Adjusting the cam chain tensioner | Honda CB550

Quick how to on adjusting the cam chain tensioner.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Tools, Gear, and Parts used: www.amazon.com...
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[@michaelcavalli2395]

So the owners manual for the CB550 says to set the engine at TDC, loosen the nut, and the tensioner will automatically tension appropriately, then you just re-tighten the nut. Why do you say go past about 15 degrees?

[@abelstock]

Thanks man, i recently buy a CB500 and your videos have been pretty useful!

[@lc1435]

Seriously, thank you. Such a simple yet helpful tip 👌

[@Eia_mm2.playzz]

Nice bike, great tutorial! Working on my 78 cb750. A little different but same concept. Thanks!

[@oldmanbryce1909]

i love your videos man. really helps me with my build! keep it up!

[@ClassicOctane]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@nickmattbrewcrew]

Hey do you know if the crank has to be positioned 15 degrees after the T1-4 in order to be able to move the adjuster bolt with a slotted screwdriver? My bolt won’t seem to move much at all, only a few degrees either way. I’m hoping the tensioner inside isn’t seized or busted :(

[@natekerx85]

Great video man. Everyone who wants to know if this is the same in their bike, get a manual, Geeze!

[@natekerx85]

@@kempy7698 if you're looking for a resource to help you visualize component function, engineering basics, etc. I highly recommend the Haynes Motorcycle Basics Techbook. Really helped me to think a bit more intuitively about maintenance and a real page turner!

[@kensmith9334]

This video was great and helpful! Have a 1978 750K CB. .....Thanks!

[@dtaylo4517]

Another great vid, keep up the great work. FYI 3:12 noticed a dripping carb bowl

[@ClassicOctane]

Yeah that #3 carb has been giving me a little bit of trouble. I think there is a small burr that's causing the float to hang up a little. It hasn't leaked in a few days so I think it's good to go now but i'm still keeping an eye on it.

[@benderbender1233]

😉👌

[@EverydayTangents]

Just my exhaust is floppy does the exhaust and the carb side both have to be floppy?

[@davec6244]

How often should I do that? Is there something the bike will do that will let me know it needs adjustment?

[@synthartist69]

Wondering the same thing. I hear a tapping noise down there plus the bike is hard to start when it is cold. Wondering if this is why.

[@jquiznos2283]

Wondering the same thing. My bike doesn't like starting from cold and I was wondering if this was affecting it

[@frankhalgas4992]

my 350 cl Honda scrambler valves look completely different when you take off the covers, there is no adjustment bolt and nut, so how do I adjust them, I did the cam chain, step #3 and the points #step 1, now I need help wityh valve adjustment step #2, all the videos on you tube are great, thankyou, Frank

[@ClassicOctane]

Haven't done a 350 in a long time. I would grab yourself a manual. I know you can find free PDF downloads online.

[@subislide9884]

Thank you for this!

[@joseserrano4596]

Once you finish adjusting the cam chain tensioner, do you adjust the points back to where they were?

[@ClassicOctane]

I don't usually have to go back to the points after adjusting the tensioner.

[@marcobari-r5w]

Grazie Mille dall’Italia!!

[@rotaspain1974]

The lock nut on my cam chain tensioner is stuck to the adjusting screw. Any suggestions ?

[@ClassicOctane]

I would spray it with some penetrating oil then just hold the screw with a flat head and out a box wrench on the nut and see if you can get it free that way, You could always use a little heat on the nut too if needed.

[@motogriff]

Very helpful video, thanks!

[@ulfkristoffersson2173]

Hello, sorry if im off topic here but i can see that you use foamfilters at youre intake. Are they supposed to be covered with oil? I know that it is standard with mx bikes but is it the same with street bikes?

[@ClassicOctane]

There is a light coating of oil on these when you get them. When you clean them you should reapply the oil. It's available at most auto parts stores.

[@mikeeger7581]

How do I adjust my cam chain on my 79 cm 400a twin

[@AverageHuman7026]

Could this explain the ticking coming from my cylinder head? Would adjusting the cam chain get rid of the ticking?

[@ClassicOctane]

Yes if it's loose enough it can definitely cause some noise.

[@mtnmotoadv]

Ticking might be loose valves

[@marcossantiago7070]

Will that work with a nighthawk 250?

[@Roystoncreates]

Is this the same on the cb650? I have an 82.

[@dennisconnors4786]

Would this procedure be the same for the CB400F?

[@nils_on_wheels]

Dennis Connors It is always this procedure on the old CB‘s. The tensioner might only look a bit different.

[@flyver]

Do you know if this is the same process on a CB650? Or what i have to do different?

[@ClassicOctane]

To be honest i'm not 100% sure. Does it have an adjuster in the same location?

[@flyver]

Yeah, it does. But the bolt is closed, so you can only loosen or tighten the bolt, you cannot screw on the "screw".. Sorry, can't find the right word, im not english :P Hope it makes sense.

[@RGBmechanics]

Does anyone know if it is the same process for the 83 nighthawk 550? I can hear slack in the chain 🥶

[@andrebrooks7040]

If it's loose, can it cause a slight ticking noise? Hear a small tick coming from the front right side of the bike(if you're sitting on it looking forward) quiets out when driving but while idling can hear it.

[@ClassicOctane]

Yes, if the chain is loose it can move around and cause noise.

[@synthartist69]

@@ClassicOctane Mine makes noise.. like a tapping noise, most noticeable at idle. Also bike is hard to start when it is cold but starts right up when warm. Runs great when warm. Do you think the chain adjustment would be related?

[@albertmacias874]

By any chance would you know if this works the same on a CX500?

[@ClassicOctane]

It's very similar. The main differences being on a CX500 you can do it at TDC on #1 instead of 15 degrees past and of course the procedure for turning over the engine manually is different because of the engine layout. But overall the premise is the same.

[@aurayolandaromero5862]

what if the spring inside doesnt work ???

[@jquiznos2283]

How often does this need to be done?

[@conrrr]

Listen for it

[@robbyota5598]

would you happen to know if anybody makes a digital box to convert the old bikes from points to electronic ignition?

[@ClassicOctane]

If it's an older Honda you can check out 4into1.com/ You can use my promo code CLASSIC10% to get 10% off your order too. I have had good luck with DYNA ignitions.

[@tsoliot5913]

For anyone else looking at this comment in the future, you want the dyna-s

[@retrotellephone]

What bars / muffler are those?

[@ClassicOctane]

Not 100% sure on the bars they came with another bike and don't have any markings on them. the exhaust is a Mac 4 into 1 and a Dime City Cycles 12" universal shortly muffler.

[@benderbender1233]

🤙

[@juntjoonunya9216]

"tain chensioner"! Hahaha... Sorry. Oh hey, might you know the proper intake lobe position of #4 at BDC? I'd rather not have to take off the head cover to check my timing again but I can see the intake lobe at BDC all right there on the right side