Topic: While the oil is drained. . .suggestions?

[Tamothy]

I have the oil drained on this '77 CB550F that has been sitting for some time (last plated '88).  It is drained because I removed the righthand crank case to fix a broken clutch adjuster lever assembly.  If that was off it was suggested to me to inspect the clutch.  I removed and disassembled it, finding that the plates are not within factory spec but the springs are at a good length.  I deglazed all the metal plates and ordered new friction plates.

It was then suggested that I drop the sump and pull the oil screen to see how things look and clean that junk out.  Well, not a huge amount of sludge but definitely some thick stuff.  I strained what I could and found a very small amount of small metal burrs.  I cleaned all of that sludge out and cleaned the oil screen assembly.  I am really glad this was suggested.  It was simple and I do not want that crap in my motor!  I don't know if I should be concerned about the metal, but I plan on checking in on the oil screen and sump not far down the road to monitor it.

So I decided to inspect the oil pump while I wait for the friction plates, case gasket, and new clutch cable.  I completely disassembled it, cleaned it, assembled it and measured tolerances.  Everything was within factory spec.  From the design and function of the oil pump it seems like maybe it would not fail or need replaced often.

So that brings me to the question of what else might I consider servicing before I put oil in it?

[Don R]

I've read the oil pump o rings can be replaced to maintain good oil pressure, maybe have a look at them.

[dave500]

as don said,replace those o rings,yours will have a flat square edge look to them,,they are circular when new and compress to seal,,if they are flattened they cant compress,also replace those pesky cross heads with allens,dont over tighten them though,you sound like your on top of it.

[LesterPiglet]

Oil filter?

[Tamothy]

Yeahp, oil filter too!
Ordered some dang o-rings. . .hurtin' the piggy bank!

[70CB750]

I am thinking about upgrading oil hoses, but yours is wet sump, is it not?

[LesterPiglet]

Wet sump indeed.

[Tamothy]

 Yes sir!

[Duanob]

How about main output shaft seal and shifter shaft seal? they tend to leak as well. They are fairly cheap.

[TwoTired]

How about main output shaft seal and shifter shaft seal? they tend to leak as well. They are fairly cheap.

I never saw a leaking output shaft seal.  But, plenty of leaking shifter shaft seals.  Although, you needn't drain oil to replace the S.S.S.

Do check the primary chain slop. It has no tensioner.  I've been told a loose chain there can cut into engine cases.  They wear with time and use.  I don't know how much of either your engine has had.

[Tamothy]

TwoTired, how do you measure the primary chain slack and what are factory specs?  My engine is still mounted in the frame.  Maybe I have overlooked it or not searched hard enough in the service manual, but I have not found that information.

'77 CB550F w/ +12k miles, stock except PO gave a (very) small attempt at resurrecting it by putting UNI pod filters on it.  By the looks of the case screws, it has been tinkered on some. 

On that note, I have the stock airbox stuff but the boots are bad.  Should I stick with the pods or try to get some new boots and run the airbox?  I just read a great thread about what to do with the breather tube when running pods (haha)!  Stickin' it to 'em. . .!

I ordered a s.s.s. along with the o-rings for the oil pump. 

[TwoTired]

TwoTired, how do you measure the primary chain slack and what are factory specs?  My engine is still mounted in the frame.  Maybe I have overlooked it or not searched hard enough in the service manual, but I have not found that information.

It's tight when new, I'd be unhappy with 1/8 inch slack, and certainly replace it with 1/4" slack movement.  BrianJ will know for sure.  It's been discussed before.  But, I can't recall the thread tittle.  Shouldn't be a problem at 12K miles, though.  I actually haven't replaced one yet, but I should on one or two of my bikes in storage (50K-ish miles on them).

'77 CB550F w/ +12k miles, stock except PO gave a (very) small attempt at resurrecting it by putting UNI pod filters on it.  By the looks of the case screws, it has been tinkered on some.
On that note, I have the stock airbox stuff but the boots are bad.  Should I stick with the pods or try to get some new boots and run the airbox? 

I have some old pods sitting on a garage shelf that are good for collecting saliva as I pass by them.

You can get brand new rubber boots from David Silver Spares.  I would if I needed to replace them.  A lot less hassle than rejetting carbs for barely acceptable operation with pods installed.  But, I'm happy with getting the bike to run as well as new.  Some insist they know a better way than a team of Honda engineers/tuners.  I don't find that to be the case very often, but it *could* happen.

Cheers,