SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550
Top end refreshment
tom400f:
--- Quote from: bomber on March 04, 2014, 10:39:42 PM ---Admittedly I'm way out of my depths...
--- End quote ---
bomber - back in the day I discovered my 400F had its cam chain tensioner bolt broken off. I tried using a thread extractor (aka easy-out). Bad idea as I broke it off in the hole I had drilled.
I considered selling the bike and replacing it with a Suzuki GT380. Couldn't sell so I thought sod it - it's coming to pieces and I'll fix it properly.
I wasn't quite 19 and I had little more than a socket set, a Haynes and an old kitchen table in the garage. It was winter.
I didn't pull the rotor, I remember that, so the crank went back in with at least that seal not replaced. I *seem* to remember the Haynes manual saying the primary chain was never likely to need replacing (!) could be wrong about that one but I did replace the cam chain and tensioner mechanism. New rings too. Erm, coat-hanger method for the clutch basket.
Oh the bolt - got an engineering company to drill it out, machining a plug arrangement of some sort and tapping a new hole. It leaked a bit from there but hey-ho. Cost me 40 quid in 1979 to get that done. Bloody king's ransom but I learnt a lot...
Engine went back together and I felt it was so much better - clutch didn't snag anymore, kick start always engaged whereas before sometimes it would slip - don't really know why these things were better as no parts were replaced - no spare cash. Went like stink (as far as 400Fs ever do) and I rode it for miles and miles.
SOHCs are simple and easy to work on. Message: don't shy away from doing more than you think you are capable of. Take things easy, build confidence by careful progression. You will get a much better result that way. Good luck with it.
LesterPiglet:
When I got my 550 I'd only ever owned 2 strokes.
The first thing I did was fix the cam chain tensioner and regrind the valves. It's all simple enough with a Haynes manual.
Engine out/in is easy too. Lay the bike on it's side and lift the frame off it, reverse for installation.
matthewmosse:
I also recall the haynes manual said you are unlikely to ever have to replace the hy vo chain - to be fair I've a few used ones about and someplace I had a new one and I couldn't tell the difference in wear between the new and a few of the used - there were one or 2 more worn examples in my collection.
Bryanj:
Don't believe everything you read in a Haynes manual, I have come accross some real bad howlers!!! as to the Hy-Vo primary chain on the 400 its not too bad , on the 500 it wears badly and damages the main oil galleries and on the 550 the crankcases were different so the wear is not quite as bad so still there.
Same part for all 3 by the way (and a Kawasaki model I can't remember!!)
bomber:
Thank you for encouragement.
I got my gasket set and ready now to tackle it.
Monday is the day (weather permitting), will drain oil and remove engine as suggested by Lester.
Will see what other surprises are there for me.
I just remembered that first gear occasionally was popping out to neutral...
Many thanks!
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