I had a bit of a successful long Victoria Day weekend with the CB550K1. I pulled off the float bowls to check the damage on the carbs, and they were pretty nasty. All of the idle jets were clogged, especially the one that magically dropped out when I removed the float bowl
It wasn't stripped and screwed right back into place after I cleaned the heck out of it, so that's a mystery. Time to pull the carbs, snag some Yammy carb cleaner, a set of carb kits and get to work.
I also adjusted the cam chain and valves, which were way out by at least a few thou'. It ran a bit better today (definately smoother), so I decided to take it for a short stint down the road (and down two hills). Since the main jets need a better clean, it wasn't getting enough fuel to power up the hills again so......I had a fun time in the rain (which decided to pour down after it stalled out) pushing the bike for short frantic bursts up those long hills before stopping for breathers. So the lesson is: a) don't fart around; clean the carbs right and b) if the bike is going to crap out, make sure it's at the TOP of the hill.
As the rain poured down in buckets and I stood on the side of the hill leaning into my bike with my hand on the brake lever and trying to breath , all I could think was "It must be love."
Man, I'm poetic. And here's a picture of my make-shift garage in the rain to work on the bike.
