Topic: '74 cb550 ... Noisy cam chain, eh?

[fastbroshi]

that noise you hear is clutch rattle.

You shouldn't be hearing any clutch rattle.  There may be a little rattling at idle that goes away when the motor's revved if your carbs aren't synced.  And if that screw post for the tensioner is just spinning and clicking,  it's gone.  Time for a new one.  The top end has to come off and the barrels have to be separated from the cases just a bit to remove it.

[cb544]

if that screw post for the tensioner is just spinning and clicking,  it's gone.  Time for a new one.  The top end has to come off and the barrels have to be separated from the cases just a bit to remove it.

Ah man- well, what do you mean by the barrels?

[RAFster122s]

barrels > cylinders

Clean the carbs, needed that either way. Clean and set your points, change your plugs, set your timing and check your clearances on the valves then you will know if you have a problem.
If the noise goes away then your clearances were likely off...
If it stays then you could be looking at cam chain or primary chain.  How many miles on the motor?

David

[cb544]

barrels > cylinders

Clean the carbs, needed that either way. Clean and set your points, change your plugs, set your timing and check your clearances on the valves then you will know if you have a problem.
If the noise goes away then your clearances were likely off...
If it stays then you could be looking at cam chain or primary chain.  How many miles on the motor?

David

About 13k on the odometer. I've changed the plugs. Points are clean; will adjust. Will adjust timing and check tappets... I really don't want to pull the motor apart right now...

[Zaipai]

Well with 13K on the clock, if that is the true mileage you may not have to take the motor apart. Of course allot depends on how hard it was pushed by P.O.'s and all. Do what you can do with out taking it apart and see how she sounds and go from there.. These motor's seem to like 1,200 RPM or so for idle speed.

.: Scott :.

[cb544]

Well, I sold her. Walked the new owner through all the things I'd been experiencing, wrapped her up and said goodbye. It was a good road, and thanks to you all for the help along the way. There's always gotta be the first. Now onto the second, with all these lessons learned. :-D

I'll be on and off, looking for an apartment, moving, looking for a new bike and a busy schedule come September.

Peace

[Zaipai]

Sorry to hear that Adam, however I am sure its for the best and all. Looking forward to your return!!

Take care and take it easy..

.: Scott :.