Topic: cam chain sprocket woes - fixed but new problem :)

[Brady]

I realize this has been discussed a thousand times here and i've read everything, including the faq, but i still can't get this done.

Cannot get the sprocket back on the cam shaft on 77cb550f

Of note:

• cam was fed through the sprocket and chain in the proper order. i can easily get the chain on sprocket just not back on the cam.
  
• guide is installed properly facing outward and chain is on outside of guide like manual shows.
• tensioner is installed properly and fitted into slot at bottom of case and i have it backed out all the way.
• cam chain is a new chain from Dime City...I forget who the maker is though....d.i.d. i think.
• cylinder block and cylinder head have both been decked.
• i put a cylinder head from another bike b/c mine was worn in the valve guides and the cam journals
• i have dp592 kit w/ the thicker head gasket option.
• cam is from a cb650 and I am using the sprocket from the 550
• head is torqued to spec
• chain is not kinked. i did a full revolution to make sure it wasn't kinked on bottom sprocket.

i also tried installing while pushing in the tensioner further w a small rod and I still can't get this thing on.  what gives? gasket too thick? new head not matched to block? chain too short?

[dave500]

put the sprocket onto the cam first,push the tensioner back to relieve pressure on the chain and lock it there,then install the chain.

[Duanob]

Make sure to follow this procedure, it will work.

[Brady]

Make sure to follow this procedure, it will work.

Thanks but that's what I've been doing for the past day and half.

[dave500]

bring it over here ill do it for you.

[Duanob]

Buy me a ticket to new Orleans I'll do it for you

I was having trouble until I read the directions/sequence then it all went on easily. Not sure what to tell you. Sure your cam chain tensioner is loose? Got your rights and lefts sorted out? Is the cam in its proper place?

[Brady]

yes, yes, please do!  i'm out of town for a week so it's on hiatus...really can't see anything i'm not doing but i'm sure it's something since it won't go on easy.  will go over everything again when i get back.

[Mo]

It will work. Finesse, not force.

I can say this though. I had to buy a replacement sprocket, and the fit between my camshaft and the sprocket was very tight.

[Brady]

It will work. Finesse, not force.

I can say this though. I had to buy a replacement sprocket, and the fit between my camshaft and the sprocket was very tight.

yea, i'm kind of wondering if the chain just needs to stretch a bit given it's not an oem replacement.  it does seem to be getting closer to slipping on the camshaft.  i will play with it more when i get home.

[Fritz]

Hi,

once had the same problem until I realized that I had put the front chain glider in backwards....

[Brady]

Was able to get the sprocket on finally.  ordered a slotted sprocket from dynoman and also got another tensioner off ebay to use the rear portion that mounts to the engine since i already had a new slipper.  installed everything and got it on in about 10 minutes. think my tensioner wasn't working properly or maybe the old sprocket and the 650 cam didn't like each other.

but alas i have a new problem.  I went ahead and tried installing the cylinder head cover and am having some issues....
i backed out all the tappets and held them back w/ rubber bands.  place the cover on the head and line everything up.  however, the tappets that are linked to the cam lobes that  are at full height do not have any play in them. they are tight tight.  i have tried this w/ the cam in various positions to see if it's isolated to one tappet but it occurs on all. 

has anyone ran across this before? possibly issue w/ 650 cam?

[Frostyboy]

however, the tappets that are linked to the cam lobes that  are at full height do not have any play in them. they are tight tight.  i have tried this w/ the cam in various positions to see if it's isolated to one tappet but it occurs on all. 

That would be because with the cam in that position the valve is open. You only want to have clearance with the low side of the cam against the rocker. There simply isn't the range of adjustment available to back the screws off that far. Go ahead & adjust the clearances as per the book & you'll be good to go.
Cheers.

[Brady]

That would be because with the cam in that position the valve is open. You only want to have clearance with the low side of the cam against the rocker. There simply isn't the range of adjustment available to back the screws off that far. Go ahead & adjust the clearances as per the book & you'll be good to go.
Cheers.
[/quote]

yea i think i was thinking about it backwards imagining the valve would never close but the thing that triggered my concern initially is that even w/ the tappet pulled there was no room to wiggle but makes sense now.

[dave500]

lay the cam in the head with no rocker cover ,it should rotate and not foul,sometimes they might foul,lay the cam in the upside down rocker assembly,the cam should rotate and the underside of the rockers not foul as you hold the follower against the lobe,sometimes they do,youll have to grind if either foul anywhere.

[Brady]

when u say foul do you mean the lobes hitting the sides of the head or the cover?  just read this but actually got it mounted earlier this evening. should be ok. will set my valves tomorrow.....i had checked previously on the head and the cover to make sure the lobes didn't hit anywhere. all was clear.