Hey guys (again),
I've been at this build for about a year now, it has been pretty slow because of lack of money, school, and life. I started out like everyone else... When I was 16 I saw a 76' CB550 with those 4-4 pipes and the clean retro styling and new I would be taking a road trip on one. I searched Craigs-list for about 7 months and found a set of decent project bikes and picked them up for $750 (4 Bikes!!!). I tore them all down and started to pick the best parts out of the bunch. I chose the 77 F engine, since it had
only 8,000 miles on it. I also decided I liked the 76 frame better, also because this was the frame with the best title situation. I did a basic clean up of the top end, new gaskets, painted the cylinder block and what not. I did the usual cafe smudges, cutting off tabs and making the frame look better? or worse... I welded some gussets in the triangle area, and had the frame,swing-arm and some other bits powder-coated a very low gloss black. Once I got the frame back I slapped the engine in and began
to work up. Put new bushings in the swingarm, sanded and painted the exhaust since it had a fair amount of surface rust. I've got the wiring pretty much all taken care of, I did a custom wiring set up, similar to the santee chopper wiring diagram. I ordered my tires yesterday(Bridgestone spitfires) and will probably pick up tubes and rim strips at the local shop.
Since being on this forum I have learned so much great knowledge that has helped me get through this build. But I'm finished with school and have been working on this thing pretty much non-stop the last couple months. I've knocked a bunch of stuff out of the way, and finally got her started earlier this week. BUT... Here's my problem,She seems to run alright since I put the 4-4 back on. But there is a knocking sound coming from the top end, it sounds like the tappets? Or possibly something with the cam chain.
(Note : I have set the clearance for the tappets and the timing, but have NOT adjusted the cam chain.) Also pipes 3&4 are much cooler than 1&2 (I can keep my hand on both, but burns on 1&2), and I noticed that there was some smoke? coming from either the #1 or #2 cylinder (not the from the back of the pipe, actually up near the actual cylinder. . . I went through the carbs multiple times, once just two days ago to double clean the jet holes, and re-set the floats. So, I was wondering if there are any SOHC4 members down here in sizzling Phoenix,AZ that would be down to help me figure this thing out. I am planning on doing a road trip with this bike once
it is complete, and would like it to be finished sooner than later so I can get it reliable and on the road as fast as possible.
I would post pics in here, but I have forgotten my Flickr account password...
But you can check out my blog -
http://thewardincentive.tumblr.com/