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Author Topic: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?  (Read 6629 times)

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Offline Terry in Australia

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How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« on: December 19, 2009, 02:44:53 AM »
I re-torqued Al's 550 head, but I'm buggared if I can refit the cam sprocket, I've got all the slack out of the chain but I just can't get it over the sprocket, anyone got a clue how to do this? It's easy on a 750, but on this 550, it's a #$%*! I was hoping to have Al's engine finished tonight, but hopefully it'll happen tomorrow now. Any help from the massed expeerts here will be very much appreciated! Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline bwaller

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2009, 03:56:42 AM »
Look in the engine FAQ section Terry, Gordon offers a pictoral. Plus saves me time typing
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Online bryanj

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2009, 03:17:42 PM »
How far down did you take it Terry, in a couple of recent posts people have had the chain on the wrong side of the front cushion
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2009, 04:24:26 PM »
G'Day Guys, thanks for that, I'm not sure what Bryan means by "the chain on the wrong side of the front cushion", the chain is running between the front and rear tensioner arms, and I can pretty much push them away from the chain to get all the slack up to the top.

I don't have the sprocket "seated" on the cam, and I've even tried to use a CB750 cam sprocket because it doesn't have that annoying plastic crap either side of the sprocket and so there's more room for the chain and sprocket when the sprocket is off the cam.

What I am thinking about now is the fact that I'm using a cut down heavy duty Tsubaki flat plate cam chain for a CB750, which doesn't have the same flex as the wimpy OEM chain. I don't want to, but I might have to break the chain again and thread it over the sprocket and then rejoin it. Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline bwaller

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2009, 10:10:14 PM »
The camchain guide (front) should face forward with the chain outside of it. In other words, the chain should travel inside of the tensioner & outside of the guide.

In case you might feel better we may slip to 22C minus tonight.
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Offline dave500

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2009, 10:53:36 PM »
its a bit fiddly ,,as bryanj posted ,is the chain on the correct side of the front guide?have the chain on the number four side of the drive lugs aswell ,and of course the sprocket sitting off the mount in the elongation cutout.
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #6 on: December 19, 2009, 11:19:09 PM »
Holy Sh1t! The chain sits in FRONT of the front guide? Fark! Lucky I asked, thanks guys, I'll go fix it now! Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline dave500

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2009, 11:48:27 PM »
its an easy mistake,,its natural to imagine it running the wrong way!!ive plopped a case back together minus the upper main bearings,because i thought ide have a bite to eat then resume,(flow interuption!!)i noticed one end of the crank seemed to be elongating the main seal as i was putting the sump on,,sealant hadnt even set ,,its ok ive kicked my own arse thanks fellas!!(head hanging in shame)
« Last Edit: December 19, 2009, 11:53:07 PM by dave500 »
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Offline Hush

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #8 on: December 20, 2009, 01:07:12 AM »
Aussies....don't ya just love em....everyone should have one! ;D
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #9 on: December 20, 2009, 01:38:18 AM »
Quote from: Hush on December 20, 2009, 01:07:12 AM
Aussies....don't ya just love em....everyone should have one! ;D

You couldn't afford one over there in third world middle earth mate, wishful thinking for sure, but the best thing you'll ever have is that beat up old 650 and a cross-eyed ram! ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Online bryanj

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #10 on: December 20, 2009, 11:14:57 PM »
See told you it was on the wrong side of the front cushion, just you don't speak da queens engrish like wot I do
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Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #11 on: December 21, 2009, 12:07:29 AM »
Quote from: bryanj on December 20, 2009, 11:14:57 PM
See told you it was on the wrong side of the front cushion, just you don't speak da queens engrish like wot I do

Ha ha, yeah mate, I dunno what I'm speaking, but it's obviously not English! It was definitely a lot easier once I placed the chain in front of the front guide, it went straight on! Anyway, thanks for all the help guys, here's a pic of the (almost) completed engine. Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline dave500

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #12 on: December 21, 2009, 12:44:40 AM »
i wish i hadve painted my barrel black now terry.it looks good.
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Offline Hush

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #13 on: December 21, 2009, 12:49:12 AM »
Don't tell him that, it's probably burn marks from the Aussie sun! ;D
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I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #14 on: December 21, 2009, 02:03:10 AM »
Quote from: dave500 on December 21, 2009, 12:44:40 AM
i wish i hadve painted my barrel black now terry.it looks good.

Thanks Dave, it was Al's idea to paint it black, not really my "cup of beer" then, but it came up really nice, and contrasts well with the silver. If it goes as well as it looks (and it should, it's got a 592cc kit, ported and polished head and big cam) I think we'll both be happy! Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline moham

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #15 on: December 21, 2009, 10:01:10 AM »
Quote from: Terry in Australia on December 20, 2009, 01:38:18 AM
Quote from: Hush on December 20, 2009, 01:07:12 AM
Aussies....don't ya just love em....everyone should have one! ;D

You couldn't afford one over there in third world middle earth mate, wishful thinking for sure, but the best thing you'll ever have is that beat up old 650 and a cross-eyed ram! ;D

ha!
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #16 on: December 21, 2009, 11:03:38 AM »
Hey Terry,
Do be careful fitting the cylinder cover on the engine.  It is easy to bend the valve stems if you don't keep the adjusters on top of the valve stems rather than at the side of them.

Cheers,
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Offline Queeg

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #17 on: December 21, 2009, 11:09:39 AM »
Quote from: TwoTired on December 21, 2009, 11:03:38 AM
Hey Terry,
Do be careful fitting the cylinder cover on the engine.  It is easy to bend the valve stems if you don't keep the adjusters on top of the valve stems rather than at the side of them.

