Topic: 1972 CB500 rebuild. Cylinder question.

[jacksonrpower]

Hi, I am currently rebuilding the top end of a CB500 I have gotten the cylinder head cover and the cylinder head off, but now I am stuck on the cylinder. I tried prying it with a screwdriver and chipped a fin. Any suggestions on how to get it off?

Also, the manuals say to remove the cam chain tensioner guide before I take the cylinder off, but it won't come out. If I break the cylinder free will it come up with the cylinder?

[Mo]

Referring to the jugs? The gaskets tend to get glued up. I literally just rocked the jugs back and forth until they just slid off. Maybe took 20-30 rockings?

You could try to heat around the base? Also, were the pistons stuck prior to taking it apart?

[dave500]

the front guide you sort of twist through 180 to get it out,itll lift with the jug anyway.

[Kris]

I was fighting the same fight last week.  I ended up pooling lighter fluid in the bores and lighting it on fire.  Let it burn about 20min on top of the pistons, refilling when needed.  Put a heel bar where the engine cc is stamped and lifted. Came off first try.  My motor had been stuck for 30 so odd years.

[jacksonrpower]

Thanks for the responses. No the pistons were not stuck, it's just really glued to the crankcase. I'm going to try tapping it with a rubber mallet next. I got the cam chain guide out I was talking about the tensioner. I'm pretty sure it will just lift up with the jugs.

[dave500]

yeah it lifts up with the jug,you have to pay special attention when you refit it though so it dosent end up like this,i like to drop the pan to make 100%sure.

heres a top view of the little well the lower end of the tensioner sits into,its easily miscued and hard to spot from above once the barrel is in place.