Replaced cam chain tensioner - fixed! (Honda CBR)

[Jefr0]

Hi all

(Honda CBR 600 FM 1991)

So I've been having a bit of a rattling on the bike and decided to replace the Cam chain tensioner with another OEM CCT.

The bike has done 62k miles, every day riding, on the original CCT.

I replaced it, as per the Haynes manual and was a easy job.

The bike was still rattling after this which has eliminated the problem was the CCT, the original one is also fine and not damaged in any way.

Valve clearances I did at 50k miles and all was in tolerance (never been adjusted in it's life)

Now I'm thinking that it's the actual Cam Chain. I'm thinking it could have stretched and is past it's best.

Has anyone had any experience of this? Replacing a cam chain?

Reading in the Haynes, it's a long winded job, which will involve replacing the cam chain along with the sprockets.

I'm hoping that will cure the problem, but before I take on a big job like this, is there any other recommendations?

Thanks
Jeff
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Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[Jefr0]

I had hunted on BCF and google before posting but nothing so much on replacing the cam chain.

But this has thrown a spanner in the works from Robby...exhaust header gaskets?

[P.addy]

Quite possible.

My quick test is talc, turn engine on and give the talcum powder a few huffs near the exhaust. Watch for it blowing away from one header, possibly more. If it does, defo a leak

[Jefr0]

It wasn't the exhaust. Took to a bike shop just to get their opinion and they said cam chain.

So I looked through the Haynes procdure and what might need replacing.

If I do the cam chain which isn't bad at £42, I could be looking at replacing the sprockets...guides and then theres' the gaskets.

I got a quote from david silver for the parts

Cam chain £35
Sprockets x2 at £46 each
Lower sprocket £39
Guide blades at £48 & £47
Gasket £5
Rocker cover gasket £36

£302 before VAT, £362.40 with VAT.

Has anyone replaced JUST the cam chain and it's been ok? Or maybe replaced one or two of the guides or has it been sprockets as well?

I was going to strip down Saturday, see what's worn, but it's looking expensive
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Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[Nipedley]

I had the exact same problem with my 1988 FH, I think the engine in yours was a development of mine?

I had a serious rattle going on (worse when warm, for whatever reason) and got a replacement original CCT which made absolutely no difference. It was clear from the original CCT how far into the engine it was extending which was nowhere near out of adjustment of the cam chain or the tensioner (and the engine was only on 40k), I got a manual CCT from APE, easy enough to fit and the rattle is gone, both cold and warm, sounds great.

Perhaps you can see from your original CCT how far it is extending, if it is out of adjustment or still within adjustment?

They are also much longer than the original CCT, so even if your cam chain was out of the OEM CCT's adjustment spec it could still be tensioned (but obviously this would murder several kittens and I'd only do it if the engine was otherwise junk)
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CBR600 (1988) | GS500 (1989)

[Scootaloo]

How good of a condition is the rest of the bike?

If the rest of the bike is mint, find out how much a newer engine is on Flee Bay. I would be tempted to leave it as it is and just wait for it to blow then fit new Engine.
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(CBF125 - 09) (CBF125 - 11) (CB-1 - 89) (CBF500 - 06) (Push Bike) (CB-1 - 90) (XL125 - 01) (VF500 - 83) (GPZ500 - 94) (GPZ500 - 95) (GPZ500 - 87) (XV535 - 94) (XV535 - 94) (GPZ500 - 87)

[fatjames]

[Jefr0]

So after all of the above, I stripped it down as a new cam chain tensioner didn't fix the problem.

Turns out the cam chain was worn, along with all 3 guides and 2 of the 3 sprockets.

Was a big job but I managed to replace the cam chain, 2x cam sprockets, 3 guides. Not a job for the faint hearted!

Biggest job done by far and I enjoyed doing it, now done about 500 miles or so trouble free and no rattle
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Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[cb1rocket]

like the good news, shame you didnt take any pictures!
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Honda H100S2 Rebuild - https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=253852

[Jefr0]

[Pigeon]

Congrats dude! Mega job!!

How did you know the guides were worn?

[cb1rocket]

ooooooh pictures plz!!! this thread is worthless without pics
____________________
Honda H100S2 Rebuild - https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=253852

[Jefr0]

[Ariel Badger]

What does the big dished washer with the tabs at the bottom of the chain do?
Edit. it throws oil I think.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Burnzy1989]

Looks easer than mine iv got to completely strip the engine and the cam chain is the last thing to come out of it lol. 1990 honda cbr 600 fl

[Pete.]

[Ariel Badger]

Cheers Pete
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[mysterious_rider]

How can you tell wear on sprockets? I have the 94 cb1000 and mine rattled loads too. New chain alone wouldnt fix? Ive inspected the sprockets and they look good. On 60k.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[Jefr0]