Topic: My first CB550K Four rebuild. Los Angeles, CA

[andrewherrold]

Ok so here we go. My first 1978 Honda CB550k Four build. I purchased it about a year ago and had Jay LaRossa work on it a little but I didnt have a fortune to spend on it. The engine went downhill real quick and needs everything from a cylinder hone, new electrical, clutch, rings, and seals/gaskets. So I am here now about to do a rebuild. I have began tearing down the engine. However, I have no shop, garage, or vast technical knowledge. So here it goes!

Today I started by cleaning some parts and wanted to run some questions by you smart folks. I cleaned up the pistons and noticed some scratches on the skirts and tops. Anything look suspect? Also I cleaned one of the side covers(clutch I believe) and I put it in the oven to dry it thoroughly. It came out with an interesting patina which I wouldnt mind using in the rest of my bike. Anybody experienced with patinas? How did this happen?

Thanks.

[andrewherrold]

Oh and by the way, this would be a close example of what I will be going for. I'd like to keep it a little rough around the edges and get the engine casing stripped and use a patina and brass accents to make it pop. I love the idea of a baseball glove leather and stitching inspired two person seat (gotta keep room for my lady).

[Tews19]

Not ripping on that bike but don't go with the ironing board seat. Good luck and welcome to the site. You have gone to the right place for all the help you need.

[andrewherrold]

Well the seat shape is the last on my list to decide on but right now Im just looking to get the engine back into shape. Thanks for the welcome. I have been following this forum for almost a year now and just finally took the plunge and wanted to participate. Im looking forward to meeting some new people on here. Sounds like a really cool supportive bunch.

[Tews19]

Yeah I'd say you jumped in feet first. Got the engine pulled apart... I am subscribed. Keep up the good work. Hey do you have the chrome ears and if in good shape, looking to sell them?

[andrewherrold]

Forgive my stupidity... but what are chrome ears?

[Tews19]

The chrome things that hold the headlight bucket and has turn signals on it... I show you a pic of mine but I dont have them and we have the same bike.

[andrewherrold]

No I dont have them. I believe when I got the bike there were a lot of mismatched and aftermarket parts that the prior owner tried to use.

[Tews19]

Thanks for the fast response. Hey you take any pics prior to disassembly?

[andrewherrold]

Yep, a little rough but this is what I'm starting with.

[andrewherrold]

Ok so I spoke to my friend the other day and he advised me to not use a flex home in my cylinders because it's such a delicate process. Although I'm not looking to just throw money at a machine shop to hone the cylinders if I don't have to. Anybody think the flex hone is fool proof? Need some expert opinion here.

[Tews19]

Rough? Buddy you have a great platform there.

[andrewherrold]

This is what it looked like when I first got it but it wasn't in running condition.

 Wish I could find a gear head on here that lives in LA and would want to help with such a project. I used to be involved in a car club up in Oregon and everybody would volunteer their garages and time to work on projects. Anybody in LA wanna help rebuild this engine?


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[Mcwilliams570]

I just did my motor on my 550 and I used a flex hone not to hard to do came out just fine. Just make sure you use a good hone oil for lube when doing it..

Matt

[andrewherrold]

I just did my motor on my 550 and I used a flex hone not to hard to do came out just fine. Just make sure you use a good hone oil for lube when doing it..

Matt

What size of Flex hone did you use? Im assuming you just wanted to re-finish the cylinders and not bored them any bigger. Im trying to just keep my engine basically stock.

[Mcwilliams570]

I used a 2 3/8" 60mm   320 grit got it off ebay. Yeah it just re-finished them.

Matt