Cam chain replacement tool

[coffee_brake]

I never saw one of these before:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycle-Cam-Drive-Chain-Breaker-Riveter-Cutter-T34_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ad3fac131QQitemZ390103482673QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

It's a tool that allows you to replace a cam chain without splitting the cases. I have heard of replacing a cam chain in this manner, but I didn't know there was a special tool for it.

NH650 owners, take heart!!!

[Zugzug]

Thats exactly like the one I have, and used to replace my chain back in the spring. It presses out one of the pins to break the chain. (yes, I know my slacker butt didnt do a how too like I said I was gonna do)

[gammer]

I am going to attempt to change my cam chain this weekend, without splitting the cases.
I have a cam chain riveter/breaker and a master link.
I will remove the cams and pull the old cam chain out and the new cam chain through.
I will document the process and take some pics while I work at it.

[coffee_brake]

Great!

I'd like to see pics of the install!

Zugzug what difference did the new cam chain make?

[Zugzug]

Great!

I'd like to see pics of the install!

Zugzug what difference did the new cam chain make?

Alot less noise and it feels "crisper", especially during high rpm decel.

[jwomack]

cant wait for the How to on this...

thanks for the info..

[coffee_brake]

This is a critical issue with the 650, lots of folks are facing the demise of the motorcycle for lack of the know-how to replace the cam chain. Splitting the cases is a really big job and most folks won't do it. But if there is a way the home wrench can afford and know how to change it at home, the 650 can go on and on....
See, I really like the 650, IMO it's the only NH more beautiful than my 750, and I love the shaft drive and dash-ful of goodies. But that weak cam chain issue...

This tool would change all that, if it works and other folks can do the job then so could I....


I'm off to Craigslist to drool over 650's!!!

[Zugzug]

Even though my 650 is a bit ratty I still catch people checking it out. They seem embarrassed looking at it when theres chrome covered machines nearby. But I know what they are thinking. Economical, practical, probably the right size for them to ride/learn on. I can see it in their eyes. Too bad they don't react on their instinct but instead go to a MC shop and get sold something they probably don't really want and have it as a garage ornament. I digress, back to the subject of this thread...

The tool is easy to use and if you have done any kind of work on the head then you can change the cam chain. I bet a good Honda mechanic could probably do it without all the disassembly. You could just lock the adjuster out, break the chain, link the new one in, rotate it around until the end came back up and then break and relink the ends of the new chain. Release the adjuster and wallah! your done. It could be that simple but would take two people, one to turn the crank and the other to control the chain. Any slippage and it would mean a full strip as per manual or chance valves meeting piston.  I recommend a weekend mechanic to go ahead and do it properly though. That way you get to know your bike better and you will spot any problems that you may have going on that might be catastrophic later. I just have a few tips for those doing this.

1) Don't drop the chain!
2)Go ahead and spend the $5 on the masterlink. You can use the old link to link the 2 chains together to pull the new one around (file the end and just press enough to get them linked together) but use the new masterlink to link the new chain together.
3)Make sure to prime all the valve lifters. I suggest one cam bank at a time. Do the exhaust and then put the exhaust cam on and torque it down and then the intake and torque it down, except the bearing caps in front of where the sprockets are. If you do them all and then install the cams theres a slight chance that one may bleed down and loose its prime.
4)Check and recheck your timing before you seal every thing back up.