Author Topic: How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?  (Read 1713 times)

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Offline LoopsAndLogic

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How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?
« on: March 25, 2007, 04:46:00 PM »
With the engine running, how would you tell if the cam chain is too tight??

At idle, I barley here a whine, but with the engine running at 2k, I can notice a small consistent whine.

And when  you rev to 3k or above and I let go for the throttle to come back to neutral, you can definitely here the chain whine.

 Is this all normal?? I've never manually adjusted a cam chain before.



My rides:
75' 76' Honda CB400F Super Sports
86' Honda XR600R for Street Madness
84' Honda Interceptor VF500

Past Rides:
80' Honda CX500C Fully Dressed
81' Honda CB650C very nice!
83' Kawasaki KZ550 A3
78' Hondamatic 400 Hawk
80' 81' 82' Honda GL500 Silverwing Insterstate

kettlesd

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Re: How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2007, 05:00:30 PM »
Which Model are you talking about first of all. The adjuster mechanisms differ somewhat from model to model. However, the SOHC-4's are not "manual" adjusters - they should be more correctly referred to as "semi-automatic" IMHO.

Too tight a chain is not generally a concern with these type adjusters as too loose of one- meaning they will only go as tight as their internal springs will allow, but will wear loose if not properly adjusted according to procedure, or if the mechanism is worn or faulty. Theres a post in the FAQ's under Engines on camchain adjustment that says it all.

Offline seaweb11

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Re: How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2007, 05:20:40 PM »
I thougt the rule of thumb on this was to sit on the bike, "not running" and lift the chain with your finger.
1 inch or so of play is about right.

Offline medic09

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Re: How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?
« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2007, 05:22:32 PM »
I thougt the rule of thumb on this was to sit on the bike, "not running" and lift the chain with your finger.
1 inch or so of play is about right.

I think he said cam chain?
Mordechai

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Offline seaweb11

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Re: How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?
« Reply #4 on: March 25, 2007, 06:32:21 PM »
 ;D ;D ;D ;D  woooooops

Andoo

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Re: How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2007, 06:39:49 PM »
adjust the cam chain per manual specs and you should be fine.

Offline LoopsAndLogic

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Re: How to tell if a Chain is too Tight?
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2007, 12:29:32 PM »
Sorry guys, I forgot to mention it's a 75' CB400F SS ;D

 Notorious for the bad cam chain adjuster!!!

No I am ready for your knowledgeable help.

 Thanks
My rides:
75' 76' Honda CB400F Super Sports
86' Honda XR600R for Street Madness
84' Honda Interceptor VF500

Past Rides:
80' Honda CX500C Fully Dressed
81' Honda CB650C very nice!
83' Kawasaki KZ550 A3
78' Hondamatic 400 Hawk
80' 81' 82' Honda GL500 Silverwing Insterstate