cam chain and tensioner.

[keith]

Hi everyone,
How much cam chain noise is normal. I bught a very clean 77cbk with 23,000 miles. adjusted the tension with the static method
and it's alot better but still hearring some noise at idle. What should I look for next or am I going to have to pull the
engine and replace the tensioner and chain. Any help would be appreciated.
Keith

[LukeM]

Hmm...that's a tough call. It's an aircooled engine, and some motor noise is unavoidable.  If it's the factory chain, it's 33 years old.  My 1979 model snapped its long cam chain after 34000 miles. I'd submit that a little noise at idle is acceptable, but I have very little experience with the SOHC models. Maybe you could record the noise, and let us hear it.

Not much help, but it's difficult to diagnose these things over the Internet.
Luke M

[Re-run]

To back Luke up, you will always have some noise when compared to a watercooled engine so don't sweat it too much. However; that said, you may want to readjust your chain in the dynamic way.
First though, did you clean out your adjuster? Oil get in there and gums things up.
Remove the 3 bolts and remove carefully. it is ok if you tear the gasket just dont mangle it and you can reuse. I have done this 3 times with no leaks.
Makes sure the adjuster moves freely just be careful as the plunger is under a lot of spring pressure. it can shoot across the garage.

Put it back on and static adjust, then start the engine and do the adjustment again. That is the dynamic adjustment.

Also, go through and check the valve gaps. For better results though, increase both the exhaust and intake gaps by 1 step. It may make slightly more noise but it helps when the engine warms up to keep the valve train from getting too tight.

Another source of noise comes from poorly synced carbs. Get a set of vacuum gauges or a morgan carbtune and make a little hanging auxiliary tank for fuel that can hing from your bars. Warm the engine up and put on the gauges. Try to get them as close as possible, you will use #2 as the base carb as it is non-adjustable.

Get the manual from here, use the 78 k8 manual, they are virtually identical.

[Katman]

Thanks Gentleman,
Yes, I took the adjuster out and cleaned it and made sure it moved freely before reinstalling and doing the static method you described
in an earlier post. I will do it with it running this weekend. Once moving the bike runs and shifts great. I am also going to adjust the valves
this weekend too. I will let you know what happens after this. Anyone know were to get honda paint. One sidecover needs
to be painted. Candy Alpha Red. It feels good to ride!
Keith