spending a lot of time reading this website and doing some research, Ive sort of changed my tune a little bit and I feel a bit better about undertaking a project. I'd rather do it right, and not look back then constantly be checking and cleaning my carbs, tank and filters. I looked at the diagram of the fuel filter screen, and I still think that thing thats stuck inside where the petcock attaches might be it. When you look up inside, it looks like a straw with a timy little screen on top. Is it evenpossible for this thing to get stuck in there like that, or am I definitely missing that filter? Also, any thoughts on that fuel line routing? Thanks.

[Stev-o]

I looked at the diagram of the fuel filter screen, and I still think that thing thats stuck inside where the petcock attaches might be it. When you look up inside, it looks like a straw with a timy little screen on top.

Pull it out!

Hard to tell from the photos, but I think your fuel lines look ok. Just keep in mind "gravity fed", fuel will not want to run up.

Keep at it, it will be worth it.

Good Luck.

[Gaither]

Benjamin

As you can tell, you came to the "right place"! This is a great bunch of men. I'm still learning but already, they've helped solve my elec problems. Almost 500 miles since following their advice and running like a good Honda should!

IF your '77 550F tank filter is like my '77 550F tank filter [round, white "plastic" about 3/8" dia X 4" long] it is part # 16952-388-015 [from the Honda package]. It should come with a round, flat gasket [proper sized "O" Ring might work].

With the fuel low in the tank, you should be able to see the filter through the fuel filler neck - with a light.  

The filter may now be obsolete [?]. The petcock is now an obsolete part.

However, I had no trouble finding one NOS "in the wrapper" on ebay.

Good luck with your new ride.

[benjamin550]

Gaither- thanks for the info. Little confused here...How is the filter obsolete? Do you mean its bad and needs to be replaced. And how do you mean the petcock is obsolete? Ive been referring to the piece with the reserve/on/off switch and the fuel line nipple thingy (not the technical term) as the petcock. maybe im a little confused.

BTW- I love Chattanooga man, one of my favorite cities. Im from Knoxville, so i make it to Chattanooga about 5 times a year visiting friends. Love that town. thanks!

[Stev-o]

What he means is part not available from Honda. Obsolete may not be the proper term.

They are out there, I bought one from a fellow member.

[Gaither]

Benjamine

I didn't intend to say that your parts are "obsolete" and should not be used. If they're good - use 'em. Sorry to mislead you.

What I meant is Honda no longer supplies these parts. Some dealers may still have them in stock but can no longer order them from Honda. When Honda no longer sells a part, the part is classified as "obsolete". However, you will generally find that someone has such parts NOS [New Old Stock]. Also, on some items, you may find another part will interchange.

You are at the right place. These guys know these bikes and will tell us what we need to do. That includes "obsolete" parts.

Just keep at it - you'll wind up OK with the 550.