Topic: Removing Cam Chain from Sprocket and the hell outta there

[550 SS]

Hello all, this site is amazing..there's enough information here that I was hoping I wouldn't have to Post anything yet...15 hours in and...
Anyway, I just started stripping my '75 550 ss down last weekend, and after reading the manual I can't get the cam chain loose from the sprocket so I can remove the cam shaft.  I tried playing with the tensioner, and tried removing it so I could free up enough space to do so, but the chain is still there. I tried looking for a link in the chain and after cranking it over until my eyes rolled back in my head..didn't see one.  Someone suggested that I try to remove the tensioner by pushing the tension screw through and getting it out that way..or try reversing the screw and backing it out...nothing worked.  The only other option is to cut it, but since it looks in good condition , I figured I'd ask if there was any other way. Does anyone have any advice other than blowing it up?!

Thanks in Advance..

Jonas

[Bodi]

I haven't done a 750 for a while but I can't recall it being a big hassle. You have to unbolt the sprocket and shift it over a bit so it drops off the shoulder if I recall correctly, that gives just enough slack to work the chain off. That's certainly the way with other fours (400, 500, 550) I've been into recently.

[R. Hykawy]

Bodi, is right that is how I removed it from my 76 550f.

[550 SS]

It's a CB 550 F

The sprocket is unbolted and off of the cam shaft, but not enough room to slide the shaft through...the "Boss" i think it's called still hits...Should I just cut it off? 

[550 SS]

Let me repahrase it a little better...I want to get the cam shaft out.  I've unbolted  the sprocket, but the chain is so taught that I can't get enough slack on it to get it off the shoulder so I can raise up the cam shaft and slide it out...it keeps hitting.
I'm new at this, so I'm wondering if anyone has experienced this with the cb 550's.

[550 SS]

Thanks guys...I guess I gotta muscle it outta there or cut it....just very frustrating.

[TwoTired]

What manual are you using?

You do not have to cut the chain to remove the camshaft.

From the Honda Shop Manual:
Loosen the lock nut of the cam chain tensioner adjuster (leave the wrench on the nut).
Turn the screw fully (apprx 90 degrees) clockwise, and tighten the lock nut.
In this condition the cam chain tensioner is not applying tension to the cam chain.

[550 SS]

Hey Two Tired...

I did exactly that, just like the manual said.  It still did not give enough clearance...
Then I tried taking out the tensioner, but the chain off course was in the way.
It should be easy...I don't know why I'm not getting enough slack to either pull the shaft out or get the chain off of the sprocket.
What am I not doing?

[Dennis]

Slide the sprocket off the shoulder and onto the shaft of the camshaft. "Walk" the chain off the sprocket, then slide the cam out.
Drove me nuts the first time, too!
Do NOT cut the chain. Not necessary, only will cause more complication.

[TwoTired]

With the tensioner untensioned and the cam sprocket unbolted, the sproket will shift over to a lower position on the cam shaft.  This should give you enough slack to pop the chain off the sprocket.  Wire up the chain so it won't fall down into the engine. Then work the cam through the chain and sprocket.

I've done this a few times.  It was tight.  But, I don't remember any great difficulty with the proceedure.

[550 SS]

Thanks you guys...

[hymodyne]

maybe the tensioner assembly is gunked up or corroded, making any loosening via the tensioner bolt of the tensioner difficult to impossible. Is it possiible to push the tensioner back, using a long screwdriver or prybar until enough slack has been created to then tighten down the locknut, holding the tensioner in this position?

hym

and... like the other fellows said,
don't cut the chain, it isn't necessary.

[550 SS]

Thanks Hym...I'll try that