Topic: 77 cb 550 timing

[blackfire]

I have the head back on the bike and can't figure out how to get the timing chain back on the cam gear.  I have read on how to time the bike, but advice would be helpful from those who have done this before.  I am new at this and it has been a fun experience but wouldn't do it again.  thanks matt

[MADCB400F]

Hi, when you look at the cam sprocket you will see diffrent size cut outs in the middle. Find the one that is the closest to the edge and put that at the top. Make sure your tension adjuster is not installed. Work the chain onto the sprocket. Once there move sprocket one link at a time until the marks line up per your doc. Hope that helps.

[bwaller]

I believe there is a "how to" in the engine FAQs also.

[blackfire]

guess the tensioner is coming back out.  thanks much.

[Roach]

don't take the tension-er out!!

all you need to so is

tighten up the tensioner so it doesn't put any force on the chain

slide the cam under the chain going from left top right from cylinder 1-4 slide on the sprocket

move the sprocket down to where it bolts up on the cam...

before you bolt it on make sure the grove in the end of the cam is in line with the top edge of the block..drop the cam down onto its seat bolt the sprocket to the cam loosen off the adjuster and use the elastic band trick to put cover back on.

[daytonajoker]

What's the "elastic band trick" ?

[Roach]

it gets the tappet cover back on without binding on your valves  look it up in tricks and tips

its a matter of running rubber bands over the valve cover

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82508.0

[blackfire]

Thanks for all the advice along the way.  I have it all back together and was going to time the bike.  the 2-3 mark is in alignment, so is 1-4 also aligned?  the cam notch is level with the head surface. 

[Duanob]

If you turn your crank to the 1-4 T mark the cam notch should be aligned to the head deck. Your cam is 90 degrees off which means your crank is 180 degrees off. Download the manual and read it. The is a certain method and order to installing the cam sprocket and chain and it works.