Topic: 78 CB550 Cam Chain

[echilds]

Just joined the site for my first bike.  1978 CB550K, 5500 miles, no key, motor will not turn.  Not to bad for 50 bucks, needed a summer project.

Went to the local locksmith and got a key made with no problem, now just have to worry about the stuck #2 cylinder.  The motor came out little very little trouble and now sits in the basement.  Tore the motor down to the head, with the next step of removing the cam.  With the motor not turning I could not get the cam gear off.  After sitting for about twenty minutes I sucked it up and very carefully cut the cam chain....  I was able to get the #2 piston free and know the motor turns with no problem.  My only problem now is the cam chain.  I have made a few calls and can not find a master link for the cam chain.  Called the local Honda dealer and they said there is no such beast, besides it would void the warranty!!  After 28 years I don't think that is a issue.  Bike was not bought from a dealer.

My question is, is it really that difficult to separate the case and install a new endless chain?  Sense the motor appears to be turning with no problem and it is fairly clean I do not want to tear down anymore than I need to.

Any advise to be much appreciated.

[volz1fsu]

I had to do the same thing with a 500 engine I got.  I brought all the tools I would need to get one out of an engine and I went to a salvage yard to get one.  That is about the best option you have.  Please do not even think about putting a master link in the cam chain, that is just a time bomb waiting to go off.  With all the stress and vibration on that cam chain, not to mention the speed it is traveling, the link will come out; guaranteed.  The only other option would be to have a new link pressed in, still would scare me a little if it wasn't done right.  I wish a company would make them like they do for the CB750.

[Noel]

I just recently did the cam chain on my 500 without splitting the cases. (Like you, I saw no point in tearing things down that were working nicely.)

I got my stuff from David Silver Spares in England. http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/cgi-bin/dss2-cgi/Catalogue.pl. Click the bubble for "pattern parts". They're selling the chain for $30 and the soft link for $3. You'll need a good chain riveting tool and a second set of hands.

[echilds]

  I do not mind spending the money on a new endless chain, my wife will be riding this bike more than I will, I just am not looking foward to tearing apart a good engine.  Now you are adding the expense of new gaskets, etc.

  There seems to be quite a debate on puting a riveted master mink in a cam chain.

[Noel]

There seems to be quite a debate on puting a riveted master mink in a cam chain.
 

If there is I'm not aware of it. Not that that means anything.

I would personally be leary of a clip-type masterlink on a cam chain. Not because I know for a fact that it can fail, but just because it seems like a bad idea to me personally.The riveted type, however, holds up, according to everyone I know who has used one. I'm sure there are people out there who would happily tell you about their friend's uncle who died a horrible flaming death when his riveted cam chain broke at 800 MPH, but... whatever.
 
 

[bryanj]

Go back to the dealer and get a camchain soft link for a 500 TWIN. They have to have a soft link to assemble the motor. When you have it in your hand and paid for walk swiftly away muttering Wa*%er under your breath---dont do it too loud you may need some more parts

[puppytrax]

Go back to the dealer and get a camchain soft link for a 500 TWIN.

I think this is the part here (#2)  - they call it a "joint"...

1976 HONDA CB500T

JOINT (DK219)
14410-283-000    001    $3.35

[Noel]

Ah yes. The reason I don't post here much anymore. I'd practically forgotten.