Author Topic: 74 cb550 in the frozen tundra....Damn near done! (Read 54325 times)

Bakeoff · « **Reply #75 on:** May 09, 2011, 10:08:55 AM »

Tempted to get one of these:

Thoughts?

SF · « **Reply #76 on:** May 09, 2011, 11:07:33 AM »

I LIKE IT, EXTRA CANDLE POWER IN THAT SUCKER? SAFTY FIRST! WE NEED TO BE SEEN AND HEARD.

Nortstudio · « **Reply #77 on:** May 09, 2011, 11:30:49 AM »

Does that drain more juice from our already starved beasts?

Bunicula · « **Reply #78 on:** May 09, 2011, 12:52:07 PM »

could flow nice if you end up using the more modern style tail light.. looking forward to more pics and updates for sure

Bakeoff · « **Reply #79 on:** May 09, 2011, 03:36:09 PM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on May 09, 2011, 11:30:49 AM

Does that drain more juice from our already starved beasts?

Good point! Thanks for the reminder! There is very little info on the ebay auction. With the weak charging systems the 500/550's have, I might pass on this one for now. Not like I can't swap out a bulb later.

Bakeoff · « **Reply #80 on:** May 11, 2011, 11:02:14 AM »

Well, son of a #$%*. I totally bent the cam chain tensioner while trying to take it out. But I got the cylinders off... After inspecting it, I found some cracks in the surface of the tensioner, so no big loss there. A new tensioner kit and head studs have just been ordered. I'll be doing some more work tonight. I just had a half hour between conference calls and was far too eager to check this thing out.

xsmooth69x · « **Reply #81 on:** May 11, 2011, 01:41:16 PM »

ya i was thinking about getting that head light too. but throw away the bulb that comes with it and get a 35w HID system. its only 35w so it actually draws less current from the system the the stock bulbs from what i read.

i didnt get that headlight because im going to be cool and get the 7" angel eye headlight lawl. ill keep the halo on as the "running light"

Nortstudio · « **Reply #82 on:** May 11, 2011, 02:55:09 PM »

Where are you guys finding those headlights?

Bakeoff · « **Reply #83 on:** May 12, 2011, 08:51:45 AM »

Things keep getting better... #$%*, I should have started with the motor...

This is how I started last night since I had pulled the jugs while "working"...

The kick starter has stripped threads on the part that mounts it. Gotta source a new one...No pics of that pile.

A previously broken chain took out an oil plug that has been discontinued. I'd have to split the crank case to replace it and I'm really thinking of half assing this one thing and putting JB weld over the small crack in it. Its a metal plug coated in rubber and the metal is cracked. I can't see it really being such a horrible idea. Sigh... Here's a blurry shot of the culprit.

Then the head studs... I will bite my tongue. Between those, the things mentioned above, and cleaning up the base gasket mess, head gasket, and I cleaned out the oil pan, I spent 6 hours in the garage last night. The head studs required a ton of torching, PB blaster, and a lot of patience. Sore hands and 3 hours on those alone. In the end I was left with this:

I found a few other seals I need to buy (not included in the kit I bought previously), so I'll get to that today. But hell, the rest of the engine is looking good. Primary chain has very limited play in it. Cylinders look great. Cam and rockers are in good shape. I'll just be stoked to see it go back together!

Bakeoff · « **Reply #84 on:** May 12, 2011, 08:52:25 AM »

Quote from: Nortstudio on May 11, 2011, 02:55:09 PM

Where are you guys finding those headlights?

I found that one on ebay. I'll pm you a link.

Bunicula · « **Reply #85 on:** May 12, 2011, 09:26:14 AM »

keep on pluggin away dude! your making good progress

Bakeoff · « **Reply #86 on:** May 13, 2011, 08:40:10 AM »

Thanks man!

Last night I replaced o-rings in the oil pump and threw a thread chaser down the head stud holes. They're smooth as butter, so one thing is going right! I also threw together a list of things I need to finish the engine. Its a handful of seals that I'll have to order in, so I might not get much done for a week.

Aladinsane07 · « **Reply #87 on:** May 13, 2011, 07:23:55 PM »

Good work so far! If this MN weather would stay warm, I'm sure things would be alot easier. Although, even 50 and rainy is better than winter weather.

Bakeoff · « **Reply #88 on:** May 14, 2011, 04:31:57 PM »

Ain't that the truth! Today is 40 and rainy! At least I have a wood burning stove in the garage, or I wouldn't have gotten anything done this winter.

Anyway, I've got head studs and a cam chain tensioner ordered. And I'm going to place an order for the remainder of things today.

