Topic: 77 550 Cam, Cam Chain, & Sprocket?????

[sniper1]

Here is the dilema:

I am reassembling the engine.I have the cam chain on the sprocket which is attached to the cam. The manual says to:

"Remove the contact breaker points cover (done) and rotate the engine until pistons 1 and 4 are at top dead center "T1-4" (done) the align EXACTLY the T mark for cylinders 1 and 4 with the static timing mark, as viewed through the aperture in the contact breaker baseplate (done)."
"CB550 models: Rotate the camshaft so that the center of the notch in the right hand end of the the shaft is aligned with the cylinder head flange face."

 I can not get this to line up. I have the mark at T 1-4. But can not at the same time get the notch in the camshaft to line up with the cylinder head. Once the sprocket is bolted on, I think you are at the mercy of where it naturally lies. Am I correct here? How can I turn the Cam shaft without rotating the crankshaft when the sprocket is attached?

What am I missing here???

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Unbolt the sprocket and let it hang loose on the left side of the flange.  Get the crank and cam shaft aligned THEN mount the sprocket.  The trick will be using the "Mickey Ears" cut into the sprocket to get enough free play to bolt it up again.  Fix one bolt then rotate 180 to fix the second bolt.

[sniper1]

So, I understand what you are saying, but if I get the crank and the cam aligned, then how can I be sure that when I get the chain on the sproket that it will line up with the cam and the holes for the bolts will line up correctly?

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Use the force Luke!  In this case, that would be the job of the Mickey Ears.  the crank and the cam shaft MUST be timed correctly else your valves and pistons may meet.  By lowering the sprocket onto the shaft with the Mickey Ears, you will be within a tooth of correct.  If it doesn't line up, move the sprocket by a tooth until it does.

There is a writeup in the FAQ section with greater detail.

EDIT:  Here is the FAQ link. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=369.msg57914#msg57914

also, when you go to mount the rocker cover, be sure to back out the tappets and tie the rockers back using rubber bands.  A dangling rocker can bend a valve.  Here is a pic from the "Tips & Tricks" section (A shout out to Jonsey for this!)  

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17364.0

[sniper1]

Allight, I've been at this thing for about 3 1/2 hours nowand getting no where. I've tried to get it on, I've taken it apart about 6 times now, trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. I can get the chain on the sprocket, but when I try to put it up on the flange to bolt in place, It just doesnt line up properly. There is very little slack in the chain and moving it into position is a heck of an effort. I notice that I am usually 1-5 teeth off, every time I get close, but I am unable to back off a few because the chain is so tight. Any thoughts..........I've read the other posts on here about 5 times and they are all good, but I don't know if its just me, the chain, the sprocket, the cam, or what is making this so damn difficult.

Any further help is greatly appreciated.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I also remember someone who had put the front chain slipper in wrong and thus the chain was on the wrong side of the slipper.  Check to make sure you have that slipper in correctly.

[Kevin400F]

Here's a suggestion.  When you put the chain onto the sprocket at your "best guess" position, then assemble the sprocket onto the cam and find that you're a tooth or two off, put reference marks on the chain and sprocket.  That way, when you unbolt the sprocket from the cam in order to reposition the chain to the "correct" teeth on the sprocket, you can keep track of where you are and hit the correct teeth so things line up when you bolt up the sprocket to the cam.

[sniper1]

I DID IT!! thanks alot for all of your help. It took a while, with lots of cussing, and sweat, but I got it on and lookes to be in the right position as well.

Thanks again!

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Wooo Hooo!  congrats!  Yes, you will use a LOT of golf words when wrenching on these bikes!