Topic: CB550 K3 Cam Chain

[Cruiser]

So I'm going to replace the cam chain on my CB550.

During the rebuild last year, I doubted in doing it (I should have done it then) but I then replaced the Cam chain guide and the tensioner. However I now here it ticking (more a sliding noise) and I can't adjust the tensioner much further. So I believe the chain is stretched too far after 64.000 km's.

Finding the chain itself is no problem... However since I'm going to just change it from the top, I need to find the correct cam chain links. DID 219T that is. And there is my problem, I can't seem to find a good link...

Looking for one I can revet again, so not one of those quick master links.

Any ideas?

[bryanj]

You are not supposed to be adjusting the tensioner it is automatic, if you have been using a screwdriver in the slot chances are you have fubbard the tensione mechanism totaly which means head and barrel off to replace.
If you have a GENUINE HONDA camchain you can use a rivet link from a 500 twin AS LONG AS you have the correct riveting tool

[Deltarider]

Tsubaki used to make good timing chains for our models. Can't find it right now.

[Cruiser]

You are not supposed to be adjusting the tensioner it is automatic, if you have been using a screwdriver in the slot chances are you have fubbard the tensione mechanism totaly which means head and barrel off to replace.
If you have a GENUINE HONDA camchain you can use a rivet link from a 500 twin AS LONG AS you have the correct riveting tool

I know its automatic

I also know its in its most outward position, and thus not really putting much tension on the chain.

Just to be sure, you are talking about this one?
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb500t-twin-dohc-1976-usa_model462/jointcam-chain_14410283000/

[Oddjob]

DID do a rivet link for the 219 chain, both the T and the FTH versions (not the same rivet for both though  )

However, unless you have a VERY good riveting tool it can be quite difficult to do a good job. I have one such tool made by a major bike manufacturer and it does a great job, so good you can't tell the difference between the factory rivet and the tools rivet. It's very expensive though, especially for a single use tool which it probably would be in your case.

In my case I bought it to split the DID 219FTH chains so I could make one fit the 500/550 engines, so I buy longer chains and cut them down and re-rivet them to 88 links and even 82 links for the 350/400 engines. The FTH chain is far stronger than the normal T chain, has flat side links so it wears the tensioner blade less and is quieter in operation that the figure 8 219T links. I sold loads of them on the UK forum but the cost of postage to the USA would mean it's not feasible to send one.

[Cruiser]

DID do a rivet link for the 219 chain, both the T and the FTH versions (not the same rivet for both though  )

However, unless you have a VERY good riveting tool it can be quite difficult to do a good job. I have one such tool made by a major bike manufacturer and it does a great job, so good you can't tell the difference between the factory rivet and the tools rivet. It's very expensive though, especially for a single use tool which it probably would be in your case.

In my case I bought it to split the DID 219FTH chains so I could make one fit the 500/550 engines, so I buy longer chains and cut them down and re-rivet them to 88 links and even 82 links for the 350/400 engines. The FTH chain is far stronger than the normal T chain, has flat side links so it wears the tensioner blade less and is quieter in operation that the figure 8 219T links. I sold loads of them on the UK forum but the cost of postage to the USA would mean it's not feasible to send one.

I live in Europe though

[Oddjob]

It would involve splitting the cases though which clearly you're trying to avoid. It's a real shame Honda choose to fit the camchain guide the way they did, if the chain ran in the middle of the tunnel you could replace it through the bottom end without removing the head.

[bryanj]

It puts exactly the tension required on the chain when used correctly, if a screwdriver is used to twist the adjust it causes the totth gear to spread the mechanism and jump the rack making the tensioner lock useless.
Yes that is the correct link for the did Honda part BUT  like oddjob says you need a special tool to rivet it you can not use a hammer