Author Topic: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?  (Read 1014 times)

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 6122
    • View Profile
Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« on: March 21, 2021, 01:47:38 PM »
This morning I removed the cam chain tensioner horse shoe thingy. First off it seemed to be just solid it did not move on the pivot at all when in position.
When I undid the two retaining bolts I found it had some nice shiny parts in the wrong place I guess.


.
cam tensioner shoe by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Online K2-K6

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 5234
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2021, 02:18:51 PM »
Once that pivot seizes the cam chain can't be adjusted any further as the facility to complete that is no longer available.

The chain usually makes a light rattling but nothing more, with the baginess allowing the slack to touch things it shouldn't. Rarely break, but soldier on quite gallantly until someone takes them apart for some TLC  :)

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 6122
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2021, 02:44:33 PM »
Once that pivot seizes the cam chain can't be adjusted any further as the facility to complete that is no longer available.

The chain usually makes a light rattling but nothing more, with the baginess allowing the slack to touch things it shouldn't. Rarely break, but soldier on quite gallantly until someone takes them apart for some TLC  :)

Luckily no recent PO had tried to tension it up so the original ajuster bolt & threads are all good.
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8206
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2021, 03:23:49 PM »
The CB400 four achilles heel.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Bryanj

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 10693
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2021, 04:29:46 PM »
Somebody was making stainless repos of those, was it ttr400?

Offline smoothoperator

  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 299
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2021, 05:17:47 PM »
Looks just how mine came out Ted, completely seized but as per advice on this site by Trigger I ground out the damage with a Dremel and now it pivots freely. Picture is before I freed it off.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Steve
2017 Triumph Bonneville T100
1977 Honda 400 Four Restored April 2022

Offline Orcade-Ian

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1082
    • View Profile
    • Older Vehicle Web
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2021, 05:21:53 PM »
The one you have can be repaired quite easily if you have a few different sized punches and access to a lathe - or a mate with one!
I have done a fair few of these both for myself and others - I added a short write up here:

http://www.stallard-engineering.co.uk/stories/Bikes/Japanese/Cam%20Chain%20Tensioner.htm

DS does a really fancy one but I think they come close to a hundred quid with vat and post.

Ian


Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 6122
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2021, 03:29:14 PM »
Somebody was making stainless repos of those, was it ttr400?

I made an enquiry to  ttr400 they supply theirs to DS - they said it was cheaper off them than from ttr400 paying duty & currency conversion.
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Offline taysidedragon

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1318
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2021, 05:31:27 PM »
Mine was the same but freed up fine with a dremel and needle files. Pivoted beautifully afterwards.
Gareth

1977 CB400F
1965 T100SS

Offline ttr400

  • SOHC Associate
  • Posts: 77
    • View Profile
    • CB400F special machined parts
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2021, 07:01:35 AM »
Oddjob, been trying to get over since last year, but with Covid it's just too costly with all the restrictions etc.
I'm itching to get to my SA registered CB400F in the UK. had a trip planned for Iceland last year but was moved to this year...can't see that happening.
I often bring parts over with me, so far not had any issues with customs.

While i'm on here.....I need a CB400F 76/77 frame with V5 or a complete basket case bike. anyone who can assist in getting one would be appreciated.

Kevin
If you are addicted to the little CB400F then you might want to check out my website.
www.ttr400.com

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 6122
    • View Profile
Re: Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2021, 08:29:36 AM »
I have cleaned up the existing cam chain adjuster, 4 hours soaking in Oven Gel, rinsed  followed by 36 hours in Evaporust with a little Wet & Dry in the pivot gaps - pin rotates freely as well.
Moves about as it should removed the sharp edges caused by the chain - good to use again!

horseshoe adjuster by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal