Topic: Pulling apart Carbs - Replacement Parts, What to Use?

[rogg]

Hey  Guys,

Still working on my CB550. 
Engine # is CB550E-1117138 so from the charts on this site am I correct in saying its a 1976 CB550 F2 ? The frame is a CB500 from 1972. So need to make sure im getting the right parts.

Pulled out the carbs to give a good clean and replace whatever needs replacing.

Couple of questions.

1/ How do you remove the overflow drain tube? Or does it stay in?


2/ Should I recycle / clean what I can and reuse? Or put a full kit through it?

Most parts look ok now after a clean. But all the little rubbers need replacing.

4into1 have everything as individual, or as kits http://4into1.com/carburetor-parts/?sort=bestselling

Do I buy 4 Gasket sets at $15 a pop
http://4into1.com/genuine-honda-carburetor-gasket-set-16010-323-315-cb500-cb550/

And a Primary main jet.

Or go the kit:

Rebuild Kit: http://4into1.com/keyster-carburetor-rebuild-kit-honda-cb550f-1975-1977/
Delux Kit: http://4into1.com/keyster-deluxe-carburetor-rebuild-kit-honda-cb550f-1975-1977/

3/ Is there somewhere I can get these parts in Melbourne, Australia quicker than ordering from overseas? Keen to put it all back together as quick as possible and start working on the next job.

Some pics of what I'm working with...

[Puntas13]

Those look pretty clean. Are the slides free? I'd just replace the main jet orings and fuel line for now unless your dying to spend some cash. Soak the jets in carb cleaner and reuse. they are pieces of brass with holes, not much to break. Pull your emulsifier tube and clean it.

Don't mess with overflow tube, just make sure its not clogged.

[rogg]

Yeah, they weren't too bad.

Slides are fine. I've already soaked everything and everything except that one jet that is corroded. Inside that carb there was a lot of green gunk and it was the only really dirty one.

So just buy the one brass part that isn't in good shape?

And what about all the rubber o-rings? Is there somewhere I can get them easily? And not pay a fortune in Australia?

[Puntas13]

If that is pitting and not just crud I'd replace it. If you've got a good hardware store you may be able to find orings. Only problem is getting good fuel resistant ones. For some reason I'm thinking those jet orings are a specific part and not just a generic piece. My 500 carbs were way nastier than that , but they cleaned up fine and run good.

[rogg]

The green munted looking one is definitely pitted.

That fuel bowl had heaps of green slime in it and was the dirtiest. The rest really weren't that bad.

What would cause this pitting? And the terrible sludge? And only in one carb.

On the hunt for o-rings now. If I can find some in Melbourne I'll be able to put it all back together today.

[rogg]

Ok, heading down to Metro Bearings. On the phone they sounded like they would have what I need.

http://metrobearings.com.au/

[Stev-o]

Make sure the prongs are fuel resistant.  Don't buy Keyster carb kits, many complaints about them on here. Good luck.

[Bootlegger56]

Go to the O-ring store online and buy the O-rings you need.  You can get enough to rebuild 550 carbs for the rest of your life for what the price of kits cost.  I don't have an F but I think the 75K is probably the same.  I know you can search on here and find out the sizes to order.  I have posted this before but this is what I bought for my K1:

12 x N1.90X008  Metric Buna-N 70 O-ring (N1.90X008)  = $2.70
16 x 1.5mm X 5mm Metric Buna-N 70 O-ring (N1.50X005)  = $1.44
16 x 1.2mm X 3.5mm Metric Buna-N 70 O-ring (N1.20X003.5)  = $4.61
25 x 009 B70 Buna-N 70 O-ring (B70009)  = $1.00
------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: $9.75
USPS Priority Mail (USPS Priority Mail (3-4 Days)): $8.00
Total: $17.75

Some of those jets look pretty cruddy to me.  How are the jet holder tubes in the carb bodies?  That is something to take a look at.  I couldn't tell from the pics.  Good luck!

[rogg]

Got a bunch of o-rings for $5. Two sets. Just in case i need to do it again down the track.

One thing. Is this o-ring too big?

I didn't take a photo, can someone confirm which way up this part goes.

This correct? Because with that oring it wont press in very far.


Everything else is back in, ready to test it tomorrow.

[rogg]

How far in does the oring need to go into the body with this jet?

I think my oring is a bit big.

[lucky]

Leave the overflow drain tube alone!
Just check it for check for vertical cracks.

This is a real problem when inexperienced mechanics take apart things.
They can cause more damage.

Like doctors say....."Do no harm"

[rogg]

Leave the overflow drain tube alone!
Just check it for check for vertical cracks.

This is a real problem when inexperienced mechanics take apart things.
They can cause more damage.

Like doctors say....."Do no harm"

That I did, I left a lot alone... Just cleaned everything and put it all back together. New oil, filter and plugs went in on Saturday.

Bench Sync'd it, it was way out... Put it back on the bike and had my first day riding... It's running really well, didn't realise the 550 would have the power it does.

Could be running a little lean, but thats better than how it was running before I pulled the carbs. It was super rich and all over the shop.