Topic: 1978 CB550K

[TwoTired]

Before you spend too much time on the "rattle", vacuum sync and fine tune the carbs.  In fact, get the entire tune up check list spot on.  Cam chain rattle sounds like clicking. Lower end gear rattle sounds like clacking.  If each of the 4 cylinders doesn't fire with the same strength, minute changes in crank RPM can cause gear clack and is often diagnosed as clutch rattle.

In particular, if the rattle you hear changes pitch with clutch lever activation, it is not cam chain noise you are chasing.

[free85]

That's my current plan, TT. I'll be going through the tuneup list item at a time now that it's all pieced back together.

[free85]

Does anyone have a manual for the 550s with pages 7 and 8 (the ones that detail carb sync) NOT missing? I've downloaded two manuals now and pages 7 and 8 are not in there...

[Bankerdanny]

I get a fair amount of riding in, but not on my SOHC4. I sold my '77 550K in 2011 to buy a '77 GoldWing. I have a couple 550's I picked up this Spring that I am currently combining into a single bike. I hoped to be done with that now so I could ride it in this year's Relay Rally (I rode the prior bike in the inaugural Rally in 2011), but time and funds just didn't cooperate. Still, I have a good chance on fininshing in the next couple months and getting a ride or two in before it's too cold.

[free85]

I hate to say anything about recent winters past out of the chance I'd jinx it. Glad to hear you've gotten some riding in. My Morgan Carb Sync is on the way, and I've got my headlight and brackets on their way as well... It's another one of those "now we wait..." moments. Poor planning on my part. Didn't expect to have the engine buttoned up just yet, but we hit a groove last week.

[Bankerdanny]

By all appearances my engine is in good shape. But I won't really know until I get a chance to start it, which won't be for another couple weeks at the soonest.