Topic: CB550 Cam Chain sprocket installation

[Matow123]

Hello everyone!
So after getting the debaucle of the stuck cylinder stud solved. The engine is almost all together! My main issue now is installing the cam chain onto the camchain sprocket while the engine is in time. It doesn't seem long enough as it stretches taut when I try and get it around the sprocket. Currently I've tried it the honda manual way where you insert the camshaft with the chain off the sprocket and with the chain on the sprocket and trying to put the camshaft through it. Although it wouldn't even fit the latter way. For reference, it is one of the press link Common Motor Camchains if anyone has had trouble with them?

[BomberMann650]

Everyone has a fight with the cam chain sprocket at least once.

There's been instances where someone routed the chain on the wrong side of the guide.  Came up real short with that oopsie.
Chain tensioner bow can also be a real thorn.  Getting that sandwiched and locked down away from the chain makes life less stressful.
The sprocket itself can be a tight fit on the cam.  There's a satisfying *snap* when the part finds its spot on the cam.

Then of course, the marks have to line up when all is said and done.  The setup requires practice of the assembler

[bryanj]

Chain and sprocket loose and not together to get cam through and fitted, sprocket dropped as low as poss with shaped hole, fit chain and walk round sprocket till marks in line then use lever to lift sprocket onto cam.
Yes its easy to get front run of chain on wrong side of cushion with cushion wrong way round

[J P Henry]

I just completed a head gasket replacement on a 74cb550. During the break down, after some trial and failure, in order to get the chain off of the cam sprocket, i finally took the chain off on the right side of the sprocket. So, on assembly, after finally remembering this, I held the sprocket and chain together ( not engaged) with the chain on the right side of the tunnel.  The cam easily went through both, allowing for engaging the chain on the sprocket with the trial alignment for timing's sake. Alignment; set the cam mark, set the crank mark, T 1-4, and start walking the chain around sprocket with the sprocket off of the cam until the bolt holes line up. Slide the sprocket onto the cam and bolt it up, don't forget the Locktight.