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Author Topic: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?  (Read 508 times)

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Offline MisterKnife

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CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« on: November 10, 2022, 01:29:20 PM »
I'm rebuilding my bike and knocked up a cb650 cam out of 81.
There is just a tad bit of pitting on the lobes and I'm out of my field to judge if this is okay or if this will ruin my block.

I would love to know your opinion on the matter.

I'm also able to buy a new never used one. but also not sure if that is a good idea.

thanks in advance
« Last Edit: November 10, 2022, 01:52:12 PM by MisterKnife »
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Offline bryanj

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2022, 01:31:43 PM »
Not ideal but ive seen worse run ok
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Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

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Offline MauiK3

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2022, 01:34:27 PM »
It’s a little hard to tell but if in doubt, send the cam to Delta Cam, they will polish out the defects without really affecting the size or profile. I’ve had good service from them, great price.
https://deltacam.com/
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1973 CB 750 K3
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Offline MisterKnife

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #3 on: November 10, 2022, 01:53:32 PM »
Quote from: MauiK3 on November 10, 2022, 01:34:27 PM
It’s a little hard to tell but if in doubt, send the cam to Delta Cam, they will polish out the defects without really affecting the size or profile. I’ve had good service from them, great price.
https://deltacam.com/

Uploaded a bit better photos. Based in the EU so that would not be ideal. But you say a shop can polish it out? What kind of risks am I taking if I put this in?
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Offline MauiK3

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #4 on: November 10, 2022, 08:37:24 PM »
I can’t tell if there is any raised metal, if there is it will do more damage. If there is just some light pitting it can run, some folks might say the pits could carry some oil and be a little benefit.
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1973 CB 750 K3
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Offline dave500

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2022, 03:35:04 AM »
get a new one or reground,itll flake off shreds if its used.
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Offline MisterKnife

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2022, 09:43:49 PM »
If I get a nos cb650 cam do I need new roller arms also?
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Offline dave500

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #7 on: November 12, 2022, 01:15:49 AM »
rocker arms?not if they look good not pitted etc.
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Offline MisterKnife

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #8 on: November 12, 2022, 01:32:52 AM »
okido, thanks! one more thing do you know if honda has a specific break-in procedure for a camshaft?

Just got this one. OEM NOS
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Offline dave500

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #9 on: November 12, 2022, 01:58:44 PM »
coat its lobes and bearing surfaces with assembly grease and fill the little wells up in the head where the lobes dip into with oil and then just ride as normal.
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Offline dave500

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #10 on: November 12, 2022, 08:29:34 PM »
with that new camshaft lay it in the head and rotate it by hand and check the lobes dont foul anywhere,also lay it in the cam cover and do the same,they have been know to on some heads and covers to just touch by a smal margin,youll have to grind the head or cover away at that point untill it clears,not all of them foul but check it closely.
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Offline MisterKnife

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #11 on: November 13, 2022, 06:29:05 AM »
Awesome guys! Thanks for the help!! Just snapped an old bolt on the cover so first trying to get out. Will report back!
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Offline Little_Phil

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Re: CB550 Cam replacement, will this be ok?
« Reply #12 on: November 14, 2022, 05:54:12 AM »
Quote from: MisterKnife on November 12, 2022, 01:32:52 AM

Just got this one. OEM NOS
That's a rare beast.
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