Author Topic: Shifting/cam chain tensioner problems  (Read 5905 times)

newcomtd

  • Guest
Shifting/cam chain tensioner problems
« on: December 19, 2005, 05:16:30 AM »
I have a 1975 CB550F Supersport all original with 5,000 miles.  I have put 2,000 miles on since I have owned it and have been running it pretty hard.  Many times when I go to shift into second the bike will 'get caught between the gear' and just rev and when I try to shift again it will grind gears.  Is this a common problem with 550's or do I have an issue with my clutch?  This also happens in other gear transitions not just 1st to 2nd.

Also I cannot seem to properly adjust my cam chain tension.  I know it is an automatic adjuster but the I can hear the engine 'rattling' and it is very frustrating because it used to run smooth when I first got it.  

Any help is appreciated and I did post a picture of my bike on the gallery.

Thanks

Post edited by: newcomtd, at: 2005/12/19 05:19

Offline SteveD CB500K0

  • Administrator
  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 4442
  • Ride on the Steel Breeze...
    • View Profile
    • Steve's Blog
Re:Shifting/cam chain tensioner problems
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2005, 01:37:42 PM »
This is the best method that I have found...

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=369.msg3328#msg3328
2022 Tiger Sport 660
1971 CB500K0

Offline SteveD CB500K0

  • Administrator
  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 4442
  • Ride on the Steel Breeze...
    • View Profile
    • Steve's Blog
Re:Shifting/cam chain tensioner problems
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2005, 01:44:22 PM »
Are you sure that the engine rattle is the camchain - it would be very unusual (think about what the camchain is rattling against; a very loose camchain will chamfer aluminium from the engine cases).

A nice quiet 500/550 (or any sohc Honda actually) is a mix of a top state of tune (plugs, timing, tappets, camchain) and balanced carbs.

Unbalanced carbs will make the clutch rattle - pull in the clutch at tickover and see if the noise lessens.  

The false neutrals you will have to learn to live with (and be more assertive in your gearchange technique) or strip out the box and check for worn dogs and selectors (unlikely though after this small a mileage.  You haven't been drag racing have you?
2022 Tiger Sport 660
1971 CB500K0

newcomtd

  • Guest
Re:Shifting/cam chain tensioner problems
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2005, 02:04:04 AM »
Thanks for the info and I haven't been drag racing although I often shift as quickly as possible.  It is so tempting for me to ride this bike a speed that most of the time I can't help myself  :)  I never get any metal shavings in my oil but is it possible I have damaged my transmission?

Offline SteveD CB500K0

  • Administrator
  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 4442
  • Ride on the Steel Breeze...
    • View Profile
    • Steve's Blog
Re:Shifting/cam chain tensioner problems
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2005, 10:23:43 AM »
I guess that it is possible with spirited riding.  In theory there should be no difference whether the bike is 3 or 30 years old, but my '72 500/4 jumps out of third (only third) and its getting worse.  It didn't do this last year or the year before.

The great thing about these old bikes is that they are so easy to work on - I know I'll (we'll?) have to split the cases to inspect the gearbox but that's a nice small project for a couple of weekends during the winter.  I have the gasket set...B)
2022 Tiger Sport 660
1971 CB500K0

jimshea

  • Guest
Re:Shifting/cam chain tensioner problems
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2005, 01:25:45 PM »
My 76 750F1 also occasionally will not engage 3rd; I think it is if I have not engaged it with enough force?

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal