How-To: CB550 CB500 CB400 CB350 CB650 Bottom End Rebuild
Alright guys, here it is, the most requested video! This 4 hour long video walks you through complete disassembly and reassembly of your Honda CB bottom end.
Year, Make, Models Covered
The video 100% covers all CB550’s. The CB500 has a different trans and clutch setup, however I think this video will get you 90% of what you need. This video will also pertain to CB400 & CB350 models. Also covers the CB650 79′-82′.
Part Restoration
This engine looked terrible when I bought it. After everything was disassembled, I degreased parts in my solvent tank, and then soda blasted the cases and covers. The soda cleaned them up nice, however did not restore the finish. I decided to get the parts vapor blasted. Speaking of vapor blasting, make sure to check out my DIY vapor blaster plans here. They came out looking brand new! And for the covers, I decided to polish them, so make sure to check out that video here.
Tools
OTC 8116 – adapter to remove primary drive shaft
OTC slide hammer – you can also rent one for free from auto parts store
Vessel Megadora 980 Impacta P2x150 #2 JIS Impact Screwdriver
Vessel 125943 908 P3x150 JIS Impact Screwdriver
Milwaukee M18 Fuel ¼” impact – love this thing!
Threebond 1184 – case sealer
IR thermometer – great for monitoring case temp
Proto horseshoe pliers – for trans clips
Tube brushes – for cleaning oil passages
Engine paint – if you decide to paint instead
Parts
I bought OEM Honda parts from Rocky MTN ATV if they were available. Searching the part number on ebay helped out since there are NOS (new old stock) of some parts still available. Ebay was a great help for buying used parts as well. I must of placed a dozen orders on ebay since there were a lot of parts that needed replacing.
SOHC forum classified – I bought a bunch of used parts from members
Athena P400210850529 Complete Gasket Kit
David Silver Spares – he had main bearings in stock
Hello Mathew!
I just donated $3 to your patreon and I would like to get the 4h verision of the Honda rebuild video.
Thanks
Thanks for the pledge!
You will need to edit the pledge to $10 in order to view those vids.
Hi Matthew! Thanks so much for the 4h video! It helps immensely. Quick question, David Silver is out of green main bearings for CB650. Would the green CB550 main bearings be exactly the same dimensions?
Dean,
Responded yo your email. 550 bearings won’t work according to the part fitment guide on partzilla.
Hi, what are the differents between the cb500 and cb550 engine. I have a CB 500 engine and I will totally disassemble it.
When I buy this video and follow your steps, does the engine works properly again, or are steps still missing?
There are a few small differences, like the clutch for example.
Other than that, this video will be really helpful for you.
I also have the top end video.
Hi, I purchase one of your videos and probably gonna purchase another, but I was wondering do I get to download the videos to keep or am I just allowed to watch it on this site, because I thought I was going to be able to download it.
Videos are streaming only like a youtube video.
What am I missing, I just did the $10 pledge but can’t find the 4 hour video for the CB550?
I sent you an email with link.
Hi Matthew, I’m in Spain and I want to rebuild the engine of my cb 55 ss 1977 that already has 60,000 km, I want to buy the video but I don’t know if the subtitles in Spanish can be seen, thanks
Sorry, no Spanish subtitles.
Matthew trying to buy both the top and bottom end rebuild of the cb550 engine but it does appear to be allowing me to do it, can you help please
Leigh,
Make sure you enter price in field before hitting buy button.
Matt,
I want to buy the CB550 top end and bottom end videos. When I click “I want this!”, the videos do not go to my cart. The $30 turns red(?) but that’s it. Do I need to establish an account before buying? Also, I am interested in becoming a patron, but don’t understand the fees. Is it $10/month or per year or $30/month or per year? The Patreon info is sketchy.
John, you need to enter the min price which is $30.
Patreon is an ongoing crowdfunding donation. The amount depends on when I release new videos.
Hey, Matt
I just joined for the 10 bucks pledge . Trying to get the CB550 lower video … thanks
PM sent, thanks for the pledge!
Hello,
Just paid the 10$, but can’t find the vid.
PM sent
Hey Matt,
I’m starting to inventory all the parts I’ll need for a full rebuild on a 71′ CB 500, I’ve found most everything I’ll need, however as far as bearings, I’ve found the crank shaft shells, what other bearings inside the case may need to be replaced? I’ll plan to reuse everything that I can, however If a bearing needs replacement I’d rather know what I’ll need ahead of time. Thanks
I don’t order anything until everything is apart. Once apart, inspect what needs actual replacement.