Cam chain loose

CX Customization and Modifications

Cam chain loose

SaharaWizard 07-21-2008, 6:19 PM
I have owned my CX less than 2 weeks and don;t know much about it.
Today I went to buy and change the sparkplugs and the mechanics listening to my engine said that the od noise I was complaining about was becasue of loose cam chain (he was shaking his head in an expensive way).
What does it mean and how big a problem is it (or can it become)?
Do you suggest to fix it right away or can it stay like this for a few more thausands KMs ?
Thanks in advance

Re: Cam chain loose

fll1441 07-21-2008, 6:35 PM
It's a big job, if it needs to be replaced. It's a small job if it only needs adjustment. Go to the links tab and have a look at Rob's fix-it page. He has instructions for adjustment and replacement. The link below is from Rob's site. Halfway down the page is an MP3 file of a cam chain rattle. Does that sound like your noise?

http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/buying_tips/

1982 CX500 Custom

Re: Cam chain loose

DaveF 07-21-2008, 7:07 PM
The cam chain tension should be adjusted immediately. It's not hard to do and is well documented in the shop manual.

This thread shows why it is important to keep the tension properly adjusted.

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1981 GL500I
1982 GL500I
1983 GL650I

yikes

SaharaWizard 07-21-2008, 8:11 PM
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
But the sound files in that link did not work maybe linked the site is down I will try it later.
This goofy looking bikes grows on you. I wont try adjusting it myself (it will probably turn out to a radio or something) hope it is just the adjustment.

Re: yikes

Blindstitch2002 07-21-2008, 9:02 PM
It's really easy to adjust the valves and cam chain tentioner as long as your not in a hurry. Gives you a chance to sit down and get familiar with your bike.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: yikes

fll1441 07-22-2008, 4:42 AM
Sorry the link didn't work. Here's a youtube video that I think has a cam chain rattle (along with some starter problems):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3oKj-7MgUM

1982 CX500 Custom

Re: yikes

Blindstitch2002 07-22-2008, 8:53 AM
Wow that bike sounded great. That was a pretty sweet little fuel holder. Looked like a modified soup can.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: yikes

LRCXed 07-22-2008, 10:12 AM
You can almost hear the teeth getting ripped off the flywheel one at a time when it stops turning! Ouch!

If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

OK I am with you guys :)

SaharaWizard 07-22-2008, 4:05 PM
Alright guys you convinced me to do it myself. Except for I have no idea what to do . I looked at a manual and it had half of a aragraph about this adjustment. I guess first thing would be trying to find a step by step instruction somewhere.
By the way if you heard a very loud noise from north west, I want you to know you were partly responsible !

Re: OK I am with you guys :)

Anonymous 07-22-2008, 7:08 PM
http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/tappets_cam_chain/

Re: OK I am with you guys :)

LRCXed 07-22-2008, 7:14 PM
OK Mr. SaharaWizard, with a name like that, I would think you could wave a wand and adjusted it like magic!

STEP BY STEP;
1 Bike on center stand
2 Pull both inspection hole covers, front, and back right side.
3 Pull the left cylinder spark plug.
4 With a 17mm socket and ratchet, turn the motor clockwise until you feel the left piston coming up on the TDC compression stroke.
5 With a flash light, see inside the hole above the flywheel and watch as you turn the motor for the TL mark to line up with the arrow.
6 Now loosen the cam adjusting bolt, (sticking out of the case right near the inspection hole, 10mm) at least 1 1/2 turns or more. No more than 2.

7 Tap on the engine case somewhere around the bolt area with a hard plastic or rubber hammer. Even a block of wood and a regular hammer would do it too. This helps the spring tension pull the adjuster tighter against the cam chain.
8 Tighten up the cam adjuster bolt back down.
8b Tighten the cam adjuster bolt back down to 6 lbs with a torque wrench.

9 Put the plugs back in. (i have forgotten this step once)
10 Put the spark plug back in.
11 Start motor and impress your self!
12 Put tools away....

If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: OK I am with you guys :)

Blindstitch2002 07-22-2008, 7:32 PM
8b Tighten the cam adjuster bolt back down to 6 lbs with a torque wrench.

If you don't have a torque wrench 6 lbs = not that tight. Some auto parts stores have borrow a tool policys. In fact if you tighten it down lightly you could probably drive there borrow the wrench and a 10 mm socket, return it and drive off feeling a lot better.

Tools needed to do the job.
3/8 ratchet
17 mm socket.
10 mm socket
Something to thump the engine case with.

I read somewhere that newer inspection covers have 23mm heads.

1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot
1979 Honda Cx500 Custom
1980 Honda Cx500 Deluxe Couch Project Bike

CX500 Factory Service Manual
Courtesy of Randall-in-Mpls

Re: OK I am with you guys :)

Anonymous 07-22-2008, 7:35 PM
6 Now loosen the cam adjusting bolt, (sticking out of the case right near the inspection hole, 10mm) at least 1 1/2 turns no more than 2 turns

Thanks a milion

SaharaWizard 07-22-2008, 8:01 PM
Really you guys are wonderful, thanks.

Re: yikes

joeinblackwater 07-25-2008, 5:06 AM
Make sure the left piston is at top dead centre on it's compression stroke and not exhaust stroke. With the marks alligned it could be either. If it is on the exhaust stroke, simply turn the engine another 360 degrees.

You can never have too many forms of personal transport.

Re: yikes

LRCXed 07-25-2008, 10:25 PM
Thanks for the editing guys! Changes have been made to the list.

Hows it going by the way?

If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d.
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Re: yikes

bfknova 07-25-2008, 10:52 PM

"Yikes" caught this ol' fart's attention - <smiles> ....... also hope it's just adjustment as reading through the thread, nobody yet has given you the fun news of replacing a cam-chain - of which is a motor out job - so something I also recommend for even a beginner CX'er as eventually you'll have to take it out for a new stator, cam chain or mechanical seal regardless ........ naye Larry I'm not being a pessimist - just honest ...... and believe everyone has to learn n' then they can teach (as we have) ......... so listen to the list and read the threads and you'll learn and really the CX is a very easy motor to work on ........ I've taken mine out and totally rebuilt it (for fun, n' some required repairs) 4 times in 4 years .... yet, now running good, other than a pop the other day whilst riding the seashore roads - (carb air damper seal) - so ordered a new carb rebuild kit yesterday from Randakk's - albeit still running pretty good, and now only pauses a little around 4,500 rpm - of which I don't go that hard on the throddle anyway - other than a few staightaways - so can still feather it .... leastwise till the rebuild kit arrives ........

Cheers, n' Good Luck on your Cam-Chain - albeit must admit mine runs so much better with the new one - it's worth the cost n' fun n' learning of rebuilding !!!!

Bryan

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!

Re: yikes

bfknova 07-25-2008, 11:14 PM

Aye Larry - the rubber air cut-off in the right carb blew a hole in it ..... don't know why other than it's old - and noticed it during my last carb cleaning - so now I'll get a chance to try your CLR/vinegar/drill/ "carb cleaning" technique ....... (definately a keeper thread) ...... anyway, just wanna let you know i'm still kickin' n' still drinkin' n' still ridin' n' still enjoying life n' still a big fan of yours n' many other's on this list - as even ol' Hog riders don't get this much support (I should know) ........

So Cheers, n' Happy "Bud Light" days ahead, while I suffer with my Canadian Lager !!!

Bry n' Buster Brown

Keep the rubber side down and alway shake a bro's hand when passing or standing still - EH !!