Softlink Camchains

virus · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Karma :

Anyone got any experience with them?

MY oilboiler Suzuki needs a new camchain soon. The motor is a pig to get in and out so I was looking at doing a soft link cam chain from above but not sure how easy it is to do and trust? Id be buying direct from a reputable manufacturer of course.

Got a mech CCT in at the moment as the auto one ran out of travel, Normally this would suggest that other components such as camchain guides, big end bearings, piston rings etc. would be in need of a once over at the same time hence its usually a full engine strip to do.
I however built this engine out of a series of second hand parts of various levels of wear and have changed cylinder head and cams for different model parts anyways. Im confident enough that its only the chain itself thats in need of replacement.

Cheers
John
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own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

No experience of them, but if they'll take full engine power on a final drive chain under varying tension conditions and covered in road dirt. I can't see whay they wouldn't cope with compressing a few valve springs while sitting in a spotlessly clean oil bath.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

yen_powell · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Karma :

Galea Cam Chains did thousands back in the day, 3 of them on my bikes, including one which did a further 80,000 miles afterwards with no problems. I think he may still be going somewhere near Wickford in Essex.

I asked about his guarantee and he said he guaranteed if it snapped I could keep both halves.
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

I've done a fair few including GSXR11 and B12 engines and they work fine as long as you have the correct tool to fit them.
Laser do one, part No. 6740 but I don't know how good it is. I got mine from Hi-Level years ago so anyone who buys from them should be able to get one.
I will try and get a photo and part No. for you when I'm off work in 5 days time.

virus · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Karma :

Ah thats good to hear, this uses the same hyvo chain as in the b12. Is there any trick to making sure the gaps between plates are ok? I imagine if you peened it too much you'd create a tight spot in the chain.
____________________
own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

If they are anything like final drive softlinks, they should specify a diameter the end of the pin needs to be squished out to. It's usually printed on the box or on that little bit of paper you immediately throw away.

Might be in one of the engineering reference books too, they'll probably be an ISO standard chain. I'd imagine there's one kicking about at your work.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

virus · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Karma :

well my new D.I.D open chain has arrived and Ive got the engine opened up. Did look at that tool sickpup suggested but Jeez thats expensive, got the US pro tool on the way for a tenner rather than the £280 for the lazer one. Got a few US pro tools and they do the job so worth the shot.

Just popped back in for a brew to warm up then im back out to the garage to count links/measure etc to check I bought the right chain before I get carried away then hopefully one afternoon next week when the tool arrives I'll get her back up and running.

Cheers
John
____________________
own: 81 xs1100g...
owned: 85 rat CG (sold), 91 GS500e (stolen), 84 gsx400f (scrapped), 81 z250 (siezed, siezed, scrapped), 83 cb250rs (sold), 84 gpz750r ratfighter (killed) 84gpz400 (sold), '80 cb650 ratfighter (wrote off) 95gsx6/12f ratfighter (killed) 91 xj900 (sold)
stinkwheel Well I just had my hands up a pigs fanny. Which makes your concerns pale into insignificance.