CX500 GL500 650 Global

I have 2 engines, rear case removed. Both of these have damage done to the block due to cam chair wear. How do i know if I can reuse a cam chain and if it is too stretched or not? My parts list is up to about $230 right now with the new chain costing $90. If i can reuse the chain it would really save me some cash.

Thanks!

philbrewer wrote:I have 2 engines, rear case removed. Both of these have damage done to the block due to cam chair wear. How do i know if I can reuse a cam chain and if it is too stretched or not? My parts list is up to about $230 right now with the new chain costing $90. If i can reuse the chain it would really save me some cash.

Thanks!

phil,im afraid the second line of your post answered your question.sorry,its probably not what you want to hear.you must replace the chain.
the tolerance between a new oil pump chain and a cam chain compared to an old one is not a lot.
if you keep the chain,after your above comments,you will probably kill the engine

Thanks Spanish. I figured as much, but wanted to get another opinion. What about the tensioner? Here is the part list I'm looking at, this maybe good for someone else to use as well, let me know if I'm missing anything:



Hah, missing front cover gasket.

sorry mate,all my info,is on the work computor.im guessing..........
the cam chain bolt seal,is that there

Good call, I'll add that and the front case gasket. Now just to figure out how to get the broken cam chain tensioner bolt out of the block without damaging it.

I'm wondering if I need the new Cam Chain Guide, these should both be reusable. It is the chain and tensioner that need replacing. Correct me if I'm wrong.

philbrewer wrote:I'm wondering if I need the new Cam Chain Guide, these should both be reusable. It is the chain and tensioner that need replacing. Correct me if I'm wrong.

phil,id guess yes,id reuse it if no obvious sign of damage.but its like anything,its a call on a 30 year old part[if still available].
why cant you reuse the tensioner,if thats not broke.......

blue is on line,he is very well switched on with this,see what he says

I thought the reason for the cam chain slapping around is because the tensioner gets worn out. If i can get away with only buying a new chain, that would be great.

My take on the cam chain is that the main reason for it getting loose is that the chain itself wears and "stretches". The guides may wear a bit and contribute to the looseness. I certainly would examine the guides and tensioner carefully and if they show any signs of cracking, I would replace them. They have been know to break completely in two and then you do have an issue.

When I changed the chain on my 650, I only replaced the chain. The guides and tensioner are not available, and mine looked good.

On your parts list, you may be able to trim a bit. I replaced the mech seal, the cam oil seal, rear cover gasket, shifter seal, two transfer O rings, adjuster bolt O ring, water transfer tube O ring, and maybe the pulsar cover gasket. I can't remember if it is a rubber gasket, or paper. If paper, you will need it. The water pump seal is rubber and may be OK. If you are not removing the front cover, you don't need any of those gaskets or seals. The front cam seal is separate from the cover, so unless you pull the tach drive, you shouldn't need it.

You can lay your new chain over the old one and get an idea of the difference in length. It doesn't take much to be bad. Somewhere the was a post on length differences, but I don't remember details. Suffice to say, if your's is beating the bolts, it needs replacing, which is unusual in 18k, unless maintenance was neglected.