SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400

New cam chain tensioner or not?

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Trigger:
Drew, Built a few 400's over the years. In the 90's we were building 10, CX500 engines a week for the dispatch riders market. Over the years i have lost count of how many Honda engines i have built.

Drew400:
Loved my CX500... one of only two vehicles that I have bought brand new since 1977 (the other was a Kawasaki GTR1000, oh dear!).

DayvW:
Hi Drew,
Just to add my penny's worth from my recent 400 engine overhaul (which is also to have an easy retirement) - I figured I'd replace what was needed (and from advice sought from the gurus here).  My cam chain adjuster (the U shaped thing) was jammed and beyond mending .. so I plumped for a nice new shiny one from DS (which is expensive - but has a proper pivot - I have previously posted a pic here) - plus the 2 blades as they were very scored (prob due to the adjuster being jammed).  I didn't replace the springs. On reflection perhaps I should - but then on adjusting a gentle press down through the removable screw seems to be pretty standard for these anyway.  I did also replace the cam-chain (you would wouldn't you).  If the adjuster still worked I would have left it; if the blades were within tolerance I would have left them too.  So - my take is as others here - replace as needed - but don't go mad if you don't need to. For example my main and crank bearings looked pretty good to me - so I saw no point in shelling (to pinch your pun) out £100s for those.  Rings were clearly worn - so they had to go (and lo and behold the eye watering aroma of burning oil when ticking over in my garage (door open :)) is long gone).  And also as documented elsewhere the primary chain was wrecked - so that went (along with the rubbers as advised by OddJob I think - they were indeed old and solid - and relatively cheap anyway).

Drew400:
Hi Davy,

Thank you again, and for the affirmation (i.e. yes indeed, cam chain, primary chain, rubbers, etc. all renewed). I'll have a look all the other (cam) bits at the weekend, but I feel a little more budget bashing is on the horizon!

D.

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