Author Topic: removing cam chain tensioner w/o removing cylinder head? (77 CB550f)  (Read 1542 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline 000jeremy

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 42
Im going to need to extract my cam chain tensioner from my 77 cb550f.  Im hoping to do so without removing the cylinder head and my shop manual seems to look like that will be possible, althought it does show the head coming off before the tensioner comes out....it looks like there is plenty of access without removing the head, just removing the head cover.  see picture below.

Also, can I assume that I will need to replace the cylinder head gasket and the breather gasket?  Are there any other replacements to be made when taking these thigns apart?


Offline 000jeremy

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 42
Re: removing cam chain tensioner w/o removing cylinder head? (77 CB550f)
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2010, 01:09:24 PM »
sorry, the actual question here is:

can you remove the tensioner in a 77 cb550f with just removing the head cover and not the head itself?

Offline 73hutch

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 206
Re: removing cam chain tensioner w/o removing cylinder head? (77 CB550f)
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2010, 03:40:40 PM »
gotta take the head off to get to the tensioner.
78-550k
72-cb100
63 c100
75 xl350
84 gl1200

Offline Caseygroh1

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 34
Re: removing cam chain tensioner w/o removing cylinder head? (77 CB550f)
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2010, 07:06:25 PM »
yep, head has to come off, there are locator pins on the tensioner that get clamped between slots on the top of the cylinders and bottom of head. no way to get it out with head on
74 CB550
75 CB550 cafe project

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,038
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: removing cam chain tensioner w/o removing cylinder head? (77 CB550f)
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2010, 12:05:57 AM »
To do it easy the cylinder needs to come off as well and if you remove the head you have disturbed the base gasket anyway so all gaskets and "O" rings need to be replaced
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 76CB5WI

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 119
  • CHRIS
Re: removing cam chain tensioner w/o removing cylinder head? (77 CB550f)
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2010, 09:59:09 AM »
Isnt that lovely? If your ginger about it..you may be ok just taking the head off.
Mine was fine afterwards.
87 FJ1200
72 CB750
76 CB550