Topic: cam chain tight??

[Ketch]

Ok guys here's the deal I have tried all the tricks I have seen here and all the tricks I could think of. but I can't seem to get the damn chain back on the sprocket. So my question is how much slack should be in the chain while trying to get it on the sprocket by this I mean should the chain turn freely or is what I what i have the most i can get as far as slack goes?
   This things been kicking my ass for three days.  PS I'm a noob and anything could help.

[TwoTired]

You could help us by saying what engine you are working on.  How would we know that?

Can we assume you positioned the tensoiner for maximum slack?

What "tricks" have you used?

Can we assume you have a Honda shop manual?

[OldSchool_IsCool]

First, does the chain rotate as you roll the crank?  If not, then the chain has come off the crank sprocket.

Assuming the chain is still on the crank sprocket, the chain should be too tight to fit onto the cam sprocket if the sprocket is tight against the cam shaft flange.  It should be loose enough that the chain can be fitted to the cam sprocket if the sprocket is resting on the shaft with one of the "Mickey Ear" notches.

[Ketch]

Ok yes. You can assume I have a Honda manual Its a 76 550f, and the chain does rotate when I move the crank. And I have got the maximum slack.

[Ketch]

old school on my way to the garage to try that last message you sent thanks

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Hope it works Ketch.  If it does, please post it in this thread for posterity's sake.

If it didn't work, post back here with your findings.  It WILL work eventually, just a matter of what needs to be done between now and then. 

TT, yes, it's a 550.  I only know that due to a PM Katch sent to me.  If the instructions I sent him in the PM don't work, I'm sure Ketch will be anxious to hear your sage advice!  I know it has saved me more times than I can count!

[Gordon]

Typically when someone is having the same problem you're having when reinstalling the cam chain on a 550 it's because they have the tensioner installed incorrectly.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Typically when someone is having the same problem you're having when reinstalling the cam chain on a 550 it's because they have the tensioner installed incorrectly.

You mean having the chain on the wrong side of the front guide?  Good point, that's something I haven't thought of.  I'm pretty sure this fiche diagram shows the way it's supposed to be, with the front guide holding the chain toward the front of the engine.

[Ketch]

ok finally got the chain on the sprocket!! but the sprocket will not fall into place on the shaft does this make sense its at top dead center and the notch is lined up but I cannot get the sprocket on its maybe a hair to tight now or something? I need a camera to show you what i mean I'll try and remember to get my wifes this evening.   

[Roach]

tighten up your cam chain tensioner it will give you an extra bit of slack

[OldSchool_IsCool]

You are getting close!  Double check your front chain guide.  The guide should be INSIDE the chain.  That is to say, the guide should hold the chain toward the FRONT of the engine.  Study the parts fiche I posted earlier.

[Ketch]

Cam is together and thanks for all the help everyone!!  I'll post pics soon.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Glad to see you are back to a state of tranquility!

[Ketch]

[strynboen]

yes and you have piston 1 in top ..and ignision mark on t..then all work

i vas there last week

renember to lockteit bolts on cam hweel