Topic: 74 550k broken cam chain, smashed valves for sure?

[zoo mob]

My buddy and I just bought a 74 550k last night, I've got to go pick it up tomorrow. Looks to be in really nice shape cosmetically, perfect seat original paint, no holes in original exhaust etc. Picked it up for a song, but it has a broken cam chain. So, the question is, will it definitely have smashed valves? I'm assuming I'll have to take it completely apart and split the cases to put a new chain on right? Will there be visible signs of bent valves? Thanks a bunch and wish me luck.

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

You can get a cam chain with a revetable link from Z1 enterprises.

[zoo mob]

I look into that once I pick it up, any thoughts on whether or not I could have gotten away without bent valves? How will I be able to tell?

[bryanj]

You will have bent valves for sure, easiest fix is a secondhand head. Any 500/550 head will fit even the 77/78 but on those you would have to use your 74 inlet manifolds.

Check out the tensioner and cushion and use the linked chain.

You have to strip to base gasket level which can be done in the frame, make sure no gasket bits get into the oil ways and be carefull(READ THE MANUAL) about refiting camcover or you will bend valves again

[ekpent]

Hey Andy,is the 550 for you or for your friend? Post some pics when you get it and good luck on it.May be getting a 550 and two 750's soon from a guy,stored since 1998,will not be keeping the 550.---Eric

[BlackMax]

My buddy and I just bought a 74 550k last night, I've got to go pick it up tomorrow. Looks to be in really nice shape cosmetically, perfect seat original paint, no holes in original exhaust etc. Picked it up for a song, but it has a broken cam chain. So, the question is, will it definitely have smashed valves? I'm assuming I'll have to take it completely apart and split the cases to put a new chain on right? Will there be visible signs of bent valves? Thanks a bunch and wish me luck.

yea, valves almost surely are bent, in one or more cylinder.  Figure on a new head or full rebuild of your head (which to be honest, probably needs to be done anyway).  I'd figure $500 plus time and aggravation.  If it's still a good deal, do it.

[73hutch]

went through the same thing last summer with my 550. don't rule out the possibility of finding another engine and throwing it in. you can always rebuild the broken one later.

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

My buddy and I just bought a 74 550k last night, I've got to go pick it up tomorrow. Looks to be in really nice shape cosmetically, perfect seat original paint, no holes in original exhaust etc. Picked it up for a song, but it has a broken cam chain. So, the question is, will it definitely have smashed valves? I'm assuming I'll have to take it completely apart and split the cases to put a new chain on right? Will there be visible signs of bent valves? Thanks a bunch and wish me luck.

yea, valves almost surely are bent, in one or more cylinder.  Figure on a new head or full rebuild of your head (which to be honest, probably needs to be done anyway).  I'd figure $500 plus time and aggravation.  If it's still a good deal, do it.

I don't know, you can get the entire top end gasket kit for 70$ on ebay, cam chain 25$, used ebay head maybe 60 if you watch a while. If you do the work yourself, adding all the doo dads & extra bits, you should be able to do it for around 200$

[mystic_1]

I don't know, you can get the entire top end gasket kit for 70$ on ebay, cam chain 25$, used ebay head maybe 60 if you watch a while. If you do the work yourself, adding all the doo dads & extra bits, you should be able to do it for around 200$

Personally I'd be inclined to do the valve guides and seats too after an incident like that. 


Also, consider what may have happened when the cam chain dropped down into the crankshaft area. 

mystic_1