replacement chain on the way...will report back with results.
I purchased chain on the assumption that since the bike has only 4600miles it was just the 38years in storage that stretched the chain, especially since its a small, single-link type so hopefully the guide is not worn.
In this particular model, the chain tension is adjusted by deflecting the guide itself with an adjuster screw which is pivots on.
View attachment 37144
I thought it was the cam chain as well due to the irregular 'slapping' sounds but Ive got the tensioner tightened past maximum in this vid (to the point where I wouldnt be able to lock it down with the locknut) but it still makes the same sound.
Ive had the rotor off to get to the tensioner mechanism and inspect it and it seems fine. Apparently on these bikes the tensioner is prone to failure but mine still seems to operate fine. These old actually deflect the guides themselves to take slack out of the chain.
Any idea why it was parked up 38yrs ago? just abandoned or had a strange rattle?
Jimsun said:And by engaging the clutch at neutral, the noise dissipates. Of course the best way about it is the timing and the plate replacement.
Its been mentioned how aftermarket timing chains are not as good as oem and they fail and snap
bobjohnson said:
Chains dont just stretch from sitting, theyre made of metal. Its likely either the cam chain tensioner is worn out or more likely, seized up and not actually tensioning. You'd have to open the engine to have a look at whats going on.
Either that or its a normal noise, its really hard to diagnose problems from a cell phone video because the sound is garbage. I dont really hear anything wrong from your video tbh, maybe it sounds like a problem in real life. Old honda small displacement engines are just noisy though, and have lots of ringing and metal on metal and hollow clanking noises, thats just how they are, especially if youre used to listening to newer bikes which are almost silent comparatively.
Im going to just assume you checked valve clearances, the valves chatter a lot when theyre even slightly out of spec.
boyoboy said:
while engine idles (do not rev up) are you are loosening the lock nut and BACKING OFF the the tensioner bolt until cam chain sound goes away - usually less than one full turn or so, while the engine is idling? then turn in tensioner bolt, and as soon as you feel any resistance stop, and tighten the locknut. check to make sure your not doing it *ss backwards!
cause it sounds to me like you are - (as you described above). do you have a manual? please tell me you haven't started taking the motor apart, because the way you adjusted the cam chain was incorrect. it is highly unlikely that your low mileage engine would need the chain or sliders replaced. i hope you haven' done any damage to the tensioner mechanism while cranking in the tensioner bolt.
ps when you back off the tensioner bolt do not back it out so far that the bolt comes out and the tensioner parts fall off inside the engine. idle the bike , back off that tensioner bolt until it can turn without resistance, and you will HEAR THE ENGINE quiet. then turn in the tensioner bolt until you feel resistance -stop immediately there and tighten the lock nut. done.
Gryphon said:35-year-old clutch plates will be SOAKED through with oil, completely sponged. Garbage.