Camshaft Refit

[PennoK3]

Hi guys, looking for salvation after a morning of despair.

CB550 engine build going steady, latest activity replacement of camshaft, primary chain seems very tight and after a struggle to align everything and fit it to the sprocket it is so tight I cant get the sprocket to seat on the camshaft.

Any thoughts experience more than welcome.

UPDATE:   Searched the forum and found a similar post.   Backed off the tensioner and with a bit of very gentle persuasion everything is now on and aligned albeit very tight.   If I now release the cam chain tensioner the centre screw is positioned with the slot vertical and will turn around 30 degrees before springing back.   Does this seem right?

[Nurse Julie]

Is the adjuster back off all the way?. Also, if its a DID and you bought it from a supplier in Ireland, he can't count correctly, You need to check how many links the chain has. it has.

[PennoK3]

Hi Julie, have updated the initial post but will count the links, that would be my worst nightmare 

[Nurse Julie]

Hi Julie, have updated the initial post but will count the links, that would be my worst nightmare 

Trig had that problem a few years ago on a CB500/4 engine, he thought he was going round the twist but the incorrect link number had been supplied 😢😢😢

[PennoK3]

88 links which I believe is correct.

[Nurse Julie]

88 links which I believe is correct.

Correct

[Johnwebley]

It's been some time since I had to fit a cam.and it is tear your hair out time. But once it's done. It's so easy.
Taking that your standing at the rear of the bike. I think you need to   have the chain. Then the sprocket. Slide the cam from the right through the sprocket and chain.
Notice the sprocket has elongated  centre hole. This helps you fit the chain.

A bit of fiddling will enable you to put the chain on the sprocket. Then onto the cam.

Important to make sure you get the timing right.

Sorry I can't be more exact.

But it is not a job I do often

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[Seabeowner]

Don't back off the tensioner with the screw, push it fully in from the inside and lock the screw. I presume you have the tensioner located correctly in the pocket in the cases. Check by looking up in the sump. I've fiddled for a while but, when I followed the correct assembly technique it is pretty easy, but the next time I did one I went through the same routine and had to look it up again!