Bonjour Rene. Thank you for that video. May I ask you some questions? I am changing all the gaskets on the top end of my 1978 cb550 Four K and when the time comes to put the cam tensioner back (and guide); 1) During which step of the remounting the top end (Cylinder, Valve cover, etc...) do I adjust the cam chain tensioner? I ask because on some forums people have trouble getting the chain back on the cam shaft sprocket and some people say because the chain is too tight (is that because the cam chain tensioner is not loose enough?) I hope that was clear? Thank you for any help you can give.
Cyrille Loreau. For what it's worth, generally there will be timing marks on the camshaft or the camshaft sprocket (or both), and also on the crankshaft, which MUST be lined up in the correct positions when the camchain is fitted during engine reassembly, in order to get the valve timing correct, relative to the crankshaft (and piston position(s)). These marks, and what position they should be in for re-fitting the camchain, should be in the relevant workshop manual - they are not in the same places on all bikes. To fit the camchain, the tensioner needs to be in the slackest position. Then once everything is properly in place and checked for being ok, the tensioner can be adjusted to take up the slack, in order to prevent the chain from jumping off the sprockets. Then turn over the engine a few revs by hand (using a spanner on the end of the crankshaft, or with the kickstart (do not use the electric start), just to check that everything is working just as it should do. If all is ok, then turn the crankshaft until the corect timing marks (as per the manual) line up, for adjusting the camchain tension, and adjust the tensioner again, just to make absolutely sure that all is ok (don't forget to slacken off, & then re-tighten the tensioner locknut). All should now be ok. M.S.
Great video. Have you ever encountered a tension adjustment nut that makes no difference and doesn't tighten -- always able to rotate?
Bonjour Rene. Thank you for that video. May I ask you some questions? I am changing all the gaskets on the top end of my 1978 cb550 Four K and when the time comes to put the cam tensioner back (and guide);
1) During which step of the remounting the top end (Cylinder, Valve cover, etc...) do I adjust the cam chain tensioner?
I ask because on some forums people have trouble getting the chain back on the cam shaft sprocket and some people say because the chain is too tight (is that because the cam chain tensioner is not loose enough?)
I hope that was clear?
Thank you for any help you can give.
Cyrille Loreau. For what it's worth, generally there will be timing marks on the camshaft or the camshaft sprocket (or both), and also on the crankshaft, which MUST be lined up in the correct positions when the camchain is fitted during engine reassembly, in order to get the valve timing correct, relative to the crankshaft (and piston position(s)). These marks, and what position they should be in for re-fitting the camchain, should be in the relevant workshop manual - they are not in the same places on all bikes. To fit the camchain, the tensioner needs to be in the slackest position. Then once everything is properly in place and checked for being ok, the tensioner can be adjusted to take up the slack, in order to prevent the chain from jumping off the sprockets. Then turn over the engine a few revs by hand (using a spanner on the end of the crankshaft, or with the kickstart (do not use the electric start), just to check that everything is working just as it should do. If all is ok, then turn the crankshaft until the corect timing marks (as per the manual) line up, for adjusting the camchain tension, and adjust the tensioner again, just to make absolutely sure that all is ok (don't forget to slacken off, & then re-tighten the tensioner locknut). All should now be ok. M.S.