Author Topic: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request  (Read 1815 times)

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Offline Donejohn

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Greetings Fellow enthusiasts. Ive stumpled over this website and thought i would try sharing my problem with you in hopes of getting my awesome bike running again.
Now this is the first bike i have ever bought and english is not my main language so bare with me for writting things that might sound like nonsense

anyways here goes. Ive been riding everyday for a few months when suddenly i came out for my daily ride and the bike would not start. I press the start button and nothing happens.. i tried the kick starter aswell and same thing there. So i decided to put the bike in my shed and take a look at it.

Now when i turn the key on i get the indicator lights for neutral and oil working but thats about it. The turn signal lights, head light, back light and horn does not work.. odd
But my real concern is i tested the spark plugs and i get no spark what so ever.. even when i use the kick starter. ( the sparkplugs are brand new)
Now its been sitting in the shed for quite some time and ive bought new things that i thought might fix the problem such as
:a new starter solenoid
:a new condenser
: new sparkplugs
: new fuses
But still no prevail.

Any tips on how to move on from here would be greatly apriciated.



Offline Donejohn

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Have you checked your fuses by chance? They're under the left side panel.

It also sounds as though the key switch itself may be wonky. Power to the START and the ignition coils involves solid BLACK (might be BLK/Red on your bike) and BLK/WHT for the coils.

Have you attempted to measure the battery voltage at the terminals directly with key OFF, then key ON?

https://i.imgur.com/YcD3MEQ.jpg

I did check the fuses and replaced all of them even though they looked fine.

Ill try measureing those. im thinking the "terminals" are where the wires connect right? and you want me to check of there is any power coming through them?

Offline bryanj

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You need a multimeter set to DC volts, a cheap unit will do you do not need an expensive meter.

There are two leads on the meter with pointed probes on the ends.

Touch the black lead to the battery negative and red to battery positive the meter needs to read 12 volts minimum.

Leave the black on battery neg and probe along the wiring  checking voltage
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Donejohn

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You need a multimeter set to DC volts, a cheap unit will do you do not need an expensive meter.

There are two leads on the meter with pointed probes on the ends.

Touch the black lead to the battery negative and red to battery positive the meter needs to read 12 volts minimum.

Leave the black on battery neg and probe along the wiring  checking voltage

I have a multimeter but i think ive been using it wrong from the way you are discribing how i should use it. Im going to update tomorrow to confirm the battery is reading 12 volts minimum. thanks for the info.

Im thinking of buying new ignition coils and a new main wireharness to see if this would fix it the issues.

Offline robvangulik

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When you've been riding it without problems, and from one day to the next your sparks have gone missing, I think the ONLY thing you need is a good battery! Where is your home located? (it doesn't say in your profile).

Offline Donejohn

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When you've been riding it without problems, and from one day to the next your sparks have gone missing, I think the ONLY thing you need is a good battery! Where is your home located? (it doesn't say in your profile).
The guy i bought the bike from told be just installed a brand new battery though this is a few months ago
I live in Denmark Slagelse.
I just might try this advice and buy a good quality battery. thanks

Offline flatlander

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before randomly buying parts, do as bryan says and measure. report back here with your results and we can help you along.

p.s.
never believe anything a seller says.

Offline Stev-o

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before randomly buying parts, do as bryan says and measure. report back here with your results and we can help you along.

p.s.
never believe anything a seller says.

+1.   I would bet your coils are good.  This, most likely, sounds like your ignition switch is bad
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline bryanj

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DO NOT just buy parts scatter system CAREFUL testing will find whats wrong
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Donejohn

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I just checked the power output from the battery though the numbers would often would swing up and down it would settle on 10volts most of the time. I even charged it overnight.
So this is a battery issue?

Offline robvangulik

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #10 on: November 16, 2020, 03:22:53 AM »
If 10 volts even after charging, I'm afraid that battery has passed away.

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #11 on: November 16, 2020, 04:02:49 AM »
It's the battery.
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Offline Donejohn

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #12 on: November 16, 2020, 09:20:16 AM »
Ordering a new battery now. And making a little prayer for it to be the issue  :)

Offline bryanj

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #13 on: November 16, 2020, 09:32:47 AM »
Just NOT one of the Li-on ones,
A lead acid or glass matt(agm)
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Donejohn

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #14 on: November 23, 2020, 01:40:53 PM »
The battery was the issue thanks alot for the assistance!  :)

Now i have a new problem tho... The bike will only run with the choke on and it wont idle.. Im thinking this is a carburator problem and it needs cleaning.  ::)

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #15 on: November 23, 2020, 04:38:03 PM »


Now i have a new problem tho... The bike will only run with the choke on and it wont idle.. Im thinking this is a carburator problem and it needs cleaning.  ::)

