Cam chain.. CB400f

[Integra99]

Happy New year all... well had some time to tinker and it seems my adjuster bolts are doing nothing at all. The lower lock nut (m6/m8) screws in then stops and does nothing. The blanking hole above containing the rod end also has no effect if push from the top with a screwdriver.

However the cam chain rattle is very minimal.. and once the revs hop up she sounds gorgeous.

So firstly does anyone have or notice a little noise at idle.. ?

I've had the camcover off last night.. the adjuster (sliders) are a little worn but minimal. When undoing the two (m6 / 10mm ) bolts the tensioner pops up, so when pushed down clearly the horseshoe tensioner is working as its pushing the opposing tensioner into the chain chain, but the chain is still a little slack. I fear my adjuster is stuck..

I really dont wish to split the cases right now.. I wonder if putting on the new cam chain that I have will suffice, assuming the adjuster is locked at a certain point. Any thoughts..

I have read some people lightly know the end of the rod to dislodge the adjuster but unsure of this!

[Bryanj]

The only sure and safe way is to remove the lower case, fitting new chain with stuck horseshoe will only wear out chain quickly

[Nurse Julie]

My adjuster was jammed which I didn't realise until I stripped the engine. Even with this I only had the most minute cam chain rattle at idle. Although you don't really want to split the cases, I think it would be prudent to do so, then you can see what the problem is. You can then also fit an endless cam chain instead of a soft link.

[Integra99]

Is there anyway to see if the horseshoe is stuck without splitting the cases, can it be seen with the sump removed?  The horseshoe seems to move because pushing one tensioner down, applies pressure to the other side meaning it moving below, if that makes sense.

I think its just the adjuster (bar) is locked in one position.. 

[Nurse Julie]

Not possible to see anywhere near the cam chain or horseshoe through the sump as everything you need to see is right at the front of the engine, nowhere near the sump.

[Nurse Julie]

If you want a pic of what you can see with the sump off, let me know as mine is still off at present

[Integra99]

Ah yes of course silly me all top end isnt it! Bah!

Yes any pics would be good please.. I'm hoping that the problem is simply the chain is stretched and at the max of it adjustment as the horseshoe is certainly moving when pressure applied to the slipper/tension arm as pushing down applies pressure to the other side if that makes sense

[Integra99]

Thanks all.. ok this all makes sense now.. the blades look good hardly worn and the tensioner lock nut still has thread and the chain looks in good condition. The Horseshoe is working and I think its the rod thats stuck.

Odd Job.. that's good advice, I had a lot of chain rattle until I put in a slightly longer blanking plug, I think this pushed the rod down and effectively tightened the tensioner a little without me realising and explains why the rattle has settled a huge amount.

So what to do now really.. ?

I have a new cam chain.. it would seem sensible to fit this I suppose. I may spray some penetrating fluid into the blanking hole and leave to settle.

[Nurse Julie]

You really can't see much through the sump of a CB400/4, definitely not the bit you're trying to see !!!

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[Integra99]

Ah yes not much at all, thanks Julie!

[ttr400]

If you have the cam cover removed, remove the rear plate the secures the slipper, the slipper will rise up. hold your finger on the top of the slipper and then back off the tensioner lock bolt on the front of the engine, you should now be able to push down on the slipper which will move the horseshoe, release your finger and it should want to push back up...this will confirm that the horseshoe and tensioner bar is working.

A little trick i do when i have rebuilt an engine is, leave the front lock bolt loose, re-fit the rear plate to the top of the slipper, screw down the 2 M6 bolts until it is nearly home,
leave it proud around 0.5mm, lock the front lockbolt. continue to tighten down the rear 2 M6 bolts until secure.

Kevin

[Integra99]

Thanks Kevin, I will try this tonight... are you the TTR400 parts guy... some beautiful components!

[ttr400]

Yes that's me.

Kevin

[ttr400]

I do the engraving of the wing myself on a milling machine.

My anodiser contact won't be any good for you as i am in South Africa..!!

I have tried to anodise castings before and 99% of them do not come out nice, goes dark grey. i have been told the reason is the high silicone content in the alloy.
Only parts i have had good results is the switch housings and brake splitter, comes out sort of satin black.

Kevin

[Integra99]

I have to say the front engine mounts are lovely.. do you have a price for these? Also Kevin are you still making the custom cam chain adjuster?