Topic: Camshaft installation... notch/lobe position

[Dimitri13]

Okay so I'm finally installing my camshaft. But I think I'm running into a problem. According to the workshop manual (both the one downloaded from here and the clymer manual), the notch, from the right side of the engine, should be facing forward. With the notch in that position, the #4 lobes are "up," as seen here.



But when I install the cam with the notch facing forward, the #4 lobes are "down," picture here.



When I flip the cam 180 degrees, the notch is in the wrong position, but the lobes are in the correct position.



Did I do something wrong? I'm 99% sure I installed the cam the right way, because the grooves for the tach gear and the notch are on the correct side...

[dave500]

that sketch isnt to scale in that sense,you can in fact set the notch forward as shown or towards the rear,it wont matter which way so long as its level with the gasket surface,youll install it forwards though just to be sure,once you have,rotate the crank 360 and re-align the 1/4 t mark,wheres your notch now?

[Dimitri13]

I don't have the points installed yet, but 1 and 4 are at tdc (a straw says so). And it's not just the illustration, it's the physical picture that it differs from.

Am I just over thinking this?

[Dimitri13]

Anyone have any insight? I'd kinda like to get this thing bolted up today.

[Dimitri13]

I guess I was overthinking it. According to SocoMoto's video, the notch being on the right side means the #4 lobes are "down."

Can anyone explain why the physical picture in the manual differs from the practical application?

SocoMoto: 1976 Honda cb550 Cam Cover Installation (part 4).m4v

[Maurice]

Dimitri, I think you're overthinking this again. The manual just shows some position, and then how the notch should end up in the diagram. It doesn't mean both do match. Notice how in the picture there's a hand hiding the notch. I think it's just to show how you wrangle things.

Neat looking motor BTW, but I see you still have the old style cover that does not pin the rocker shafts... Did you do anything to secure them? Are those speed holes in the sprocket?

[Dimitri13]

You're probably right. I tend to over think things. I didn't do anything to secure the shafts... is there something you can do? Besides swapping to a 77-78 cover. My cover is already powder coated and I'd prefer not to drop $ on it again.

That's a Dynoman adjustable cam sprocket.

[Maurice]

I don't know that there's a fix. I think there was some discussion on this some time ago. The only reason I mention is that I undid those on my 77 motor because initially I thought they were holding the cover down, realized what they were and dug a bit more. Then came across the spinning issue. Didn't want to alarm you. If there's a way to prevent it maybe now's the time?

Adjustable cam sprocket? What is it for? Sorry for being such a noob...

[Don R]

The one in the pic must be a different model.

[Duanob]

I found this too about the manual. I set the lobe to exactly line up with the deck regardless of which side of the deck. The lobes were up. All is well.  I believe the lobes in the diagram are the #1 cylinder and the notch is on the  #4 end of the motor.

[dave500]

its a generic illustration.