Bakeoff · « **Reply #89 on:** May 19, 2011, 11:46:06 AM »

Head studs and cam chain tensioner came in. Still waiting for the rest of the seals to come in so I can button the engine back up...

bluesmoke69 · « **Reply #90 on:** May 21, 2011, 05:48:27 PM »

Keep up the good work!!

Bakeoff · « **Reply #91 on:** May 26, 2011, 10:46:49 AM »

I've been waiting for parts to come in and hit some road blocks. I now have a new stator cover on the way to replace the rashed one I have. And I should have a kickstand on the way within a day or two.

So, I still need to source a set of front rotor bolts for the dual disc swap, a kick starter arm to replace the stripped out one I have, clip ons (to replace the ones I made, since I want them to be immaculate), and the speedo I really want.

The engine has been a pain in the ass. I think I now have all the parts I need (head stud nuts should be in the mail today), and then I can start reassembling and shoot some paint on that bad boy. In the mean time I cleaned up the rear sprocket and the bearing cover and painted them. And spent a lot of time stripping the old paint off the motor... Slow progress.

bambuhiphop · « **Reply #92 on:** May 26, 2011, 10:57:50 AM »

Bakeoff, looking good. Keep up the good work. I am just a little behind you on my 75' 550 so keep up the killer work so I can copy you

SF · « **Reply #93 on:** May 26, 2011, 11:12:45 AM »

LETS SEE SOME PICS! SOUNDS GREAT WHAT YOUR DOIN.

Bakeoff · « **Reply #94 on:** May 26, 2011, 01:06:13 PM »

Fair enough. I'll get some pics tonight.

twallace · « **Reply #95 on:** May 26, 2011, 01:34:24 PM »

What did you end up doing with that plug near the sprocket? I've got the same issue on mine. BTW we have exactly the same bike. Same color and condition. You're inspiring me to get started on mine.

Bunicula · « **Reply #96 on:** May 26, 2011, 02:08:57 PM »

in for tonights updates

Bakeoff · « **Reply #97 on:** May 26, 2011, 06:31:48 PM »

Quote from: twallace on May 26, 2011, 01:34:24 PM

What did you end up doing with that plug near the sprocket? I've got the same issue on mine. BTW we have exactly the same bike. Same color and condition. You're inspiring me to get started on mine.

Mine isn't the same color anymore...sadly. But I'm loving the new color.

I haven't done anything yet, but I am going to cut back a little bit of the rubber and JB weld the tiny slice in the metal.

And.................onto the update!

I took a couple pics of what I've in the last couple days... Nothing great. Been busy.

Got the sprocket and cover for it painted. Not you can really see what I did with the cheesy sprocket cover. A little trimming it really makes the sprocket look...better/visible/not a sprocket cover. lol

And with the jugs and head off, I've been doing a ton of paint stripping and cleaning. Bam, it dawned on me that I need to replace the valve seals. Got 'em. Might as well do 'em. So, here she is stripped down.

I should also mention that it took 3 hours to remove the head gasket crap left on the bottom of the head. Thought I'd done it already, but...yeah...3 hours.

I got the nuts for the head studs today, so I can finally put it all back together, strip the block, and paint the whole thing. That's about all I've got for now.

Bakeoff · « **Reply #98 on:** June 01, 2011, 09:09:06 AM »

I made some progress last night!

The head is reassembled with new valve seals. Putting the valve keepers back in was an adventure. My valve spring compressor is too big to get into this tiny head, so I revived one that my roommate made, then took apart, then lost some parts for. A little creative welding and an extra set of hands and the head was back together.

I was all worried about getting the jugs back on because I don't have a ring compressor small enough for this engine. Man, that was a lot of useless worrying! Get two pistons lined up and the bottom of the cylinders are tapered so nicely that they slide in with just a little bit of wiggling. GAME ON!

Obviously, some other seals went in, and I got the head studs put in, or I wouldn't be mentioning anything else... Threw the head on and got her torqued down. I hadn't eaten all day and it was almost 10pm....and I had to wet my whistle with a little alcohol, so I caught a nice buzz and didn't have the ambition to look up how to time the damn thing. lol But here's what I ended the night with:

Tonight, I'd like to get the timing done and get her all buttoned up, so I can finally strip the paint from the lower cases like I should have done before ripping it apart. Then I can finally paint it before it oxidizes any more.

Bunicula · « **Reply #99 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:55:27 AM »

looking good dude! whats the plan for the dressing the motor up? anything fancy or just a clean up and paint?

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Author Topic: 74 cb550 in the frozen tundra....Damn near done! (Read 54325 times)