Topic: Assessing the primary chain

[arncruz]

I finally was able to get the crankcase open and wanted to see the inside.  For the most part, the gears look good.  The primary chain is a little loose so I'm not sure if this was causing the clatter noise.  When I took the oil pan off, I did see more metal particles pooling together in the grooves of the oil pan.  The portion of the crankcase that is in the front, showed several crack.  I placed 2 pictures of this.  Several questions from the forum's experts please:
1. Do I need to be concerned about the cracks.  There does not seem to be any cracks on the outside surface?
2. If the primary chain is loose, how do Remove it and where can I get a replacement chain?
3. What is the best way to clean out all the oil and metal particles from the crankcase?
4.  And lastly, what is the best way to remove these pesky old gaskets?

Thanks Guys! Without this forum, I would not have had the courage to take on my first motorcycle build.

[flybox1]

You didn't mention whick bike you're working on.
Assuming this is a 750, cycle exchange has new primary chains and rollers....easy to install.

[arncruz]

Thanks calj737,
I will try the diesel to clean out the engine. 

Flybox1 - It's a 1977 CB550 F.  My first attempt at an engine rebuild.  So far other than small metal particles I found in the oil pan and a slightly loose primary chain, the inside looks good.  I don't see any areas of metal grinding or anything that is rubbing abnormally.  The  piston look good and there is no abnormal movements with the piston or stem.  My plan with the engine is to change all the gaskets, change the piston rings, change the engine bolts to stainless steel, reseat the valves, and paint the engine. I am still not sure if I need to change the primary chain as the consensus in this forum is to change it out every 50,000 miles.  The bike is at 48,000+ miles now so I will probably end up changing it.

[PeWe]

Cam chain with complete tensioner too. HD chain not expensive either. Check the status of cam sprocket, not many $ either.
clutch can be replaced later without pulling the engine, but easier to do when apart.

There are gasket removal chemicals that work fine, easier to scratch the residues after treatment with chemicals. Less risk to scratch the surfaces.

All sealing and ALL O-rings keeping up the oil pressure from pump and all the way to head... There is a thread about that, explains clutch hub mod too. (extra holes).

Make sure that all 4 o-rings under the cam towers sealing the oil transport to cam and rockers will be there.
I noticed that the o-ring can be too thin, not reaching over the edge on head so it will create a seal with pressure against cam towers. My head needed closer to 2mm thick. The kit from Yamiya had thinner, not over the surface.

Hone cylinders, check pistons if the rings fits well without play up-downwards. Heavy driving direct when cold can affect the pistons this way. don't ask me how i know that
Valve job, cut seats + valve/guide sealers. Head cylinders flatness OK, no deep scratches?

[arncruz]

PeWe thanks for the response.  It looks like I have a lot of work ahead of me.  I will try to do all that you recommend.  Here's what I was planning to change starting from the bottom up.
1.  Change out the primary chain - $104 (David Silver Spares USA)
2.  Change out the cam chain - $30 (Dime City Cycles)
3.  Crankshaft main bearing half shell, Green - $14.49 each x 8 = $120 (David Silver Spares USA)
4.  Piston ring set for one piston, Standard size - $22.40 x 4 = $89.60 (David Silver Spares USA)
5.  Vesrah Complete Gasket Set $100 (4 into 1)  OR the NE Brand - Complete Gasket Set for ($53.95)
6.  Pistons look good, rockers look good with mild scratches but the valves are covered with carbon.  Don't know if I have to change these with new ones.  they make stainless steel ones which 4 intake and 4 exhaust valves at $40 each which is $320 from Dynoman
7.  Cam chain tensioner assembly - $213    OR    replaced the Cam chain tensioner blade ONLY - $42.54
8.  Cam chain guide blade - $44.24 (David Silver Spares USA)
9.  Stainless steel bolts - $40 (Dime City Cycles)

Please Let me know if I'm missing anything else OR if you have any other suggestions on replacing. 

[arncruz]

Calj,
Do you know if this bolt kit from Alloyboltz is better than the kit from Dime City other than the price $26 vs $40?
http://alloyboltz.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=316_358_377&products_id=2153&osCsid=1j6omoce60trs820er8q3olgs4

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-hardware-stainless-steel-engine-nut-bolt-kit-honda-cb500f-cb550-im500-03a.html

[arncruz]

I wanted to start a thread or be directed to one which has a listing of online stores for OEM parts and aftermarket parts for Honda CB550. 

So far I have:

4 into 1
David spares USA
Old Barn
Dynoman performance
Cycle exchange
Dime City Cycles

Please add to this list other sites that are missing from this list