Topic: 76 cb550k2 refresh

[evo42]

I found this bike with a seized motor on CL for $300, it had all it's parts (in a box) and hadn't been run in 7 years.  I was considering running bikes for $700-1300 and thought this would be a good way to get in without getting hurt.  I've had a handful of bikes but am mainly a car guy. 

Spent the first few days taking the tank, seat and clutch cover off, degreasing the frame and inspecting the clutch pak.  Ordered the bottom-end gasket kit and some oil filters too.  I decided the clutch pak was not the cause of the binding so I began the fluid soak/rocking procedure.  Started with Seafoam on Saturday.  On Sunday I switched to ATF/Acetone and then removed the alt cover and tried to turn the 14mm nut.  It would move about a 1/4 of the way and then stop. 

I added more of the mixture and did some rocking after work today.  Managed to pull a muscle in the process.  Put it on the center stand and before going in for the evening tried a turn on the 14mm bolt.  Just like that, it broke free with little effort, on day 8 of ownership.  I put rags over the plug holes eliminating me from the fluid shooting olympics.  Stoked like I haven't been in a long time. 

More work to come, carb refresh, clutch kit, new cables and so on not yet ordered.  Por-15 gas tank refurb kit should be here by mid/late week.  Need a battery and then maybe I'll try to fire it up.  Started as cafe project but I like the stock look so maybe a bit of both. 

Experiencing the thrill of victory, waiting for the agony of defeat.  Having fun, wife says I should do this more often.

More to come...

[Tews19]

Very cool to hear you broke the engine loose. Try vinegar in the tank. This will get rid of the rust very easily and extremely cheap! Also take your time. Your bike should clean up really nice. You will be amazed.

Keep the updates coming.

[evo42]

I finished the POR-15 gas tank clean/sealer today.  Took about five hours start to finish, a lot of time during drying of the tank and the metal ready step.  Draining the extra sealer was a pain but it turned out good.  Nice coat of grey on the inside of the tank now, I put the hair dryer on it for 40 minutes (20 in fill hole, 20 in the petcock hole) now it'll sit and should be ready for fuel on Friday.  I won't be ready though to fill it then...

I removed the exhaust and did some degreasing of the frame in between steps, its cleaning up pretty good. 

More inspection of carbs and brakes next...

[rb550four]

You must video tape your wife telling you that "you should do this more often" and tuck it safely away . No doubt if this is a successful build , you will be doing it more often.  You wouldn't want her to forget that this was actually her idea.

[evo42]

^Ha!  I'll need to remind her when the expensive parts come time to order...

[evo42]

Nice to see all the other new/updated projects since I've posted last...

I installed a new clutch pack with new springs, installed new clutch cover gasket and installed the cover.  New oil filter and o-rings installed.  New dist cover gasket installed as well as new oil pan gasket.  I'll pick-up some oil and fill it up,  hopefully no leaks.

I adjusted the clutch and assume more may be required after this thing finally get's running.  Didn't install new plugs, no anti-sieze on site (wth?) so that'll get done this week.  Discovered my #4 plug wire is servered, will need a new one of those I guess.

The throttle doesn't snap back after the twist so need to confirm the setup.  Read somewhere here that that's normal but haven't completed the research.  Getting a new bar, grips and mirrors so maybe it'll work itself out then. 

After all that it's reinstall exhaust and gas tank and buy/install new battery.  Hopefully it won't be long until next post.