Topic: CB400f cam tensioner u-shaped damper

[davidchinn2]

Which way do these pieces sit? Thick side to chain? Or thick side away from chain?

On the YouTube videos about rebuilding a CB400f, the item appears - it's hard to say for sure - to have the thicker side towards the cam chain.

I cannot find a discussion of this, even in the FSM.

[robvangulik]

I don't think it makes much difference, but at least the top one I would think the tension is pointed away from the chain, so that could use maybe that 2 mm of extra protection

[Bodi]

First thought was maybe they are worn? But I don't think so.
The Honda shop manual and parts fiche images do not show them well at all.
The Clymer manual M332 on p65 shows the parts laid out and definitely has the upper one thick side out - the lower one is not shown, probably it's still in the horseshoe.

[robvangulik]

I never noticed the difference in thickness, and never had any adverse effects from possibly mounting one way or the other.
To be honest, I don't think I ever took them out of the metal holders, just checked they weren't torn or broken.

[davidchinn2]

Thanks to all who replied. I agree with the idea that the thicker side out makes sense: the tensioning blade is exerting its force outward at the ends.

However, consider the image on this site from SOHC/4:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/sohc4-articles/CB400/Improving_the_CB400F_camchain.pdf

It seems to have the thick side inwards, but this isn't addressed in the text.

[Bodi]

Neither the Clymer manual or the magazine article are definitive. So do what you think is best, unless someone can say with certainty which way is correct or can find authoritative documentation on it.