Topic: Cam Chain Bolt

[silver fox]

Just checked around tensioner bolts on my 400/4 and found one of the bolts moves freely, while the one which tightens in a downwards motion is solid. Someone in the past has obviously had the same problem as the head is nearly rounded. I think it has or did have a 10mm head. My question is, what is the best way to get this to budge?? I'm sure i'm not the first to suffer this, and there will be an easy remedy!!!! ( I hope so anyway)

[Bodi]

That bolt is just a cover, it doesn't do anything. Unless, of course, you want to push down on the adjuster rod to help the spring along.
It isn't a normal bolt, anyway. You could get away with a normal bolt and washer if necessary.
So just use any method you like to get it off if you need to, visegrips comes to mind. Obviously it will be a bugger if the engine is in the frame. Maybe you can hacksaw a slot and use a big screwdriver or impact driver?

[mb3000gt]

let it soak it some good penetrating oil for a couple days before you try anything. the bolt is fairly easy to break.

[crazypj]

Get a six point impact socket , beat on the head until its bigger than socket, beat socket onto mushroomed head to form new flats, unscrew.
PJ

[silver fox]

Thanks guys, it's out Used a pipe wrench which locked on no probs. As you say its just a cover, i take it there shouldn't be any springs under it? If you look in the Haynes, it shows 2 springs?  However, when i push down on the rear chain guide it pushes down no problems with spring like tension, and i can see down the hole where bolt was removed and see the end moving!!!! I am obviously trying to post this not too technically so everyone might understand me!!!!!! Or maybe thats about as technical as i can get

[supersport_CB400F]

Thanks guys, it's out Used a pipe wrench which locked on no probs. As you say its just a cover, i take it there shouldn't be any springs under it? If you look in the Haynes, it shows 2 springs?  However, when i push down on the rear chain guide it pushes down no problems with spring like tension, and i can see down the hole where bolt was removed and see the end moving!!!! I am obviously trying to post this not too technically so everyone might understand me!!!!!! Or maybe thats about as technical as i can get

That technical stuff you wrote sounds about the same as my bike.

Cheers

[silver fox]

Must be something about the 400's i guess

[Bodi]

The springs are in there, everything comes out from inside the cases. The bolt plugs the hole that the rod sits in, I suppose Honda could have blind drilled it but having the plug lets you "help" the adjuster work so I'm glad it's there.
Clymer and Haynes are useful books but there's a LOT that is missing or misleading. The Honda parts book (actually it's a fiche but prints are available for download) shows all the parts and where they go, it's really useful. The Honda shop manual is really usefyl too. The Haynes/Clymer books give you more info that a non-mechanic might not have but the Honda books have the exact technical information you often need.

[silver fox]

Thanks Bodi, was just hoping that they hadn't shot past my shoulder as i removed the cap!