Topic: cb550k cafe "Ruby"

[Toxic]

Stunning bike... with a little over 10K on the bike why does your "new guy" think you need a new cam chain tensioner?  Do you have any symptoms of a worn out one?  I agree it should have been done when the motor was apart as the rubber bits age.  But I would leave it along and enjoy the bike.
That bike with 10K on it is just broken in. Make sure the cam chain is adjusted properly as per specs.

That seat is real nice so how about posting Driven Fabrication's contact number.   I found them on facebook but I'm not a member.  I'm looking to have my seat done.

[Cheffish]

When the bikes running you can hear what I think is the cam chain and it sounds loose. The tensioner is at maximum tension right now and my mechanic told me that it was stuck when he first got the bike running. I don't see what else it could be? With the low milage I don't think it needs a chain but i think someone broke the tensioner along the line. Is that possible? The noise is not obnoxious so I plan to ride it and worry about it once winter is officially here. Thanks for the compliments. I'll get my friends shop number for you today

[Toxic]

At any point during the rebuild did you find hardened rubber bits in the bottom of the engine?
I would be shocked if you needed a new chain with only 10K and out of adjustment.

maybe the rubber followers have destroyed them selves.  That is more age related than mileage.

[Cheffish]

I'll look into that. I first had my old mechanic hold the motor to inspect and replace necessary parts. He failed to do this. That's why I want to have the top end torn down again to make sure everything inside is proper. My new mechanic pretty much told me the old one just replaced the head gasket and screwed it back together. No valve adjustment. No cleaning. Nothing else and he held my motor for two months! I will ride it in the interim and have him look at it next month

[Toxic]

News for ya... your old mechanic  was not a mechanic .... just a moron.
Real shame he didn't do a proper job but you will feel better when the job is done right

[Tews19]

News for ya... your old mechanic  was not a mechanic .... just a moron.
Real shame he didn't do a proper job but you will feel better when the job is done right

+1

Hey you can do the valve adjustment yourself and save yourself the money from hiring out the work. If you can do that beautifly build, reading the manual should be a breeze. I had no mechanical no how and read the manual on here and did it. Took less then an hour to do all to spec... HUGE DIFFERENCE in sound. I am curious if you can make a video of the bike running. Guys here have a keen sense of hearing and can guide you in the right direction......
Also something I did and they pin pointed it as valves need adjustment...

Funny, i followed your thread from the start and noticed tonight when the bike was assemebled, you had it on a work bench , LOL.

How the hell you get it off?

[Cheffish]

Tews, I thought it was the valves too. But they've been adjusted 5-6 times already. I don't know what else it could be besides cam chain tensioner. I am in no hurry since it feels like winters already here. That work bench is in my buddy's shop. He just backs his truck right up to it and unloads the bike. I'd like to take credit for the build, but I had alot of help from family and friends. It's been a shared headache!

[Cheffish]

Well, it's officially done for real this time. Replaced the cam chain tensioner and resolved a minor jetting issue. What a blast this bike is! I just got my license the other day and went on about a 50 mile trip with my old man. The suspension works great. The power is just enough to keep me entertained. I love this bike! She runs like a champ and I couldn't be happier.

[Mcwilliams570]

Looks great man. Enjoy riding it maybe you can get down this way

Matt

[Really?]

Love the color!