Topic: Tips for Cam Install?

[nrd2052]

I have a cam from an 82 650 that is on its way and I have been reading all i can so i will be prepared to drop it in to my '74 550.

I have yet to find (in one place) a write up on how to do it, so I am wondering if you guys can provide any tips or tricks for me. I have read the article on how to get the chain back on the sprocket and i think I am good there. I know that i will need to reuse the stock 550 gear and that my tach will no longer be functional.

I am still a little fuzzy on how to put the cam in with the right orientation so that it is timed properly.  I saw the article on degreeing the 750. Does the same hold true for a 550?

Any tips for me? Anything that I should be thinking about that i am not aware of?

Thanks in advance!

--Neall

[Gordon]

Do you have a shop manual?  The procedure for setting the camshaft to be in correct time with the crankshaft is detailed there.  It's a pretty straight-forward task. 

[turboguzzi]

cyls 1-4 at TDC, slot in the cam pointing at the 9th hour exactly.

easy, if you miss one gear tooth you'll sure see.

TG

[d3buttz]

lots and lots of patientce, i dont know how many different combinations i tried.   the chain/gear placement is critical when you slide the cam thru them. if its not setup right, its impossible to get the chain on the gear and still have the correct aligning.  now if i could remember how i did mine this post would be helpful!  its not hard, but damn frustrating and scary when its the first time you do it. 

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

Like Gordon said, get yer hands on the shop manual. That's all I had and it was pretty straight forward.

The only tip I can think of is make sure you use the 550 gear.

[Mdub]

When you reinstall the valve cover,  be sure to rubber band each intake rocker to each exhaust rocker (#1 int rubber banded to #1 exh., rubber band around top of valve cover) to hold the rocker arms up.
Otherwise, the rocker arms can get jammed and break when you tighten the valve cover bolts.
Mike

[buffalogt750]

Download the shop manual from this website. It will tell you everything you need to know. You have to use 550 cam gear because 650 chain is different from 550 chain.You should check lobe clearance in head. My 1976 550 had no clearance issues but apparently some do. You cannot leave the 550 tach driven gear in the valve cover. It will not mesh properly with the 650 cam. If you want a working tach you need to use the 650 tach driven gear and 650 tach. 550 tach cable will work. If you don't care about a tach you need to remove the driven gear from the valve cover and plug the hole. Other than that it's a pretty basic installation.

[NickC]

http://www.mrcycleparts.com/?mcp=mr&uid=273452

If anyone doing the 650 cam swap needs a 650 driven gear.....I talked to clint at motoline and have one on the way....

[nrd2052]

 ;Dwow



thanks for all of the advice! I am much more comfortable doing this now.

I will report the findings from my "Ass-Dyno" once i get it all buttoned up!

I really appreciate it, guys!

[OldSchool_IsCool]

There is a write-up in the FAQ section with pics.  Slip the cam shaft under the chain from the right side first.  Slide the sprocket on next, then set the shaft into its bearings.  Set the crank at TDC, the shaft notch at 9:00.  Drape the chain over the sprocket then lift the sprocket into position.  Put in one bolt, rotate crank 360 degrees and put in the 2nd bolt.  Torque 'em down and on to putting the head cover on!

WARNING:  Be sure to back out the tappets ALL THE WAY and tie back the rockers BEFORE setting the head cover on top of the head! 

This can all be found in the FAQ, forum posts and your shop manual.