Cheers,
and when your done.... one good beer deserves another, than another,and another.....
 
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Offline Yoshi823

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #18 on: December 21, 2009, 11:55:25 AM »
I found fitting the cam cover over the camshaft easier by loosening off all of the tappet adjusters...no chance of bending the valves then.

And don't forget to put new seals in place on the alloy inlet manifolds...they dry out and split very easily. The last time I had the cylinder head off the wife's 550 I found them all wanting, and so put a smear of Hylomar around the jointing face as well. I've heard some rough running engines in the past, sprayed some WD40 around these manifolds, only to hear the engine note change, indicating that the seals had perished.

PS...it's a good idea to tension the camchain before you put the rocker cover on. Then align the camshaft/crankshaft position for setting up the tappet clearances.
« Last Edit: December 21, 2009, 12:16:46 PM by Yoshi823 »
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Offline Spikeybike

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #19 on: December 21, 2009, 12:09:11 PM »
Quote from: Terry in Australia on December 19, 2009, 11:19:09 PM
Holy Sh1t! The chain sits in FRONT of the front guide? Fark! Lucky I asked, thanks guys, I'll go fix it now! Cheers, Terry. ;D

i broke the chain and rejoined it , with this backwards setup  ...... then actually rode it like that .. for like 50+ miles  ::) ::) ::) :o
(before i knew how the bike was suppose to run)   ... then i just couldn't figure out why it burned oil like nobody's business
 
SURPRISE .. you need new rockers arms, cam, chain, both tentioners  .. and if i woulda kept going, a new head too
      some lessons are hard learned

glad someone caught this , i was getting ready to post it ... then i read more ;)


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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #20 on: December 21, 2009, 02:46:10 PM »
Thanks again guys, it caught me out because I'm a 750 man, and the cam chain tensioner setup on the 550 is arse backwards from any engine I've ever put together.

Surprisingly, I've apparently done everything else right, I adjusted the cam chain tensioner first (I love that "long bow" tensioner, wish my 750 had one that good!) then I backed out all the tappet adjusting screws before fitting the cam cover, (with new seal) set the clearances (.005 and .008 for this big mutha cam) and replaced all the seals in both the inlet manifolds and on the tappet inspection caps. (which were full of course cutting compound from when they'd been polished, so they got a good clean too)

I've turned the engine over by hand and I can't detect any unusual noises, so I think it'll be good to go! Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #21 on: December 21, 2009, 06:35:32 PM »
Well it's all back together now and I must admit, it is a pretty little engine. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline TwoTired

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #22 on: December 21, 2009, 06:39:49 PM »
Quote from: Terry in Australia on December 21, 2009, 06:35:32 PM
Well it's all back together now and I must admit, it is a pretty little engine. ;D

Would you like my shipping address?  ;D
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
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Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline faux fiddy

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #23 on: December 21, 2009, 06:49:52 PM »
Photos of the 550 are here-

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=369.0

I just posted them with my 350f project at the bottom here:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=58702.0
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Offline Zaipai

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #24 on: December 21, 2009, 06:57:32 PM »
Quote from: TwoTired on December 21, 2009, 06:39:49 PM
Quote from: Terry in Australia on December 21, 2009, 06:35:32 PM
Well it's all back together now and I must admit, it is a pretty little engine. ;D

Would you like my shipping address?  ;D
Oh no you have to fight me for that mate!
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Offline dave500

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #25 on: December 21, 2009, 09:55:50 PM »
what ignition are you using terry?have you got a screw in mechanical oil pressure guage?,i like to spin them up with no spark plugs and circulate a bit of oil,if you do this make sure the alternator cover is on or that little pushed in plug will come out under about 60psi cold oil pressure!!beers,,oops i meant cheers.
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #26 on: December 22, 2009, 03:39:01 AM »
G'Day Guys, well you better ask Al if you want me to send you that engine, but somehow I can guess what he's gonna say, ha ha! ;D

Dave, it's fitted with a mechanical oil pressure gauge that I made up for it, and I've reinstalled the OEM points, but I think (hope?) Al said he had an electronic ignition for it.

All the covers are on now, so Al can install it in his Cafe' and I imagine he'll be tapping into the collective wisdom here in the not too distant future. Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline valvolux

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #27 on: December 22, 2009, 04:39:15 PM »
hey, eyes off my engine  ;D
yep got an dyna electronic ignition terry
keen to do it again another day?....1000cc cb750 cr rep this time haha ive caught the bug.
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Offline Kemp

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #28 on: December 22, 2009, 06:01:31 PM »
Are you planning on a dyno run? Would be really cool to see the curve and figures on both torque and HP. I heard they have dynos in Australia parked right next to the bar so should be easy for you, wot!
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Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #29 on: December 23, 2009, 04:26:15 PM »
Quote from: valvolux on December 22, 2009, 04:39:15 PM
keen to do it again another day?....1000cc cb750 cr rep this time haha ive caught the bug.

Yes mate, I'll be happy to, and don't go buying a 750 to convert, I've got what you need here. Cheers, Terry. ;D
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I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline dave500

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Re: How do I refit the CB550 cam chain on the sprocket?
« Reply #30 on: December 23, 2009, 09:21:27 PM »
dont laugh,in lawrence dve nerang where all the motorbike shops are,here on the gold coast,theres a tavern and right across the street a shop has a motorcycle specific dyno !!
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