Has anyone replaced the cam chains on a Honda Spada or VTR 250. Does the entire head/barrel/ case need to be separated then slip the new chain around the lifted up camshaft or is there a shortcut.. I know in the old days the trick was to split the cam chain, use the old one to run the new one around the camshaft then re connect the cam chain. I'd rather not do this. Any suggestions
Sorry, that should have been " then slip the new cam chain around the lifted up crankshaft, not camshaft"
I have done several cam chains by splitting the old ones, joining the new one and then feeding the old one out. As long as the new chain is properly joined and the pin peined over, it will be fine. Never had one blow up because of it.
Thanks for the tip,, do you mind explaining how you do the "properly joined and the pin peined over" bit. The deepest I have gone into one of these motors is to take out the cam chain tensioners and clean them out. I find access inside this tiny little motor is quite restricted.
Emgo chain breaking and riveting kit, cost me about $70. When the new chain is in, you use it to drive the new pin trough the links, and squish the ends of the pin flat so it cannot possibly fall out. To join the new chain to the old and feed it out, I use a small zip tie or lockwire if I have some.
All chains are made from links riveted together and have to be joined, so if you join it with proper tools then it will be as good as an 'endless' chain. I found the VT engine pretty good for 'room to work' compared to the four cylinder CBR.