Author Topic: a couple quick ?s on this 550  (Read 788 times)

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Offline DJ_AX

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a couple quick ?s on this 550
« on: June 23, 2011, 08:22:35 AM »
I've read the 550 came with a 4 into 4 and the 550F (Super Sport?) came with a 4 into 1.
This bike is not an F from what I gather ... CB550K 1213449

What exhaust is this? I'm guessing I'd have to re-jet if it hasn't been done yet.


And the red stuff... liquid gasket gunk. ... comments?
~ Vincent . . . '75 CB750 K5 . . . '97 BMW r1100rt . . . had; '75 CB550 K1 (sold) . . .  '73 CB350G (gifted) HELL YEAH!
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Offline Greggo

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Re: a couple quick ?s on this 550
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2011, 08:28:11 AM »
Looks like a MAC 4-1 as far as the exhaust goes.  If the bike has stock jetting, you don't need to adjust.  Not sure about the red gunk, but you may be spot on with the gasket sealer.

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: a couple quick ?s on this 550
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2011, 11:24:36 AM »
I wouldn't assume that you need to rejet.

Do a plug chop at various RPM's, that will tell you if you are running lean at any point and need to adjust the jets and/or needles.
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Offline Gordon

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Re: a couple quick ?s on this 550
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2011, 11:29:55 AM »
I would be pretty worried about the use of that liquid gasket on the valve cover.  All it takes is for one tiny bit to break off and end up in an oil passage which will clog it, starving the camshaft and causing it to seize. 

Offline Greggo

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Re: a couple quick ?s on this 550
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2011, 11:35:50 AM »
I would be pretty worried about the use of that liquid gasket on the valve cover.  All it takes is for one tiny bit to break off and end up in an oil passage which will clog it, starving the camshaft and causing it to seize. 

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Offline fmctm1sw

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Re: a couple quick ?s on this 550
« Reply #5 on: June 23, 2011, 06:52:06 PM »
+1 on the gasket stuff.  May be "worms" all through it.  Looks like you have allen bolts on the cover though huh?
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Offline DJ_AX

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Re: a couple quick ?s on this 550
« Reply #6 on: June 23, 2011, 07:41:35 PM »
+1 on the gasket stuff.  May be "worms" all through it.  Looks like you have allen bolts on the cover though huh?

Sounds like an adventure. According to the PO it's been running fine with that for many many miles. ...
I know it's been a long while since it's last tune up. It seems to run good now but I think it's got a lot more to give if dialed in.  ... I'd like to see what's it's got...  before I tear too much off. I do plan on digging deeper but for right now I'd like to do the 3k run through... plugs, filters, tappets, points, timing, carbs, etc.

Compared to the 750 it feels like a 250 to me now. I know it's a smaller bike but it just feels a little too weak. Seems to be smooth through the rpms but just not... peppy.

~ Vincent . . . '75 CB750 K5 . . . '97 BMW r1100rt . . . had; '75 CB550 K1 (sold) . . .  '73 CB350G (gifted) HELL YEAH!
Disclaimer: I could be wrong. :)