Topic: Bad Cam Chain Adjustment Idea??

[jt1000]

So someone told me that you could adjust the cam chain while the bike was running by loosening the locknut on the adjuster screw and turning counterclockwise until the chain rattle stops or decreases, then tighten off.  Is this a bad idea

Oh btw this was if your spring was worn out and the adj. screw would not move on it's own.

[jt1000]

Bike is a '71 cb500

[jt1000]

anyone?  I'm new to the cb so.....excuse an ignorant question

[mmtsquid]

Shouldn't cause any problems at all, but it's really not necessary to do it while running.
The screw should be "self adjusting" - when you loosen the nut, the screw should rotate counterclockwise enough to quiet the camchain.
If it's stuck, use a screwdriver to apply a LITTLE pressure to help it out.
But even well adjusted, these are kind of noisy engines.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Umm, I thought you had to do this adjustment when #1 was at TDC like the manual says?

[jt1000]

Yeah, that's what I posted at the bottom of my first post, to do this IF the screww didn't self adjust.  I just wonder if doing it this way you can apply to MUCH tension on the chain??

[jaknight]

Hi jt,

Yes, you are right.  I have read of this procedure.  It is a means of last resort.  And, yes, it can be overdone.  You are supposed to press gently, but firmly (whatever that is?) until you can feel it bottom out, then stop, and tighten up the lock nut.

Normally, of course, it is done with the engine off, preferably with the valves correctly adjusted, and with the #1 piston 15 degrees past the TDC from your points/ignition plate.

I would be a little spooked about "feeling" that bottom out part.

~ ~ ~ jaknight ~ ~ ~

[Duke McDukiedook]

15 degrees, yes. Danka, I was posting off the top of mi cabeza.

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

I did mine last week after I did the valve adjust. If it doesn't self adjust when you loosen the lock nut, turn counter clockwise until you can't turn any more, then pull the screwdriver out. It will adjust itself, then retighten the lock nut.

[cafe750]

I did mine last week after I did the valve adjust. If it doesn't self adjust when you loosen the lock nut, turn counter clockwise until you can't turn any more, then pull the screwdriver out. It will adjust itself, then retighten the lock nut.

I always tighten the cam chain before valve adjusts, this way I know everything is where it's supposed to be before I touch the valves....