Topic: How does one get the cam chain on the camshaft?

[neurotoxin312]

Im in the process of doing a top end rebuild and can't seem to get the camshaft on. Is there some kind of trick to this?

[TwoTired]

You have to force the tensioner into full loose position, and then lock it down during installation.

[neurotoxin312]

Gotcha. Thank you.

My last question: What are you supposed to torque the head bolts down to on a CB550k? I'm reading 18-22 lbs in sequence. When I torqued mine to 10lbs one of my bolts snapped.

[TwoTired]

Have you calibrated your torque wrench?

Have you cleaned the threads?

Did you use lube on the threads?

Book Specification is 14.5 - 16.6 ft lbs.

[neurotoxin312]

Do I need to remove the cam sprocket?

Can't seem to get this cam chain on even when I lossened up the cam chain tensioner

[jonda500]

Yes, you need to unbolt the sprocket from the camshaft and nudge it sideways off it's ledge to get the chain onto it.
John

[TwoTired]

You might look at chapter 4 of the Honda CB500 550 shop manual.  (download it from this site.)

If I recall correctly, a loose tensioner and the sprocket dismounted allows the chain to go on the sprocket.

Position the crank at T 1.4.  Position the cam so the notch is facing forward, and then mount the cam sprocket on the cam.

If you are doing this without reference to the Honda shop manual.  I expect failure in the long run, particularly when you put the cylinder cover on.  You will bend valves and ruin the head's valve guides if you don't heed the warning in Figure 87.  It is not simply a bolt it on affair, without meticulous alignment of the rocker tappets.  Some use rubber bands to hold the rockers in position.  I also back way out all the tappet adjusters.

Good luck!

[Lostboy Steve]

I did my head bolts to 18ft lbs but they are the ape heavy duty ones. I wouldn't tighten any more than the factory on stock studs. Also, it seems important to mention that no one bolt should have excess torque on it. In other words don't just torque one bolt to whatever without snugging them all first.


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[Gordon]

I had this same problem a few times, too, so I made a FAQ entry about it many moons ago:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,369.msg57914.html#msg57914

[eigenvector]

Gotcha. Thank you.

My last question: What are you supposed to torque the head bolts down to on a CB550k? I'm reading 18-22 lbs in sequence. When I torqued mine to 10lbs one of my bolts snapped.

10 ft-lbs is nothing - that bolt was junk.  Happens after 40 years in a hot corrosive environment.
As for the cam chain - it is quite possibly the worst job on that bike.  I do not recommend forcing it.  I ABSOLUTELY recommend using Loctite on the overhead cam gear bolts - you don't want them vibrating out and they will if they aren't secure.  I had one back out on me, the bolt hit the cylinder head and shattered the mounting ear on the cam.