Topic: tensioner adjustment 550 four '74

[victoriabc]

Hi, I've become seperated from my manual and need some input and specs. How do you adjust the cam tensioner and what is the correct point gap. Any info would be great.
Thanks from Beautiful BC

[Bob Wessner]

Point gap is .012-.016 in.

[keiths]

Here is what Clymers says.
1. Remover point cover and tappet caps.
2. Remove spark plugs.
3. Turn engine until the #1 cylinder is at TDC compression stroke.  ( both intake and exhaust valve rocker arms should be loose).
4. Rotate the engine until the spring peg is just to the right of the timing mark. (#1 should now be at 15 degrees after TDC and the chain slack should match the tension of a running engine.)
5. Loosen the tensioner locknut. The adjusting screw should automatically  adjust itself.
6.Tighten the locknut.
7. Reinstall the plugs, caps and timing cover.

I hope this helps. There is more if it doesn't self adjust.

[750goes]

Why do you need to take out the plugs ??

[bryanj]

Cos the book sez so so there!
Seriously to adjust the cam chain tension loosen the lock nut and put pressure on the kickstart so that the engine is just about to turn then do up the locknut whilst holding the pressure. Works for all Hondas

[750goes]

bryanj,

thanks for the explanation, I haven't got a 550 so I was wondering why is this so??

your explanation seems a lot simpler...

[bryanj]

soright. dont forget that the 500/550 only has a locknut whilst the 750, 500 twin, 400 etc have a lockbolt that needs to be released after the locknut is loosened, sorry for any confusion

[750goes]

never mind, I'm always confused, you just have to ask my wife... she'll tell you....at least I think she said that.... I'm confused...

[Noel]

Dunno about the kick start business, but the idea behind taking out the plugs is that you won't be fighting engine compression while hand turning the engine.

[keiths]

Yes, removing the plugs makes it easier to turn the engine. Sorry I did type the whole thing out, just the high points.

[motorcycleclaude75]

Hey All,

I just adjusted the Cam chain on my 500 over the weekend.  Very simple process, remove tappet covers on #1 cylinder, remove points cover, find 15 degrees past TDC for #1, loosen bolt for Cam Chain, retighten bolt and it's done.  The Chain is self-tightening once you loosen the bolt.  I basically followed the Clymer manual minus the spark plug removal.

Don't bother taking spark plugs out, the kickstarter works fine, just turn it over slowly by hand and look through the peep hole.

I was suprised by the difference it made, the motor is quite now.

Claude