Topic: adjusting cam chain tensioner on CB350F

[XxDarkEuphoriaxX]

like the title says, how is it done on the CB350F?

mabe a pic of where to adjust?

thx

[Cvillechopper]

http://www.classiccycles.org/1852/3701.html

First things first.  Download the manual from here.

[bender01]

If the tensioner is still operable just loosen the bolt above the oil filter housing and it should snug itself up While idling. If that doesnt work its stuck and you have to loosen the bolt and go in behind the frame mount.You will have to remove the frame mount to get any leverage . Remove that bolt and take something that will fit in the hole(screw driver, metal dowel, big nail) and push it down. It might take some force (hammer) but go easy. You should hear it quiet down as it moves. Then snug it up with the bottom bolt.Replace top bolt and frame mount. Hopefully you wont have to go that route.
 Id download the manual too. Although ive tried twice and I dont know where they went on my PC.
  let us know how it works out for you

[XxDarkEuphoriaxX]

what do you mean "if it is still operable" ....

so you loosen it and the engine adjusts automatically? then you tighten it right?

thx

[Cvillechopper]

Please download and read the manual.  Refer to pg 9 figure 2-21 for a picture.  Specifically mentioned "do not put pressure on the adjuster".  If it is stuck you'll need to free it with the engine off, not while it is running.  It is better to do this adjustment with the engine off and the timing mark just past TDC of the #1 compression stroke.  Try some searching and you'll find this covered many times.

Good luck.

[Bodi]

"Do not put pressure on the adjuster" may have been good advice when the springs were new, but after 30 years I've had to put pressure on it for every 350 or 400 I've done this job on. Doing it with the engine running is the only way to get the tension right, just tight enough so the rattling stops. You must check that the pivot is not seized up before attempting adjustment this way: with the lock bolt loose and your "pusher" on the adjuster rod, turn the engine crank backwards. The adjuster rod will push up if the pivot is OK.
You're welcome to try the two "official" adjustment methods that use the internal springs for adjustment pressure - loosen the lock at idle or with the crank set about 10 degrees past TDC-1 on compression. But expect it to rattle just as bad or worse.
If the pivot is locked - this happens if you run with a way loose chain for long as the slack chain hits the pivot and damages it - you can try some hammering type action on the adjuster rod but there will be no way to loosen the chain if you get it too tight. That will wear the sliders rapidly or potentially overstress the chain leading to eventual chain failure (very very bad). To service the pivot you must split the engine main cases.

[The Mayor]

So I was checking to see if the tensioner rod was free - had my screwdriver in the hole on the rod, and turned the crank back and forth. I got and very slight up and down movement, which I assume means it's free. But I was curious, just how much movement should be expected here? And when using the engine running/push down method to adjust, again how much movement will there be?

[fmctm1sw]

This is what happens to those tensioners:

[bryanj]

Yup and Honda dont sell them any more

[faux fiddy]

This is what happens to those tensioners:

Kinda 'groovy!'

Still waiting on a runner myself so I can see this in practice.

Just working on the third motor tonight, and it is the first that the rear tensioner shoe came apart with the piece that clips it in to the lower holder. I assume that piece usually  stays in a box shaped end of the horse-shoe part  that is connected to the adjustor screws, but one of three times (today's motor)  it came out with the shoe. Does it usually stay with the lower horseshoe piece or is there the chance  it is going to be rattling round in the motor and the shoe sloppy fit in the bottom?

Any pics of that whole horseshoe piece, especially the stern  would be great since it seems like fishing when it s not all apart and laid out together.