Topic: New "replica" cam chain tensioner for CB550

[jamesk]

Well my 77 CB550 has a mangled tooth on the cam chain tensioner.  I removed it and it doesn't really look repairable even though the rest of the thing is in good condition with very little wear.  The only honda ones I could find (NOS) are $275 plus shipping.  There is a guy on ebay selling new "replica" units for $189 with free shipping.  Anyone used one of these replicas?  Pretty good amount of savings and I'm considering pulling the trigger on it. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-New-CB500-Cam-Chain-Tensioner-500-550-CB550F-CB550K-CB500K-14500-323-000-/321673401017?hash=item4ae53a92b9:g:xp4AAOSwEeFU5QBo&vxp=mtr

[Stev-o]

Unfortunately, you dont have much choice.

[uksparky]

I just checked e bay used one in USA for $10..you can get the part the chain rides for less than $50

[strynboen]

try to bay a old veared tensioner..and build a good one aut of it...somone here on forum..must have one.(.ve dont just dump old parts aut..)save them at the attic...for nostalgic...that can make your day...happy...

[Scrambled]

Not that i can offer any help on this but my cam chain tension adjustment is stuck, the little rod that comes out the middle of it with a slot screw driver notch has broken off. So I cannot loosen the automatic adjustment locking nut. When you find a good solution for a new cam chain tensioner if you could post it that would be amazing!

[drumstyx]

Have you checked CMSNL for an OEM one?

[jamesk]

Not that i can offer any help on this but my cam chain tension adjustment is stuck, the little rod that comes out the middle of it with a slot screw driver notch has broken off. So I cannot loosen the automatic adjustment locking nut. When you find a good solution for a new cam chain tensioner if you could post it that would be amazing!

Ouch!  That's a bummer.  You could try to cut a new slot in the threaded shaft but you'll need to get the nut free first.  Try some kroil overnight.  If you torqued on it enough to break the slot on the end, you may have borked the gear teeth on the inside which would require a full teardown of the top end (jugs have to some off to get the tensioner out).  When you get the nut free, check for free movement of the threaded shaft.  It should want to spring back in the clockwise direction when you turn it anti-clockwise.  If it doesn't, it's borked.  Good luck!

[Deltarider]

It should want to spring back in the clockwise direction when you turn it anti-clockwise.

Where did you learn that?! It's the other way around actually.

[CBGhia]

I just looked and even the used ones are going for stupid money.

I have a good one that came out of my 550 engine.  I even have a new slipper that was never installed.
I'll let it go for a lot less than than they seem to be asking on eBay. 
If you are interested, send me a PM.

[strynboen]

is anybodu build a adjustabel from autside like the 750 type..like to have a adjuster plastic handel stikking aut of the engine..and a sekure contra bolt to Lock it..so ve just schrev inn to teighten and Lock it vhen it feel right..and forget that krazy spring system

[kmb69]

Well my 77 CB550 has a mangled tooth on the cam chain tensioner.  I removed it and it doesn't really look repairable even though the rest of the thing is in good condition with very little wear.  The only honda ones I could find (NOS) are $275 plus shipping.  There is a guy on ebay selling new "replica" units for $189 with free shipping.  Anyone used one of these replicas?  Pretty good amount of savings and I'm considering pulling the trigger on it. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-New-CB500-Cam-Chain-Tensioner-500-550-CB550F-CB550K-CB500K-14500-323-000-/321673401017?hash=item4ae53a92b9:g:xp4AAOSwEeFU5QBo&vxp=mtr

You can bet if JT is selling the replicas for $189.00, they are probably half that price from his source.    Just have to find out where he's getting them from. 

 

[Deltarider]

is anybodu build a adjustabel from autside like the 750 type..like to have a adjuster plastic handel stikking aut of the engine..and a sekure contra bolt to Lock it..so ve just schrev inn to teighten and Lock it vhen it feel right..and forget that krazy spring system

+1, that would be great.

[Smudgemo]

I haven't gotten the top off my engine yet, but it's just a matter of time based on some seeping and what I think is a rattly cam chain while cold.  I see CMSNL offers a non-OEM replacement for about $150.  Of course you can add another $20+ for shipping.  Not that it's cheap, but if it works and lasts..

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550f-super-sport-550-four-1976-usa_model467/tensioner-chain_14500323000/#.WX-ZL-mQxaQ

[kmb69]

I haven't gotten the top off my engine yet, but it's just a matter of time based on some seeping and what I think is a rattly cam chain while cold.  I see CMSNL offers a non-OEM replacement for about $150.  Of course you can add another $20+ for shipping.  Not that it's cheap, but if it works and lasts..

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550f-super-sport-550-four-1976-usa_model467/tensioner-chain_14500323000/#.WX-ZL-mQxaQ

That's Euros. About $177.00 USD.

[uksparky]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-HONDA-CB-550-CAM-CHAIN-TENSIONERS-/292194439259?hash=item440825505b:g:-PkAAOSw6lxZdpx5&vxp=mtr

[jamesk]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-HONDA-CB-550-CAM-CHAIN-TENSIONERS-/292194439259?hash=item440825505b:g:-PkAAOSw6lxZdpx5&vxp=mtr

I won this auction! Depending on the condition of the slipper piece, I may move my slipper to this frame. We'll see!

[CBGhia]

Score!  You can get new slippers if you need them.  They are not much.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The DSS OEM replacments is $185.  I believe they used to sell them for $200 plus (maybe they found a better source)/
https://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB550K1-1975-USA/part_176179/