CMS-Japanese Motorcycle Supply Parts


How to reinstall the cam chain, guides, sprocket and tensioner - Honda CX500, GL500, CX650, GL650


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So you have your new cam chain in hand (and remembered to set the valve timing before removing the old one) - how to install it?

You need the cam chain sprocket and the two bolts that hold it in. Hook the new chain over the sprocket - in the picture below the sprocket is simply sitting on the end of the camshaft:

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

Try to align the cam sprocket holes with the markers as it was when you removed it - if you have forgotten take a look at the valve timing page. Don't put the sprocket on the camshaft yet, first hook it over the crankshaft:

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

...and then slide the sprocket over the camshaft. This is one tooth off:

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

Take the sprocket off and move the cam chain one tooth around on the crankshaft and reinstall:

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

That looks correct. Absolutely double check the valve timing to ensure that everything aligns as it did when you took it off - the Honda CX and GL V-twin engines are interference engines and if you get it wrong you risk major engine damage. Grab your two cam sprocket bolts:

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

...and some blue thread locker:

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

Apply the blue threadlocker to both cam sprocket bolts:

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

Hold the camshaft in place with a deep 27mm box spanner (eBay US, eBay AU or the genuine Honda tool 07907-4150000 or 07907-MC70000) and torque them to 12-14ft/lbs (1.6-2.0kg/m):

Here's how to reinstall the cam chain on a Honda CX500, GL500, CX650 or GL650 motorcycle as shown on MotoFaction.org.

The next steps vary depending on whether you have a bike with an automatic or manual tensioner. Click on the appropriate section below... once the articles are completed (not yet!)





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