Topic: Stuck taking out the cam/sprocket

[fastbroshi]

 
  Hey guys, I'm stuck.  I'm trying to remove my cam chain tensioner on a 77 or 78 550 motor.  I followed the manual, clymers and the the honda service manual found here.  Problem is, it just skips from removing the rocker cover to removing the nuts/bolts that hold the head on.  It doesn't say anything about the cam and sprocket. 
  I've undone the 2 bolts that hold the sprocket to the cam, as well as the nut that hold the cam chain tensioner.  The sprocket is loose off of the cam, enough that I can spin the crank w/o spinning the cam.  The chain has so much tension on it that I can't seem to move the cam upwards or sideways enough.  How is this done correctly?
  Just a note, my goal is to get the cam chain tensioner for my other bike's motor, and I think I can do this and she'll be ready to go, but that's what I thought after rebuilding the carbs...

[Gordon]

The hole in the camshaft sprocket is oblong in shape so if your rotate it 90deg from its mounted position it should drop down far enough to allow the chain to come off.

[crazypj]

move the chain sideways onto the cam off the sprocket. (back onto the flange where sprocket bolts on)
If you loosened off the adjuster nut, its trying to tension chain.
Shouldn't be too difficult to use the screwdriver slot and remove tension or just remove the top holder to allow blade to move upwards
PJ

[fastbroshi]

Man I'm an idiot, kinda forgot about loosening that tensioner SCREW.  I took off the nut and just got busy trying to get it off.  I'll try that tomorrow when I get back over there.

[fastbroshi]

  Okay, I got the chain off.  For those who don't know or never did it before, loosen the tensioner nut, take all tension off by turning the adjuster bolt clockwise about 90 degrees, then tighten the nut.  This should allow enough slack for the chain to pop off.
  Next: my cam chain spring's plastic/metal pad is starting to eat through and crack a bit.  Not too bad, could probably serve my purpose, but considering all the work I've put into my bike so far and how many miles were on the donor's engine (39k), I think I"m going to replace the spring.  Anyone got any tips for getting the plastic "pads" out that the spring butts up against?
  Also, what's the cheapest anyone's found these components?  I priced OldBikeBarn at $64 and change.

[bryanj]

to get the cam chain tensioner mechanism out you have to remove the head and cylinder block

[fastbroshi]

Sorry, didn't mention I did get the tensioner and guide out. The guide looks good, minimal wear.  But the spring is another matter.  Anyone know of a good site to find the spring?  $71 from service Honda is just silly...

[crazypj]

Do you mean the 'rubber' damper tube the spring fits through? If so just remove it, its too long to do its job properly in any case.
PJ

[fastbroshi]

Sorry I just need to be more detailed in my descriptions.  I'm talking about the main tensioner piece, looks like a mini - leaf spring

[bryanj]

That is called a tensioner blade, and most of the time when that is worn out its better to fit a complete assembly which is not that much more. Try www.davidsilverspares.co.uk

[crazypj]

Sorry I just need to be more detailed in my descriptions.  I'm talking about the main tensioner piece, looks like a mini - leaf spring

As bryanj says, if it's cracking, get a new one, not worth the hassle of having it break up and doing everything over with possibly a lot of extra work/expense
PJ

[Jonesy]

You mean these parts, correct?

[fastbroshi]

  Correctomundo.  I would post pics but seems this camera eats up regular batteries, needs lithiums. Mine's slightly  rattier, the tracks made into the plastic have eaten through a bit in the middle.
  Could I convince you to part w/ yours?

[MRieck]

  Correctomundo.  I would post pics but seems this camera eats up regular batteries, needs lithiums. Mine's slightly  rattier, the tracks made into the plastic have eaten through a bit in the middle.
  Could I convince you to part w/ yours?

Nice avatar

[Jonesy]

  Could I convince you to part w/ yours?

Well, the tensioner itself is back to work in my wife's bike, so I don't think that's an option...

The tensioner blade was starting to crack a bit on the ends, so it's a toss up if you'd want to reuse it. I agree with the others: if you are tearing down the motor, get a new one. They are still available and are not too much money.

[fastbroshi]

Alright, I guess I'll bite the bullet and spend a bit more. I've only got about $1250 in it including the price of the bike.

[crazypj]

Did you straighten it out first?
The one in the pic showing the back is bent.
 I think I posted a pic of straight one awhile ago, I'll see if i can find it
PJ