Sounds like the slow jets are clogged.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #16 on: November 24, 2020, 01:25:10 AM »
When bike has been sitting for a long period, this ^ can happen. These slow jets are prone to become partially clogged. The orifices are so small that fuel tends to hang in there. Lighter fractions of the fuel will evaporate leaving the other stuff to remain. Once cleaned, I recommend to run your bike (for at least one tank) with a fuel additive that helps to (keep) clean the fuel system.
I can service my slow jets blindfolded without removing the rack, but I can imagine for you at the first time, it can be a bit difficult.
However prior to removing the rack, I'd do this little test. Have the bike idle or near idle. Than turn in (and then out) an individual airscrew and listen if you can detect a change in rpm. Rpm should change. Do the same with the other carbs, one at the time. Where the rpm does not change, that carb's idle circuit is suspect. The change in rpm will be subtle, but can be noticed. Prior to this, take note of the initial position of the airscrew by counting whilst turning in till it stops (gently, do not force to avoid you damage its tip!), so you can later reposition the screw exactly where it was.
If, after you've done this, one or more carbs do not show a change in rpm, you could try this:
Drain the floatbowl by removing the drainscrew completely. Then remove the airscrew completely*, so you can pour some WD-40, carbcleaner or brakecleaner in that opening and pray it will - by gravity - finds it way through the passage of the slow jet down to the floatbowl. If it comes out of the bowl, you'll know there is still some opening in the jet. There is even a little chance the cleaner will dissolve the blockage. Give it time. If there's still an opening, fuel with an additive may further take care of the problem.
* Note that in the orifice of the airscrew, there's a little spring which does not necessarily have to be removed. Just pay attention, it doesn't get lost.
« Last Edit: November 24, 2020, 01:55:31 AM by Deltarider »
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Offline Donejohn

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #17 on: November 25, 2020, 10:29:39 AM »
I was very nervous atempting to clean the carburators but honestly it wasnt that much of a trouble besides actually getting the damn thing of the bike.

The air Jet or slow jet cant remember its name was clogged and i used a small needle  to clean it.

It now runs perfectly :)

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #18 on: November 25, 2020, 10:41:34 AM »
Just one jet?
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Offline Donejohn

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #19 on: November 25, 2020, 10:46:27 AM »
Another problem.. Im missing 2 screws at the speeder to hold it in place. I unscrewed these along time ago because i thought the problem with starting the bike was because of eroded connections. anyways now they are lost..

Not a big problem i thought ill just use some new ones.. But i cant seem to get any screw to fit the larger screw sockets.. is there suppose to be somthing more "advanced" screwed in here than a regular screw?.

https://imgur.com/gallery/iIp8TzU
https://imgur.com/gallery/iIp8TzU

Ive posted these pictures maby it will give you an better idea of what im talking about.

If anyone of you guys know what is up with this id be happy to know.

Offline Donejohn

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #20 on: November 25, 2020, 10:49:18 AM »
Just one jet?

One was clogged so much i had to use a Needle the other jets i just cleaned with carbcleaner "shooting" it through the opening

Offline bryanj

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #21 on: November 25, 2020, 12:30:55 PM »
The big hole in the switch is for the throttle close cabe
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Donejohn

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #22 on: November 25, 2020, 02:40:28 PM »
Another problem.. Im missing 2 screws at the speeder to hold it in place. I unscrewed these along time ago because i thought the problem with starting the bike was because of eroded connections. anyways now they are lost..

Not a big problem i thought ill just use some new ones.. But i cant seem to get any screw to fit the larger screw sockets.. is there suppose to be somthing more "advanced" screwed in here than a regular screw?.

https://imgur.com/gallery/iIp8TzU
https://imgur.com/gallery/iIp8TzU

Ive posted these pictures maby it will give you an better idea of what im talking about.

If anyone of you guys know what is up with this id be happy to know.
That's not a "screw" hole, its for the second cable on your throttle. You have a push-pull throttle and your bike runs 2 throttle cables. Appears a PO deleted the push cable. (If I am interpreting your picture correctly.

Hmm interresting. Yeah my throttle retracts on its own using a spring and as ive understood (through youtube) the Push pull throttle you have to retract the throttle on your own/manually.
I think you are somewhat correct in this. But my switch is hanging loose unless i find a suitable screw for that cable hole. Unless im trying to assemble this switch in a very silly way which might be the case

Offline Donejohn

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #23 on: November 25, 2020, 02:52:33 PM »
Ill have a new look at this tomorrow from what you guys have just said im starting to worry that that hole has nothing to do with the switch gribbing around the handlebar.

Offline bryanj

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Re: Honda cb 550 supersport 1977 Ignition and electrical problems. Help request
« Reply #24 on: November 25, 2020, 03:37:34 PM »
There is always a spring as well as a second cable and if you ride it without the second cable, which Honda designed to be there, you insurance company could walk away from any claim saying you were not maintaining your bike properly.

AND no matter what you put in there it wont make your switch tight on the handlebars, there are two other normal screws for that
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!