Inherited Grandpa's old Bike. Cafe Time!

[VonYinzer]

The starter is under that rectangular cover, right below the carbs.

 

[LazloH]

There is a cleaner called "The Works" or something like that at the dollar store that will remove a lot of that rust. Put it in a plastic container and soak the smaller parts. Big parts soak paper towels and wrap them.

GAH.. careful with that stuff... it has severe chemical reactions with certain metals.... like aluminum! Unless you want to start generating hydrogen and acid... of course.

 

[VonYinzer]

That ^^^

"Works" and similar cleaners will poison you and destroy the metal.

Also... The fact that you weren't sure where the starter is makes me think you have no shop manual. STOP. STOP EVERYTHING YOU'RE DOING. Get a shop manual. A good one. Like the official Honda book. They're available for download all over the place. Then proceed.

 

[wahvtec]

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DPG82-11C-Concealer-Anti-Fog-Safety/dp/B000RKQ1NI

These are my go to. Use them for pretty much everything in the shop. Cleaning, painting, snorkeling.

I second this. I've had some stupid moments cleaning carb bowls, and that bowl shape can sometimes lead a burst of carb cleaner right into your eye as you're inspecting whether you're doing a good job cleaning. Burns like the dickens. Last time my gf caught me wearing bright yellow kitchen cleaning gloves, safety goggles, a headlamp, and a wife beater....sure it looked like i was a hillbilly meth cook, but my hands weren't burning and my eyes are still in my head.

 

[Powderfinger]

GAH.. careful with that stuff... it has severe chemical reactions with certain metals.... like aluminum! Unless you want to start generating hydrogen and acid... of course.

I don't put it on aluminum, I use it on old rusty chrome. I haven't had any issues. I use rubber gloves and use it in a ventilated space or even outside. I read about it on the Kaw triples forum and tried it. It works as well as those guys said.

 

[DohcBikes]

GAH.. careful with that stuff... it has severe chemical reactions with certain metals.... like aluminum! Unless you want to start generating hydrogen and acid... of course.

Works Bombs. Super fun.

 

[CALfeRacer]

Works Bombs. Super fun.

They're awesome. I've only gotten in trouble using them once

 

[gordo2472003]

ok awesome I guess I have found the starter then. I will stop what I am doing and download the manual. I thought a simply carb cleaning would be simple as always but i would be a fool to not listen.lol. meanwhile, I'll order carb parts. all passages seem to be clear after some compressed air through them. looking good so far. Since I do plan on eventually giving this bike a more cafe like style, does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can begin working on while I wait, not so patiently, for carb parts?

 

[adventurco]

Well, are you planning on a full on resto/rebuild? Or getting her roadworthy and riding her before you deal with cosmetics?

I would look at new tires, your brakes will most surely need an overhaul. Take a look at my 360 build, the last few pages go pretty in depth with the front caliper which I believe is the same on your bike. New pads, shoes are the way to go since you don't know how old they are.

You'll probably want to upgrade the Regulator/rectifier from stock to avoid charging system issues. Among other things.

 

[DohcBikes]

Well, are you planning on a full on resto/rebuild? Or getting her roadworthy and riding her before you deal with cosmetics?

I would look at new tires, your brakes will most surely need an overhaul. Take a look at my 360 build, the last few pages go pretty in depth with the front caliper which I believe is the same on your bike. New pads, shoes are the way to go since you don't know how old they are.

You'll probably want to upgrade the Regulator/rectifier from stock to avoid charging system issues. Among other things.

Great answer.

Forget the cafe b.s. until you have gone through every mechanical and electrical part and either cleaned, reconditioned, or upgraded everything you can. Shocks, steering bearing upgrade, fork seals, etc. Then worry about what it looks like.

 

[trek97]

Heres the link to my latest build. Virtually exact same situation as your in. Inherited the bike in May and finished in July, bout 10 weeks. Got her running day 3 and riding in week 2...(that includes a 5 day weekend spent out of town).

Then decide what direction you want to take her after that.

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=65898.0

 

[gordo2472003]

Ok I found some damage to the carbs. Some chips on the carb jet inlet, the float adjuster seems to have been previously broken in two and welded together, and lastly the float has a gash in it. what do you all think about this?

 

[DohcBikes]

Get new floats. The chips on the jet boss are not really an issue.

 

[gordo2472003]

Found two more damaged parts. Cant seem to find them online other than that i have everything I need for the carbs in the mail.

 

[trek97]

Maybe this...
http://www.cmsnl.com/products/holder-set-b-adj_16030323004/#.VhmFryiKcmk

or this..
http://www.cmsnl.com/cb500-500-four-k1-1972-usa_model460/holder-set-adj_16029323004/#.VhmHFiiKcmk

 

[gordo2472003]

Wow, i would need two of these kits and that comes out to nearly $200. That sucks.

 

[trek97]

Wow, i would need two of these kits and that comes out to nearly $200. That sucks.

Sheesh, you did get the bike for free. :

Maybe, check in to see if this might work.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Honda-cb550-cb550f-cb550k-carburetor-mounting-connector-plate-w-linkage-/121765685021?hash=item1c59cce71d&vxp=mtr

 

[gordo2472003]

Indeed I did . Thanks so much for finding that part for me. Ive been watching hours of videos on various carb jobs and bench sync procedures while I wait for my parts in the mail. Ive also been working to remove the rust and gunk off the bike. Im trying to refrain from making any modifications to the bike until i get her running which will, with any luck, be within a day or two after all the parts arrive.

 

[gordo2472003]

Removed left side cover and notice a very new looking oil pump along with what I would call excessive oil build up. could this be excess from the pump change years ago or should I be looking for a leaky gasket or seal?

 

[Tune-A-Fish]

Chalk it up to shitwork and hit it with some 100% simplegreen and a parts brush.