Topic: '75 CB550 Engine Teardown Questions

[sniper1]

OK, so I'm tearing the engine apart on my '75 CB550. I have the breather cover, and and cylinder head cover off. I have removed all of the cylinder head mounting bolts and the two 6mm flange bolts. But I can't seem to remove the cylinder head. When I try tapping on the bottom of the cylinder head fins with a rubber mallet the cylinder raises too. Should I be concerned about this? I would like to do this in order, but I think the gasket is holding the cylinder and head together and cant seem to seperate the two. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. I just don't want to damage anything. BTW, the cam chain tensioner is still in. Will the cam Chain tensioner screw hold the cylinder in place until I remove the head??

This is not my first teardown, I have done this last summer with my '77 CB550, but did not have this issue.

Thanks

[dave500]

remove that screw.

[chickenman_26]

BTW, the cam chain tensioner is still in. Will the cam Chain tensioner screw hold the cylinder in place until I remove the head??

The tensioner screw w/locknut near the bottom of the block won't hold the head on, but the bolt on the cylinder head will. Remove that bolt. As for doing it in order, you don't have a choice. Due to the length of the cylinder studs, the cylinders will not clear the studs unless the head is off. Also, you might want to stop beating on the fins before you break one off. Tap on the underside of the intake manifold, or stick a wooden dowel into an exhaust port and whack it.

Stu

[Duanob]

Is the engine on the bench or in the frame? If in the frame you will probably have to remove it to get the jugs off. If on the bench you might as well take the jugs off and check the cylinders, rings, etc. and replace the gasket and o-rings between the case and the jugs.

[sniper1]

Thanks for all of the comments. I gave up on it last night, but then at about 10:15pm as I was brushing my teeth, I figured I would go out and look at it again. So, with tooth brush in mouth, I went at it again and was able to pry on the head bit by bit, until it finally gave way. No issues, and no tooth paste drips on the engine, I got it off.

Thanks for the assist, standby for other problems!