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03-08-2010, 10:00 AM Blue fox Joined on 04-18-2008 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Posts 1,533 Change out the cam chain? I just got the rear cover off my GL650 this morning.  Stator is black and burned, I expected that since it wasn't charging.  But what I was afraid of also surfaced.  The cam chain adjuster looks to be about halfway out.  Should I go and replace the chain, or let it be?  I am tending towards just letting it alone, thinking it probably has 20k left on it.  Since I am installing a user stator that I got from Doward, I don't know what it's life may be.  They both may go out at about the same time in the future.  What do you guys think?   Blue Fox 1983 GL650I, 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90,    Report

03-08-2010, 10:16 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,037 Re: Change out the cam chain? I'm interested in the response, mine was exactly the same (9 coils of the spring exposed) When I pulled it last summer. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

03-08-2010, 10:35 AM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Change out the cam chain? How many coils are exposed a new chain is installed and how many coils are on it? 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

03-08-2010, 10:48 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Change out the cam chain?  Abes_CW wrote: I'm interested in the response, mine was exactly the same (9 coils of the spring exposed) When I pulled it last summer. abes and blue,what is the measurement of the spring exposed when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

03-08-2010, 10:55 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Change out the cam chain? this is after 51k miles when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

03-08-2010, 11:04 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Change out the cam chain? blue,i think you need a new chain when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

03-08-2010, 11:08 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Change out the cam chain? Blue - how many miles are on your bike? (Not stated in this thread, though I am sure it is elsewhere) 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-08-2010, 11:15 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,037 Re: Change out the cam chain?  Blindstitch wrote: How many coils are exposed a new chain is installed and how many coils are on it? I've seen pics of a fresh adjuster, and virtually no coils exposed.  Bandit's pic shows the adjuster out about an inch. Comparing Blue's pic with Bandit's, Blue's chain is deflecting and a much smaller angle at the guide above the adjuster. Here is mine, sorry it's a bit blurry: 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

03-08-2010, 11:17 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Change out the cam chain?  Abes_CW wrote:  Blindstitch wrote: How many coils are exposed a new chain is installed and how many coils are on it? I've seen pics of a fresh adjuster, and virtually no coils exposed.  Bandit's pic shows the adjuster out about an inch. Compliments of David Silver Spares If these won't do, I've got a fresh adjuster in the package at home that I could try to photograph 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-08-2010, 11:25 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,037 Re: Change out the cam chain? Interesting.  I'd like a pic of a fresh one pushing on a chain to see how far out it goes.  Blue's doesn't look that bad at all compared to Bandit's and mine is about in the middle..... 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

03-08-2010, 11:37 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Change out the cam chain?  Abes_CW wrote: Interesting.  I'd like a pic of a fresh one pushing on a chain to see how far out it goes.  Blue's doesn't look that bad at all compared to Bandit's and mine is about in the middle..... abes when i fitted the new chain it was odd............ the differance in the length of the 2 chains was about 3 or 4 mm when the new chain was fitted,it still pushed out 3/4 ,s of the old chain projection.nothing like the pictures above.odd when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

03-08-2010, 11:56 AM Blue fox Joined on 04-18-2008 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Posts 1,533 Re: Change out the cam chain? Well, the bike showed 55k on it when I got it.  But the rear cover gasket doesn't appear to be Honda's.  Could be, but just looks aftermarket.  So it is possible that the chain has been replaced before.  The measurement from the adjuster to the inside of the slipper along the centerline of the rod is .9" or 2.26mm.  The hole that has the tension pin(?) in the push rod is just starting to show. If I was guessing from Bandit's photo, I would guess that mine is about 1/4" from being out as far as his was. I almost wish it was a lot worse, or better yet, a lot better.  That would make the decision easier.  Bandit, did you measure your new adjuster or take pictures when you had the new chain installed?  Thanks guys. Blue Fox 1983 GL650I, 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90,    Report

03-08-2010, 12:06 PM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Change out the cam chain?  Blue fox wrote: Well, the bike showed 55k on it when I got it.  But the rear cover gasket doesn't appear to be Honda's.  Could be, but just looks aftermarket.  So it is possible that the chain has been replaced before.  The measurement from the adjuster to the inside of the slipper along the centerline of the rod is .9" or 2.26mm.  The hole that has the tension pin(?) in the push rod is just starting to show. If I was guessing from Bandit's photo, I would guess that mine is about 1/4" from being out as far as his was. I almost wish it was a lot worse, or better yet, a lot better.  That would make the decision easier.  Bandit, did you measure your new adjuster or take pictures when you had the new chain installed?  Thanks guys. blue,ill look,but i dont think so.now i really wish i had,its getting late here. but,if i was to be honest....you need a new chain when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

03-08-2010, 2:28 PM mikemagoo86 Joined on 05-11-2009 Warwick, RI Posts 161 Re: Change out the cam chain? I know this is not my post but the mechanic who worked on my bike mentioned the cam chain...I will have to investigate this when I drop my engine. I am definitely curious about this myself. Please don't mind my lurking "Truth suffers from too much analysis" ~Dune Messiah, by Frank Herbet 1980 CX500 D "My pain in." 81C carbs = fantastic thanks to Larry in CA 1982 GL500 Parts for sale...fairly rough shape but the engine/carbs/ignition seem solid.    Report

03-08-2010, 3:03 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,037 Re: Change out the cam chain? Lurk away Mike, I hijacked it as well! LOL Your bike will have a different (manual) adjustment mechanism however. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

03-08-2010, 4:11 PM MotorcycleCommuter Joined on 07-16-2008 Fairborn, Ohio Posts 435 Re: Change out the cam chain? I measured a new one out just out of the package. When it's 1" extended it's all the way out. Or when fully extened the round dowel hole is 1/16th inch past fully exposed. That's as far as they go. If you can see any of the hole and you have the engine stripped down this far you best replace the chain. 1983 GL650i, 49,000 miles    Report

03-08-2010, 6:02 PM BIKERTUCKER Joined on 02-17-2009 S.C. Posts 22 Re: Change out the cam chain? I also own an 83 GL650. If you can see the pin going through the tensioner shaft it's time to replace the tensioner, chain and guides.Your photo's show all the classic signs of soon to be excessive wear. These are great engines. I know it's tough to leave it apart until all repairs can be made. But if you do, the rest of your time with this bike will be fairly care free instead of always listening for that noise that sounds like it's coming from the heads. But in reality is your cam chain grinding away on metal inside your engine. Don't think you have too many miles left to go on what you have. Good Luck Take Care Tim    Report

03-08-2010, 8:07 PM Blue fox Joined on 04-18-2008 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Posts 1,533 Re: Change out the cam chain? I think you guys have convinced me to change the chain.  Has anyone ever tried to get this chain thru Borg Warner?  We have a "Power Transmission" shop here, I may just see if they can come up with the chain.  I have Borg Warner's part number, so we will see.  Blue Fox 1983 GL650I, 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90,    Report

03-08-2010, 8:29 PM LRCXed Joined on 05-15-2008 Sacramento, California Posts 1,670 Re: Change out the cam chain? If you take a close look at the shaft that is pushing on the chain in blues pictures, the hole with the drift pin is farther out from the chain. Deeper into the housing. In SB's picture the hole is closer to the chain. To me this would indicate the chain in SB's motor is more worn out and letting the adjuster push out farther towards the chain taking up the slack. The bottom picture of blues is SLIGHTLY farther away from the chain (deeper in the housing) showing me that it's in slightly better shape than the top one. Compared to SB's 51K chain I would say your still good for a while blue since your using an old stator. Just my opinion. But the drift pin holes don't change from one to the other. But the spring could be twisted in a direction that would make it look like more or less of the spring is showing. If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d. 78 CX500 Std, 79 CX500 project, 80 CX500C, 83 GL650I http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/    Report

03-08-2010, 11:05 PM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Change out the cam chain? found a couple of pictures blue,after the new chain etc was fitted You can understand my comments above now,the main difference is the position of the top of the guide.there is not a great deal of difference in the position of the adjuster when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

03-09-2010, 4:32 AM BIKERTUCKER Joined on 02-17-2009 S.C. Posts 22 Re: Change out the cam chain? Hey Bandit : Just a quick question, were the guides as well as the adjuster replaced along with the timing chain? On mine the foot of the adjuster, and chain guides all indicated wear. New componets plus chain left almost no spacing between spring coils on the adjuster, plus I'd guess just under a quarter inch of travel of adjuster shaft to the pin that is showing in other photo's above. If only the chain is replaced and other old componets re-installed, adjuster would extend futher to take up the slack caused by the wear and slow wearing away of material on old adjuster foot and  old chain guides. If I remember correctly only one of the two chain guides are carried by Honda now. But replacing three of the four componets should still give much better results. At least that is what my old silverwing tried to teach me. Take Care Tim        Report

03-09-2010, 5:00 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Change out the cam chain? hi tim,yes the guide and the chain were replaced.have a look at these 2 photo,s from robs site. the first shows 34k miles of wear.look at the top of the tensioner guide,its flat to the chain,as mine was. the second photo shows a new one,the top of the guide is away from the chain.but,the adjuster seems a fair way out. this confirms the small difference in the length of the 2 chains , not a lot of difference.[similar to the pump chain,old and new] And the adjuster after 34k miles when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

03-09-2010, 5:35 AM roadster5580 Joined on 01-18-2008 Atlanta, GA Posts 326 Re: Change out the cam chain? You're already there and it's a $120 part that you kinda need not to fail?  If you're going to change the stator, why not just do the triple by-pass and ride with a since of confidence in the machine?    Report

03-09-2010, 9:24 AM BIKERTUCKER Joined on 02-17-2009 S.C. Posts 22 Re: Change out the cam chain? Thanks Bandit, did not know of the issue of two different sizes in new cam chains. Guess I was lucky. Tim    Report

03-17-2010, 11:06 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,901 Re: Change out the cam chain? What you don't want to see: Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » Technical Help ... » Change out the cam chain?

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