Topic: how difficult (and what's required?) to loop a new camchain around driveshaft?

[superchode]

i've got the top end off my engine and i ordered a new cam chain to go with the rebuilt top end since the engine has over 75000 kms on it.

the camchain is a fixed loop so to install it would require stripping the bottom end down and looping the new chain around the driveshaft.  how much work is involved in this process? i have a top end gasket kit - would i need to buy a bottom end kit, or can i use liquid gasket type material to seal it back up?  i'd like the confidence of having the new chain in there... but i don't want to get over my head cracking the bottom end apart.

[GroovieGhoulie]

I've been told whenever your crack a motor, you replace all the gaskets and seals, should replace all the crank bearings, replace all the conrod bolts if you pull the pistons and rods (since they are usually stretch bolts and are one-time use), etc.

It's VERY involved and LOTS of parts are needed to "do it right".  I have never done it, but am going on what I was told.

Also, a few members here have had issues with the case halves sealing back up.  More often then not, they get leaks, even when using the Honda gaskets.

[Noel]

I did my camchain by splitting it, attaching it to the old chain, pulling it through the engine, and then cutting out the old chain and riveting up the new. I did it by removing only the valve cover (and then redid the top end a few weeks later anyway ) but with the block off it should be an absolute snap.

There's a thread or two around on the topic, if you want/need details.

[bryanj]

You can split the chains and relink BUT you MUST use a new rivet link (the 450 and 500 twin uses the same size chain). The hardest part of a bottom end strip is getting the alternator rotor off to replace the crank seal. If you do split the bottom end you will need a bottom end gasket kit (£10 from Dave Silver), a seal kit and some silicone gasket plus a good manual.

[superchode]

hrm. sounds like splitting the bottom case isn't really advisable.  maybe i'll take the engine into my mechanic and have him break the new chain, feed it through and lock it back down - i've not done it before and it'd worry me.

[Noel]

Seriously, if you've got the top end off, splitting and linking a cam chain should be child's play.

[crazypj]

Rotor removal is easy. usually the rear axle fits the threads. just screw it into rotor and, with a bar through the hole to apply rotational pressure, give it a whack with dead blow hammer (or buy the correct puller)
case leaks are usually due to not following tightening sequence and overtorquing case bolts (plus damage getting cases apart) use threebond 1104
PJ

[Tim.]

I had my top end off last spring, and replaced the cam chain - the chain had to be 'broken' and a new link added once on.  If I recall, and I think it was alluded to earlier, the 450 or 500 twins or maybe the 400/4 use a master link on the cam chain standard, and is the same size as the 550's.  So it was a new standard part from Honda used with the new Honda cam chain.

2000 miles later, and many runs up to 9000 rpm, and no shrapnel.