Author Topic: Dads 79 650  (Read 3123 times)

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Offline CBGhia

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Dads 79 650
« on: October 18, 2009, 09:59:15 AM »
Well.  i have had this bike taking up space for a long while now.  I have tried many times to get it to fire over but it wouldn't.  I finally pulled the heads to find a pile of crap sitting on top of 2 pistons and the #1 exhaust port completely blocked with corrosion.  I cleaned all of that out of there.  I have been soaking the pistons for 2 days in CLR, but I still can't get the rings free.  It looks like I will need a new set of rings, so if anyone has any rings laying around... 



what a mess, this was inside the exhaust port.


Before a good scrubbing and some soda blasting

After.  Looks a lot better. 

CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2009, 10:00:15 AM »
Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics.

I was going to just touch up some of the paint on the frame, but after pulling the engine it seemed easier to just strip the bike and wire wheel the frame a bit, prime it and paint it.  I am about to finish priming it and then i am painting the frame graphite grey.   I have the engine painted black (i will grab some pics in a while) and he wants a flat black tank (he likes my brothers black Harley).  I went with gloss black on the engine, so I hope it does not clash too much with the flat tank.  He doesn't know it but the tank may change colors as well.  I am trying to decide if it would look too crazy if it matched the frame.  I have a spare tank, so I may paint it graphite just to see.

CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2009, 04:11:14 PM »
I don't think I would soak pistons in CLR at least not for a long period of time..  It's a mild acid.  What you want is some type of penetrating oil.  Sea Foam, a 50-50 mix of Acetone and tranny fluid, diesel fuel, and many others.

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2009, 05:20:55 PM »
Good call.  I will pull them out and soak them in sea foam.

It doesn't look like it has hurt them so far though.
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline checkflag

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2009, 10:38:30 PM »
I am looking forward to seeing the progress.. Please keep the pics coming
1979 cb650. Mac 4-1 exhaust. Soon>> cb750 carbs.

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2009, 10:05:29 AM »
Ok,  I have the 3 pistons with stuck rings soaking in a mix of Sea Foam deep creep and MMO.  I hope that gets the crap out so that I don't have to buy new rings. 
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2009, 07:12:00 PM »
Well so far the rings are still stuck.  i have cleaned the holy heck out of the head and I am going to lap the valves tomorrow and reassemble the head.  I just bought a gasket set off of ebay that should be here this week, so the engine should be back in soon. 

As you can see I painted the frame and swing arm last night.  I meant to take pictures of it during the painting but I didn't and was in the process of reassembling the bike when I remembered to take pics.  So here it is with some of the parts back on.
I get to attack the comstars tomorrow. 



« Last Edit: July 14, 2012, 01:00:34 PM by CBGhia »
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2009, 11:24:08 PM »
I am no expert on getting stuck rings out but I have used heat on other stuck parts with some success. 

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2009, 07:24:35 PM »
Today I broke out the polishing wheel.  I just got this thing.  I have tried the drill kind and I did not like the results and now that I have tired this, I wish I would have done it sooner.  It rocks. 

Look at the clutch cover in this pic.


then look at it here:




And I have to tell you,  I am not the kind of guy that likes to sand for hours at a time.  I am amazed at how this came out. I know it is not perfect.  I didn't get the bottom side of it very well, but I figure if you can see the bottom of the engine I have bigger worries.   

I got one of the forks done.  The other will be finished in the morning.


This one I did not spend as much time on as the side cover.  I will go back over it some tomorrow, but i don't expect it to be fantastic.
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #9 on: October 20, 2009, 07:29:33 PM »
I also painted the wheels today. 



Just a little faded



Now you may ask "why didn't you tape off the edges?"

Well because I heard a tip (I think it came from here) that paint does not stick to Vasoline.  Tomorrow I will clean off the edges and go over them a little to shine em up a bit. 


I got to tell you that I was really about to paint that clutch cover and the fork lowers.  I didn't think i could make them look that good.  I grin when i see it on that engine.    I will post pics of the engine when it is finally back together.  I have valves dancing around my work bench right now. 
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #10 on: October 20, 2009, 08:34:09 PM »
 

What type of "polishing wheel" did you get? I need to to polish mine, yours look great! Any other tips?

Thanks,
-Steve
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #11 on: October 20, 2009, 09:19:21 PM »
I bought one from harbor freight.  It was $45 I think. 

The best advise I can give is to sand the hell out of it. 
I started by degreasing the part and rubbing it with 000 steel wool.  Then 1000 grit. 1200 grit and 1500 grit.  I have 2 wheels (what it came with) and white rouge. 

Good luck.  It is easier than it seems.
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #12 on: October 26, 2009, 06:26:26 AM »
Not much new to report.  The bike is rolling now.  The engine is still on the ground because I am awaiting a gasket set and some pistons.  I cleaned the head and put the valves back in after a good lapping.  
I bought a valve spring compressor and if you have done this before, you can see exactly what is wrong with this one.  The flat side cannot get into the area where the valve spring is.  


I looked at the one they sell at Z1 and I am not paying $150.  I am poor.  So I made my own cage that allowed it to compress the spring and give me access to the keepers.



It works well enough, but is not as stable as I would like.  I might weld the socket to a c clamp later if I do any more of these heads.   The socket is a 5/8 and I just used my dremmel with the stock little cut off wheel to make it.  I have a bunch of old sockets (most of us do) and I rarely use american standard so...



I also decided to polish the exhaust collars.  I just did a really quick job, but they came out looking good.  I was going to paint them, but with the engine being black and the exhaust being a different shade of black, I thought it needed some separation.  I have polished just about everything I am going to.  As soon as the pistons and gaskets get here I will have picks of the engine and the bike as a whole.  I don't want to take picture of it until it is all back together and looking good.
« Last Edit: October 26, 2009, 06:37:20 AM by CBGhia »
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #13 on: October 26, 2009, 06:42:56 AM »
Oh and I had some help with those keepers.  ;D



CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #14 on: October 31, 2009, 02:33:43 PM »
Well.  I bought some pistons (low mileage with good rings) last Friday morning.  I was corresponding with the guy via email that morning, paid him and he said he would ship them out priority flat rate.  Cool I should have them by Tuesday.  Well on Thursday I email him and he said he didn't ship them until Tuesday.  Damn it,  well maybe they will be there Friday or Sat.   This morning I get an email from Fed Ex that he started the shipping process Friday but as far as I can see they have not been picked up yet. 

I start my new job Monday morning.  So, I have wasted this whole week that I had off doing nothing. My goal was to get the bike running by today. I need the pistons in order to get the engine finished and put in, so that I can finish the wiring and attach the chain, put on the big goofy fairing and give it a test ride.  Pretty much everything else is done.  I am so pissed right now.   >:(

Stay away from Thecyclebarn1 on ebay.  Apparently he sucks at shipping.
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #15 on: June 12, 2010, 08:12:02 PM »
Ok , I know it has been a long while. 
I rebuilt the top end of the bike a few months ago, but with work, this thing got pushed to the back burner.

I have been trying to figure out a decent carb solution for a while.  I didn't want to drop $200 plus on rebuild parts for the stock carbs (I have a set in great shape,but they need air cut-off valves and an accelerator pump), so I bought a set of 75 750 carbs, cleaned em up and started the bike for the first time a few weeks ago.  ;D

Today, I buttoned up some loose ends on the motor, cleaned and installed a good used master cylinder and rode that sumb!tch around the block for the first time!!!  ;D :D ;D :D ;D :D.   

I did drip a drop of brake fluid on the tank, so I had to sand and prime the whole damn thing again.  It is not perfect, but I will add paint tomorrow and post up pics.   Sooo Happy!!  I plan to drop this thing off at my dads by Fathers Day next week.!
 
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline Pinhead

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #16 on: June 13, 2010, 12:20:42 AM »
Sweet work! Get some pics of the final product!
Doug

Click --> Cheap Regulator/Rectifier for any of Honda's 3-phase charging systems (all SOHC4's).

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Offline Hush

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #17 on: June 13, 2010, 02:10:39 AM »
Hey nice work, am I right in assuming that you are doing this for your Dad...too much mate. ;D
I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #18 on: June 13, 2010, 08:10:30 AM »
Thanks.  Yep,  all for my pops.  This is to pay him back for all the stuff he has done for me.  He is going to have to pony up for new tires and a new chain, but everything else should be done.
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #19 on: June 13, 2010, 12:11:54 PM »



Here she is in all her big seated glory. The paint ws rattle can and you can tell, but it looks pretty good.
« Last Edit: July 14, 2012, 12:59:31 PM by CBGhia »
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
"The cleaner the dipstick, the closer to God." -Rev. Horton Heat
“Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”  - Hunter S. Thompson

Offline Hush

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Re: Dads 79 650
« Reply #20 on: June 13, 2010, 01:04:35 PM »
Hey that is a rideable bike CBGhia, he should be well pleased especially with the riding season in your part of the country just starting, well done. :)
I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!