SL350 Top End Rebuild Problem

[BigCat]

I am rebuilding a 1972 SL350 engine and I have hit a road block that I cannot seem to get passed. I tore it all the way down and split the cases, but I didn't really do anything in the bottom end other than clean up 30 years worth of gunk. I replaced the cam chain with a one piece Tsubaki cam chain and the teflon 'slider-type' cam chain tensioner from Bore-Tech, but everything else in the top end is original. I'm following the Clymer's manual for my rebuild, and when I put my cam back in and tried to slide on the tach drive and the ign advance housing and they absolutely will not go on. The cam is too low - it's like the chain is too tight and does not have enough play to get the side housings on. The cam chain tensioner housing on the back of the cylinders was not installed, so it's not like it was adjusted too tight. I couldn't figure it out and I thought maybe the chain isn't sitting properly on the crankshaft side sprocket, so I tore it all the way back down and split the cases again, got everything back together and I'm having the same problem again. This is my first Honda twin rebuild so I'm not really sure how to proceed. The only thing I can think of is that maybe I'm not supposed to have the cam chain follower installed with the different style chain tensioner? I'm out of ideas... Anyone ever have a similar issue? What was the fix??

 

[Eight40]

Hi, I'm new here and found your question while browsing. Did you make room in the cylinder head for the new tensioner? I've had to open up the slot(remove material) in the head where the tensioner moves back and forth. It normally is a tight fit with a new chain and this style tensioner, but it should go on. I also add spacers on 4 of the studs and snug the nuts down on the cam housing so it keeps everything together and might give you a little more slack in the chain. I'm not sure what you mean by "follower"? The only part of the original tensioner you should be re-using is the collar and pin at the bottom with the 2 little rubbers that keep it in place.

Hope this helps,

Tim

 

[BigCat]

That's it! Man I feel like an idiot. I knew I needed to do that too. Too many projects at the same time I guess. Thanks!

 

[BigCat]

I'm not sure what you mean by "follower"? The only part of the original tensioner you should be re-using is the collar and pin at the bottom with the 2 little rubbers that keep it in place.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Honda-OEM-Cam-Chain-Guide-CB350-CL350-CB750-14611-312-000-/350659882719?hash=item51a4f52edf&item=350659882719&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

I guess it's also called a guide. Did you use this as well?

 

[Eight40]

Yeah, that chain guide must be used too.