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Cam chain model and relpacement. - Printable Version

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Cam chain model and relpacement. - syncronizator_imp - 09-21-2023

Yesterday I took my CB1100EX to a mechanic to adjust the valve clearance.
I asked to verify the condition of the timing chain.
The mechanic claims that the chain is slightly stretched and could be replaced. I have 70,000 km on the clock.

The chain is not loose, but using a little force I am able to pull it down by 2 mm with my fingers.
The mechanic says it shouldn't be possible.
and the chain should be as tight as sheep's balls.
Timing marks are not in the right places... so it means that the chain is slightly stretched.

Unfortunately, the OEM chain available at the dealership is factory clinched. (connected). To replace it, you would have to disassemble the engine and disconnect the crankshaft to replace the cam chain.

This option is out of the question.
I need to find a "disconnected "chain and then change it without disassembling the engine.

Has anyone replaced the timing chain using this method?
I can't find a replacement. Has any managed to buy it?
Do you have any idea about any (not clinched) chain model?


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - the Ferret - 09-21-2023

Hmm I can't remember anyone having replaced a cam chain on this forum and we have several guys with over 100,000 miles (161,000km), one close to 150,000 miles and several more with between 50 and 100,000 miles. I have 73,000 miles (117,000 km) on mine.


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - The Gecko_imp - 09-21-2023

Any other relevant signs of trouble ? If the only side-effect for the coming 20,000 miles is slightly less power ... do you really care ? Instead of jumping on this unpleasant repai, I would measure compression every 5000 miles (buy your own tool) and see whether it does really get worth.
And if you ended up having to disassemble, you might as well replace a valve or two if riding with the stretched chain caused more problems.


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - the Ferret - 09-21-2023

Is it becoming hard to start? Excessive noise? Drop in gas mileage? Backfiring or stuttering?


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - Nachodaddy - 09-21-2023

(09-21-2023, 04:43 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Hmm I can't remember anyone having replaced a cam chain on this forum and we have several guys with over 100,000 miles (161,000km), one close to 150,000 miles and several more with between 50 and 100,000 miles. I have 73,000 miles (117,000 km) on mine.
Cool
How's that again, Ferret?


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - syncronizator_imp - 09-21-2023

(09-21-2023, 04:49 AM)The Gecko_imp Wrote: Any other relevant signs of trouble ? If the only side-effect for the coming 20,000 miles is slightly less power ... do you really care ? Instead of jumping on this unpleasant repai, I would measure compression every 5000 miles (buy your own tool) and see whether it does really get worth.
And if you ended up having to disassemble, you might as well replace a valve or two if riding with the stretched chain caused more problems.

CB has slightly less power.
No other symptoms.
It's still quiet and pleasant.
(09-21-2023, 05:28 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Is it becoming hard to start? Excessive noise? Drop in gas mileage? Backfiring or stuttering?
No problems with what you mentioned.
If I manage to buy or fit a proper chain for the CB1100, it wouldn't cost too much while adjusting the valve clearance.

It's good to hear that some people have such high mileage and everything is OK with their timing.

Nevertheless, if someone knows the size of the timing chain, it may be possible to buy it at D.I.D. for the number of links + pin.


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - the Ferret - 09-21-2023

(09-21-2023, 06:08 AM)Nachodaddy_imp Wrote:
(09-21-2023, 04:43 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Hmm I can't remember anyone having replaced a cam chain on this forum and we have several guys with over 100,000 miles (161,000km), one close to 150,000 miles and several more with between 50 and 100,000 miles. I have 73,000 miles (117,000 km) on mine.
Cool
How's that again, Ferret?
Cool
How's that again, Ferret?
Fixed


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - max - 09-21-2023

Since i had my cb1000r new i started to take notes on the number of turns the cam chain tensioner had to the clockwise end stop from new.

Also counted the amount of turns on the cb1100 at 43.000 km which was 3,3 HALF turns ( 180 deg's );
condition; engine cold and not running
The cb1100 is now at 70.000 km and the half turns have increased to 3.5 turns, just checked now.

Made a tool to wind back and compress the camchain and used this to measure the amount of turns, just undo the cam chain tensioner bolt and insert the tool, just be aware there is some oil pressure ( when the engine is running to help tension the cam chain ) just behind this m6 bolt which has an aluminum washer to stop this oil from leaking, i manage to re use the washer by locating the cross back into the slots before just nipping the bolt up without over tightning it.





And dimensions for the tool i use;



And the cam tensioner data as written down for a comparison;



So it may pay to check yours and write it down to compare over time/km's.
Values may vary between bikes but if yours are not showing excessive increases it may be
unnessary to worry about it, diagnose before repair is not a bad strategy.

Also remember that the tensioner uses "ratchet non return stops" to maintain tension on the chain, so depending on where the ratchet stops are the chain may be a bit looser or firmer but the oil pressure keeps the chain tensioned up when the engine is running.

So your query is a very good one and hope these tips help to make a decision which you do not regret later mixed in together with other member's findings.

Ohh nearly forgot; any valves out of spec?

Cheers sync'


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - syncronizator_imp - 09-21-2023

Hi Max .. thank You for this Info..
One exhaust valve is out of range...the slot is 0,1


RE: Cam chain model and relpacement. - The Gecko_imp - 09-21-2023

Max wrote "diagnose before repair is not a bad strategy", and this is (in this case, not always) a very important thought.
Falls in line with what I said, but takes it even further.
Take your time !
If it happened to me I'd keep riding, and see if I can find a cheap CB1100, may be one which lost a lot of value because
of a harmless front end accident (tank, wheels, forks damaged) but a perfectly good engine. This should be available
at 2000-3000$. Take engine out, preserve it (fluids !) and store it. Save a few other parts which may come handy one
day (ECU, seat, etc etc...).