Paranoia

[Sesman]

I’m about to fire up my rebuilt 550 for the first time, but I’m developing a paranoia about the cam chain slipper guide. I know for a fact that the tensioner is properly seated, but I’m having one of those self doubt moments over the slipper guide. I know it’s the right way up (it’s marked ‘UP’), but now I’m beginning to doubt if it’s the right way round!

The chain runs in the centre of the tunnel between the tensioner and the guide…correct?  I’m starting to believe iv’e run the chain between the slipper and the barrel, which is impossible isn’t it? Is it actually possible to assemble the engine and get the cam in if I’ve got it wrong?🤔

[murdock]

I don't have an answer, but maybe the picture will help.

[Oddjob]

No the chain runs next to the front of the block, the guide faces toward the front of the bike with the up mark uppermost, page 46 fig 133 of the CB500 workshop manual gives a really good view of how it should look.

[Nurse Julie]

If you scroll down this link there is a picture http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,20419.150.html

[Sesman]

Phew, thanks all. Feeling better now. Thinking about it now I’m sure I’ve got it right. If I had both chain runs in the tunnel I’m pretty sure the chain would have fitted much easier than it did!

Pain over…..oh no…did I torque up the conrod bolts…

Just kidding. I was very methodical in the bolt department.

Also just found this photo.

[paulbaker1954]

I once fitted mine the wrong way round. If you do it is impossible to get the timing chain on so sounds like you did it right

[royhall]

I spoke to an old guy a few years ago that rebuilds Triumph engines. He has a camera set up over his workbench for just this reason. Says he started to have memory lapses at 65 and likes to be able to look back over a build and make sure everything is okay. It's starting to look like a good idea for me these days.

[Sesman]

Thanks, Paul. That provides some reassurance. I’ve mentally retraced my steps and I can’t imagine I would have fitted it contrary to the manual.

Like the camera idea….I could use that.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I spoke to an old guy a few years ago that rebuilds Triumph engines. He has a camera set up over his workbench for just this reason. Says he started to have memory lapses at 65 and likes to be able to look back over a build and make sure everything is okay. It's starting to look like a good idea for me these days.

On my rebuild I make detailed daily notes using a spreadsheet with excuses when nothing has been done. I have a column for notes such as needs final torque etc in a red column.

[Sesman]

I did that, Ted. I put it in a safe place and now I can’t find it.🤔😀

[andy120t]

It would be interesting to hear some of the excuses for inactivity!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I did that, Ted. I put it in a safe place and now I can’t find it.🤔😀

I do not need to go walking or to the Gym I get my exercise looking for the safe places I have put some special parts.
For some reason I also look multiple times in the same places where - course they still are not there!

I lost one of my new rear drive hub rubber bushes that I knew I had placed in the freezer - I emptied the chest freezer three times before I gave up and bought another.

Two months later whilst getting some new freezer cartons out of a box in the garage I found my missing Bush!

PM me if you need one bush for a 400/4. lol

[Nurse Julie]

Phil, after all this paranoia, have you got around to starting the bike?

[Sesman]

Oh, yes. Fired up on the button first time - amazingly. Not sure the neighbours will get on with the delkevic🤔

Amazingly it ticked over just fine, if a little high at first. The carbs will need balancing.

Hardest bit was spinning the motor with plugs out until the oil light went out and a slight petrol leak from one float bowl, cured by a swift tap with a screwdriver.

Just waiting for greenspark to supply my long awaited plug caps and I’ll fire up the 500.

[Sesman]

Incidentally I haven’t forgotten about those dowel locators.

I found the missing one and it cleaned up ok, but I’ll need replacements as they are a bit knarley.

I need to remove the alternator and clutch cover again as I’m not overly happy with the finish.