Topic: Need help reassembling '76 CB550F carbs carburetors

[jorwesflow]

I'm a total noob and just purchased a '76 CB550F, my first bike. I took the carbs off, disassembled them, cleaned them really nice, and now have them almost completely back together. My problem is that the Owner's Manual and the Clymer manual do no really go into detail about the "link arm" (I think that's what it's called—the thing that links the four carbs together). Well I have these four rubber pieces (see pic) and I can't remember where they go. Any help is appreciated.

[fastbroshi]

Not the best pic, but you can see them here aligned vertically beside each post that have the big brass caps

[jorwesflow]

thanks, that helps a TON!

another question...

one of the two "adjuster holders" (as the clymer manual calls it)(see the pic) was snapped in half when i received the bike... how crucial are they to the function of the carbs? I can't find a replacement online anywhere...

[TwoTired]

The engine will run without them.  What you may lose is fine carb sync at idle, and possibly loose adjusters over time.  Also, the ball sockets in the linkage can wear unevenly.

Why would you think that Honda would put parts on a bike and add cost if it served no purpose?

You can drive the bike without gas, too.  Just arrange to have your destination always downhill. 

Cheers,

[jorwesflow]

any ideas where i can find an adjuster holder? i've looked on bike bandit, but the drawings are so low quality, it's impossible to pick out which part i need. not to mention, i think they have it listed with a different name.

[jorwesflow]

i feel like such a tool having to post pictures of stray parts and ask where they go... nonetheless, here's another one. i have four lock washers with a 3/16" inner diameter that i have no idea where they go on the carb assembly. i know it's not internal, because every single part on the clymer manual diagram was accounted for. i am convinced they belong on something external on the carbs. Any ideas?

And also that cylindrical piece... does that look familiar to anyone?

Thanks for the help!

[TwoTired]

The barrel part is the throttle return spring perch, which fits between carbs 2&3.  It is inserted while reassembling the carb bank.

As for lock washers.  Look at your carbs.  Which screws don't have lock washers on them now?

[jorwesflow]

TwoTired, does the spring perch look like it's in the right spot now? (see pic)

As for the lock washer, the Clymer manual shows that lock washers (#8, see pic)) go on the float bowl screws. But seeing as there are four screws per float bowl X four bowls, that = 16 lock washers...but i have 4 here. does that mean each float bowl has only 1 of 4 of its screws with a lock washer?

[campbmic]

Why would you think that Honda would put parts on a bike and add cost if it served no purpose?

Stator covers?

[TwoTired]

TwoTired, does the spring perch look like it's in the right spot now? (see pic)

Yes, I think so.

As for the lock washer, the Clymer manual shows that lock washers (#8, see pic)) go on the float bowl screws. But seeing as there are four screws per float bowl X four bowls, that = 16 lock washers...but i have 4 here. does that mean each float bowl has only 1 of 4 of its screws with a lock washer?

All the bowl screws are supposed to have lock washers.  I can't think of many fasteners on the bike that don't have an anti-vibration device of some kind to keep them in place.  Not good to have things fall off the bike while riding.

Cheers,

[TwoTired]

Why would you think that Honda would put parts on a bike and add cost if it served no purpose?

Stator covers?

...Keep dirt, water, and debris out of the alternator.  (Isn't that obvious?)
Also carries the Honda LOGO to advertise the Brand.