Topic: CB400F Questions and Dilema's

[crazypj]

It looks like this if you’ve never had the engine open guys.

Cheers

When the chain isn't adjusted it can get slack enough to ride high on the sprocket and cut grooves into the pivot area of the 'horseshoe'
The grooves are beaten as much as worn in and a burr forms preventing movement.
 Beating the tensioner down is a quick 'fix' but if it gets too tight there is no way of loosening it up ( although, sometimes, turning engine backwards with adjuster bolt loose works)
The only way to fix this is remove the rivet and file off the burrs or fit a new tensioner(after you have bottom end stripped)
Front fender looks like its off a CJ250/360, they are plastic and were painted from new ( although a 'darker' yellow)
PJ

[supersport_CB400F]

The tank looks like stock canary yellow colour, I am not enamored of the painted fenders though.
These are the first set of alloy wheels I've seen that look good on a 400, most have too much "spoke" and look too bulky.

You have a valid point about the wheels, I have the same ones on my bike. I think the yellow bike could have made better use of them though IMHO.

[TomC]

Hi Biffta
     "You have a valid point about the wheels, I have the same ones on my bike."
     What are those wheels from?
          TomC

[supersport_CB400F]

Hi Biffta
     "You have a valid point about the wheels, I have the same ones on my bike."
     What are those wheels from?
          TomC

TomC, the wheels are aftermarket wheels, they replace the originals they just drop in, I suppose it’s a pattern part reproduction thing just made for the 400/4.
Cheers
Dave

[LoopsAndLogic]

If the Horseshoe guide is worn, would you be able to tell before taking the rocker cover off and cam chain?

I mean, just by listening to the middle, of the lowerend of the motor?

Before I put the money into New guides, sliders and the cam chain, I want to make sure it will last

[supersport_CB400F]

If the horse shoe is badly worn (picture 2) you can’t buy a replacement one new any more, best way to check is take the rocker cover off undo the lock bolt for the cam chain adjuster and then loosen the two bolts (picture 1) that hold the tensioner blade down on the cylinder head, if the blade rises as you undo the two bolts all is good, If stays down the tunnel and it has no spring force movement when you push it down then the horse shoe is stuck and you need to free it.

Cheers

[LoopsAndLogic]

Good! It moved great!

Have you ever replaced a cam chain with a soft rivet?

 Would it be a good idea to purchase the chain tool that crimps the
end of the link?

And lastly, if the chain is worn, will it rattle at the bottom sprocket as well?

Thanks guys for all your help. It was most appreciated

[supersport_CB400F]

You should buy some lottery tickets, a chain so worn it needs replacing and no damage to the horse shoe adjuster, that’s incredibly lucky stuff!

Cheers

[gregk]

biffta

I now have some time to spend on a 400 F that I bought about this time last year.  A spark plug was broken off in the head so required removing the head and helicoil repair.  The PO had said that he thought that the cam chain would need replacing.  A closer examination of the cam  chain and adjuster indicate a tensioner arm in about the same condition as the one in your picture.  Can the tensioner arm be used as is assuming that I can get the chain tensioned?  I must assume that the arm is frozen.  Can the arm be moved by pushing on the sprung plunger?  The odometer indicates 10,000 miles but hasn't been running in many years. 

Greg