Topic: Cam Chain adjust/replace?

[stereosilence]

So, my bike makes a clicking sound 100% of the time. PO said the cam chain needed to be replaced. However, I have no confidence that he knows what he is talking about.

Clymer says there is a way to adjust the slack in the cam chain. Do you think this would fix my problem? How involved is this adjustment? How involved is replacing the cam chain?

Any advice?

[grcamna2]

Do a cam chain adjustment & adjust all 8 valves by the book...you can't go wrong.

[ekpent]

See a couple recent posts and you have not given the model of bike but you can't go wrong by following the Clymer and giving it a good 3,000 mile tune-up. That's plugs and all the proper adjustments,valves,cam chain etc..

[jessezm]

Do a cam chain adjustment & adjust all 8 valves by the book...you can't go wrong.

+1

Actually, I'd take it even further and say adjust your valves, check/set your timing, and then do the valve chain adjustment.  Remember that you must do the valve adjustment with the bike totally cold, so do that first.

I see you live in Atlanta--where in town are you?

[brokenspoke]

Also, seeing as you have a 75 I'll take a wild guess that you have rocker shaft hole wear on your cam cover. Pull the left side rocker cover and and see if one of those holes is ovalled. Search the forum for more info. It only affects pre 77 550s

[bollingball]

Is this a 1975 550K? Cam chain quick and easy. The noise you hear could also be a valve ticking or even a exhaust leak. Once you train your ear you will be able to tell what they each sound like also get the factory manual here. It is good to have both. If this bike is new to you the you should do the 3000 mile tuneup by the book an in order. Good luck and keep asking.

                                            Ken

[MCRider]

Running with the chain in poor adjustment can accelerate the wear. It can be very noisy.

The 550 adjuster is an automatic windshield wiper looking type affair. Spend some time trying to understand how it works. I have, understand it for about 5 minutes, then forget again.

Anyway, I'm not a 550 guy, but i think sometimes those things can get stuck from lack of use. In the extreme may require a new adjuster.

Chains don't normally wear out in the bikes lifetime as an average runner, not raced or abused. But it the adjustment protocol has been neglected...  The actual adjustment process is ridiculously easy, assuming the adjuster mechanism responds.

Replacing the chain per spec is a complete engine teardown, crankshaft removal.

Some have shortcutted the process by cutting the OEM chain (it does not have a master link) and threading thru another one and using a masterlink, these parts are available.

[dave500]

these engines are a little clattery for want of a better word,,dont compare it for engine noise to a modern bike with shim and bucket type adjusters or anything,if its a 500/550 it might have the worn rocker shaft in the cover syndrome?

[onepieceatatime]

Some have shortcutted the process by cutting the OEM chain (it does not have a master link) and threading thru another one and using a masterlink, these parts are available.

Where can the master link be bought from?

[CoachDoc]

I went 30+ years without really understanding the mechanics of the adjusting process. Then I watched a you tube video showing the actual mechanism and how the spring loaded ratchet allows for automatic tension adjustment when the lock nut is released. Search this site and you should be able to find the link.

[dave500]

anyone close by you can hook up with and listen to the noise/compare?it might be ok?often if videos are posted of noise the fidelity is way out of whack and it always sounds worse,,unless its an obvious bad knock or something.

[MCRider]

Some have shortcutted the process by cutting the OEM chain (it does not have a master link) and threading thru another one and using a masterlink, these parts are available.

Where can the master link be bought from?

Z1 Enterprises.com

[jessezm]

anyone close by you can hook up with and listen to the noise/compare?it might be ok?often if videos are posted of noise the fidelity is way out of whack and it always sounds worse,,unless its an obvious bad knock or something.

That's what I was thinking, since I live near Atlanta and am in Atlanta all the time (sometimes helping other bike friends...).  If you live close to where I hang out I'm happy to come have a listen sometime.

[onepieceatatime]

Some have shortcutted the process by cutting the OEM chain (it does not have a master link) and threading thru another one and using a masterlink, these parts are available.

Where can the master link be bought from?

Z1 Enterprises.com

Thank you MCRider

[Duanob]

CB550 Cam Chain Tensioner

[MCRider]

Great video. Bottom line is. you hold the bolt by the slot, which allows you to loosen the locknut. Then back away and let the tensioner find its own level taking up the chain slack. Then hold the bolt again by its slot, which is now in a slightly different place, and tighten the lock nut. Done.

Now you have to asnwer the question, is this done with the engine running, or with the engine set at 15° ATDC?  The subject of many threads. 

On the CB750 I do it engine off, ATDC.

[stereosilence]

I'm on the east side near the perimeter. I work at Georgia Tech so I am usually in and around town a good bit. PM me and maybe we can get together.

[jessezm]

I'm on the east side near the perimeter. I work at Georgia Tech so I am usually in and around town a good bit. PM me and maybe we can get together.

Cool.  I'm actually applying to graduate school at GA Tech at the moment.