Topic: cam chain is stuck i think ??????????

[Ketch]

I have finally got the cylinder bolts in from bike bandit and my damn chain seems to be stuck its not big enough to get the cam through any tipsor tricks or anything would be greatly appreciated first time dealing with this issue slash my first rebuild. ohh its a 76 550 how can i tell if its a F or aK model ?
 

[1timduke]

Maybe this link will help...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=369.msg57914#msg57914


If you can give us the engine number then we can find the year...there's a link to that somewhere....

-Tim

[bistromath]

550 F and K motors are the same. And 1timduke's link will help you get it together. It's only hard the first time. 

[the technological J]

i just did this.... make sure the chain adjuster is locked at the slackest position it takes a little bit of finessing to get just right ..... dont forget to make sure the notch on th end of the cam is in the right place as well

[bryanj]

And that you put the front cushion in the right place

[lynchj]

And that you put the front cushion in the right place

Been there, done that, the chain was on the wrong side of the front cushion. I figured that one out after a few hours. 

[Ketch]

front cushion guys you lost me.... YES really ....

[Bodi]

The chain tensioner works on the chain going to the back of the sprocket: the force turning the cam is on the front run of chain from the cam to crank so the adjuster is on back - in theory you can adjust the chain tension with the engine running because the back stretch of chain should be slack anyway and the adjuster just has to spring in lightly to "self-adjust".
There's a slider or cushion bar running between the head and crankcase that the front run of chain slides on to cut down on oscillation or whipping. If the chain is not properly seated on this part it will be difficult to impossible to slide the cam through the chain. The adjuster needs to be fully "loose" and the front slider (cushion) has to be correctly positioned with the chain properly seated before you can just get the cam in. As I recall you slide the cam in and position the sprocket on the reduced diameter step on the cam beside where it finally site, then you can work the chain on. Then you see if the sprocket aligns properly with the crank at TDC. Then pop the chain off again and move it a guessed number of teeth (unless you got lucky the first time) - repeat until the cam sprocket is in the right relation to the crank. Then install the sprocket bolts with blue loctite.

[lynchj]

At least on the 500 it is possible to put the chain on the wrong side of the item 6 (front cushion) see picture. If it is on the wrong side, the chain and sprocket is just barely able to assemble onto the cam but it is so tight you can't turn it. and it is a bear to take apart again. Been there, done that.

[Ketch]

ok guys I need a front cushion for the cam chain any takers on where to get one? I believe mine is never to be seen again, and I need one its a 76 550F
                 Thanks  PS anyone near Fort Leonard Wood MO?