Topic: 1974 CB550 starter delete

[stolle]

I read a few different ways of plugging the hole after the starter is removed none of which really appealed to me, they either cost too much or were not available. I set out to find my own solution, it had to be cheap easy to come by and easy to install. Here is what I came up with, hope this is useful to someone else.

I originally thought of just using a rubber stopper. But, I was worried about it falling out. Then I realised I could use a freeze plug, but I couldn't find any in stock that were 30mm and again I just thought they cost too much. I went to the hardware store and found a 1" copper cap for plumbing, was just over 30mm. So I bought it for $2.50.

Took it home and cut it down.


I used a piece of paper to gauge the thickness and cut the cap to match.


Massaged in place with a hammer and socket, the socket needs to be a little smaller than the copper. I also coated the copper with some grey RTV before installation.


I think it looks pretty sweet, I'm not using the stock cover or the chrome cover that was on top of the starter. Making my own out of a piece of sheet metal.

Thanks for looking!

[stolle]

I thought the same thing I looked up the expansion rates of copper and aluminum and found that aluminum expands much more than copper. I'm hoping it doesn't leak, this is also why I used the grey RTV, for a little insurance. I have yet to get the engine to temp, I guess we shall see, I report back after the plug sees some heat cycles. Thank you.

[stolle]

So far, I have put 400 miles on the bike since the copper plug was installed and not one leak. the surrounding area is dry and free of oil. So I would say this is a viable solution for plugging the hole up after removing the starter. However, your results may vary. lol

[fr3ya]

It's been nearly a year.  Wondering how this solution is holding up.  If it's still a go I'll give it a shot. 

[stolle]

Been over a year and over 2000 miles and it's still tight and dry. I'll try and post pics this evening. And fix the broken links in the images in the original post.