Question1974 Honda 550 Four. Do you know of an experienced good mechanic in the Los Angeles area? I have worked on this bike for 5 years and cannot quite get it to run properly It just won't hit on all four and I have done everything possible within my skills. Thank you.
AnswerMarc, this guy has been doing vintage 750s for many years and I am sure can handle a little 550F.
http://www.valleycycles.net/
Sometimes, small things can cause problems like this.
Checklist:
Compression... even all the way across? Should be over 150psi...
Carbs, clean, synchronized, float levels all the same?
Valves adjusted on all cylinders?... see above for compression check note.
Ignition points clean, gapped to about .014" and set to open at 1-4 F and 2-3F marks on the crankshaft advancer.
Check spark plug caps for high resistance. Should be around 5K ohms, each. Bad condensers will cause points to arc excessively.
If you have changed the air filter system and/or the exhaust from stock, then you will have to rejet the carbs accordingly.
Make sure charging system is good and your battery is holding a full charge when testing.
Bill Silver
