Topic: Primary and cam chains

[Patrick]

I have two sets of primary chains and two cam chains that cam with my project K0 750. One set of primary chains and one cam chain were in the bike when I split the cases, The other sets were in baggies in one of the bins of spare parts that came with the bike. Is there any way to tell which of these chains is the better choice? I might just go ahead and buy a new cam chain, although both of these look good, but the primary chains are different,far more expensive matter.

I have to assume that the PO thought the chains included with the spare parts were good. Everything else he had in the bins, (except possibly the con rods which are yet to be examined), was better than what I found in the bike. That doesn't mean, though, that he examined the primary chains prior to acquiring the back ups. Since I have the cases open already,  I'd like to use the best choice.

Any help would be appreciated.

Patrick

[scunny]

hang your chains on a nail, the more worn one will droop more

[CB750F2]

Patrick, the Honda manual describes how to check the primary chains fitted to the motor - easy to do. I would also try and contact the PO and ask him about the condition of the spare set of chains - they may be new. Pat from Australia.

[Patrick]

Thanks, guys. I did the hanging on the nail thing and the spare chains are a good quarter inch shorter than the chains from the bike. The PO who acquired the chains is in the distant past. The person I bought the bike from bought it in 1991 with the intention of restoring it, but then happened upon a 1962 Corvette and decided to restore that instead. I can't say I 0disagree with that choice. I've seen the car. It's beautiful. The K0 sat in a corner of his five-car garage until he managed to fill it up and needed the space.

The backup chains were in one of several bins of parts that came with the bike. The last PO never really even went through the bins after the 'Vette captured his attention.

On closer inspection the cam chain is still coated in packing grease, so I believe it is new. The primary chains also "look" really good.

Patrick

[Clyde]

Pat,
It is easy to check the primary chains by assembling the crankcases with crank, clutch/mainshaft and tensioner. Just put a few of the larger bearing bolts in the make sure it is done up tight.
Then turn the crank over a few times to allow the tensioner to do its job properly. Measure the distance from the sump pan face to the arm of the tensioner.
A new primary chain meaures about 65mm and Honda has specified a max of 70mm.
I check all my chains and if it is 68mm or more, replace the chain.
Regds Clyde

[Patrick]

Thanks, Clyde. But the chains are endless. How do you measure them?

[Patrick]

Never mind. I've been wrenching too long today...

[Clyde]

I did forget to mention that you must also install the chain!!!!!