Topic: cb500 cam timing

[Kevnz]

PLEASE HELP,
I have tried downloading manuals to no avail. Takes forever and I don't need most of the info.
I just want to time my cam. I know 1\4 should be at TDC on the crank timing mark. There is a notch on the end of the cam and what looks like a timing mark on the cam flange where the sprocket bolts. I presume one or other must line up with something. Can anyone answer the question without telling me to look up a manual please?
Thanks.
Kevin

[DammitDan]

If you're talking about reassembling with correct cam timing, here's what I did for my 650.  Set the crank to TDC (1.4 on my bike) and inserted the cam from the LEFT side of the bike with the notched side farthest away from me (e.g. toward the right side).  Then, rotated the cam until the notch aligned with the top of the head, facing to the FRONT.  Pulled it out again with a general idea of position, and put the chain on...  had to play with a tooth here and a tooth there till I got it right, but when I had it finished it aligned flush the the front of the head.

Of course, that's for an '82 CB650.  Might be different on a 500.

[Kevnz]

Hi DammitDan,
You are absolutely correct,timing a 500 is the same as a 650. I eventually rang the local Honda agent, spoke to a mechanic who didn't even know what a 500\4 was and got him to check the service manual just to confirm. It looked about right because with the notch in the cam positioned where you said both valves in cyl 1 were closed.
Unbelievable the trouble I had getting that information, considering this is supposed to be a support site for these machines, but thanks for your input.
Cheers,
Kevin