swampdonkey Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Anyone have an idea what it should cost to have the cam chain and tensioner replaced on a '97, along w/ any other parts needed to get into that area? Mine went a few months back and I don't possess the skill or tools to do it myself. A local shop is quoting me about 1k to fix. Appreciate any comments. Thanks... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Anyone have an idea what it should cost to have the cam chain and tensioner replaced on a '97, along w/ any other parts needed to get into that area? Mine went a few months back and I don't possess the skill or tools to do it myself. A local shop is quoting me about 1k to fix. Appreciate any comments. Thanks... Why do they think you need a cam chain? Cam tensioner you can do yourself in about 30 seconds... you can get those from John01xx for like $35 shipped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redbird Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Anyone have an idea what it should cost to have the cam chain and tensioner replaced on a '97, along w/ any other parts needed to get into that area? Mine went a few months back and I don't possess the skill or tools to do it myself. A local shop is quoting me about 1k to fix. Appreciate any comments. Thanks... Why do they think you need a cam chain? Cam tensioner you can do yourself in about 30 seconds... you can get those from John01xx for like $35 shipped Joel, the common replacement part available from John is actually a cam chain tensioner lifter. The tensioner itself is a different animal and involves some minor engine work. The question is a good one, though- why do you think the tensioner and/or chain needs replacement? A grand sounds a little high, but I have no idea what the parts cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampdonkey Posted April 11, 2008 Author Share Posted April 11, 2008 The bike has been parked for a few months due to this issue. A load noise suddenly developed in the engine which I quickly shut down. The shop I mentioned broke it down and found that the chain was shot and it took out the tensioner as well. At the time it seemed like a lot of money to undertake the work and I did not want to part w/ the $ so I had them put it together for the time being. I am trying to get an idea what something like this would run to be fixed in a shop. Also, anyone from WA w/ a recommendation on a shop? Thanks.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaygermeister Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 Something doesn’t sound right. It would take a whole lot of abuse to ruin a cam chain. I think they are trying to screw you. When the tensioner starts to get weak you will here the rattling sound at 3000 to 4000 rpms, Just in this range. Most XX's it right at 3800 rpms. Heck mine is starting to make noise again also. Then again stranger things have happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman_40 Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 Something doesn't sound right. It would take a whole lot of abuse to ruin a cam chain. I think they are trying to screw you. When the tensioner starts to get weak you will here the rattling sound at 3000 to 4000 rpms, Just in this range. Most XX's it right at 3800 rpms. Heck mine is starting to make noise again also. Then again stranger things have happened. +1 It's the first time I can remember anyone asking about the chain. The XX's engine is built pretty damn strong... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrxxquad Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 I would so like to get my hands on this, It is not that hard for me to do the repair of the chain and rub guides. If I remember it is just pull the valvecover and the pulser cover at tdc compression on number one. pull the cct and the cams, might as well check the gaps and the guides pull easy as well as the chain. Hour tops. Wish you were here. beers or bottle good blues great time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampdonkey Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 I heard nothing that would have told me there was a potential for any problems. Basically I was riding then instantly this loud noise came out of the engine. I was like WTF and shut it down immediately. What I was told from the shop was that the chain went and took out the tensioner w/ it. They are also saying it's around a 7 hr job. This sounds like a lot time for this. Does Honda have guidelines on how long certain jobs should take, like autos have? I wish I could find someone in the Seattle area w/ info on a decent person to work on my bike...Texas is just a bit too far to go. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrxxquad Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 did it die, as in quit running at the same time or did you have to kill it???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbarr78 Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 My 97' done the same thing at 45000mi. I was riding and all at once it sounded like a diesel. I knew from the wisdom here that the CCT had went out. Two things, I am very tight and mechanically inclined. So I pulled the CCT and took it apart and found that the thin coil spring had broke. About one coil worth of the spring had broke so I bent the end of the spring just like new so it would fit in the slot and not turn thus creating tension. I then made a key to put in the end and wind the spring with tension. It works perfect. I have put about 5K on the bike with no problems and it was a no cost fix but it does take some mechanical ability. I just thought I would share my experience. PS I believe all you need is a CCT and nothing else. The dealer is trying to take serious advantage of you. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spicholy Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 My CCT just started rattling last week too. '99 with 43,xxx miles. Get a hold of John's Bike Bits. CCT is around $36. Two bolt install. If that does not fix it, you may have bigger problems. But, at least you know it is not the CCT this way and it does not cost 7 hours labor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampdonkey Posted April 15, 2008 Author Share Posted April 15, 2008 did it die, as in quit running at the same time or did you have to kill it???? No, it did not die, I shut it down. Started once after that to let someone hear the sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceman_40 Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 did it die, as in quit running at the same time or did you have to kill it???? No, it did not die, I shut it down. Started once after that to let someone hear the sound. I'm no expert but I highly doubt the bike would run without the cam chain. :icon_wall: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampdonkey Posted April 15, 2008 Author Share Posted April 15, 2008 did it die, as in quit running at the same time or did you have to kill it???? No, it did not die, I shut it down. Started once after that to let someone hear the sound. I'm no expert but I highly doubt the bike would run without the cam chain. :icon_wall: If I recall correctly I was told there was a kink in the chain.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaygermeister Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 If it's running try this.......... link.......... before you give the dealer a dime!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John01XX Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 I currently have 4 CCT's left in stock I have 15 more on order but expect a two week delay in getting them since this is the time of year when they get ordered the most often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrxxquad Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 (edited) Well lost my first post, so here goes again If your motor will run it is not the chain. If it broke your valves would be bent, and it would cost 1500 to fix. To turn the motor over by hand. There is a plug on the right side that you can remove. It is the one that you open to find top dead center number one. It is right at the center line of the crank. You will have to remove the right faring. It might be better to pull the pulser cover that it is in. You will be able to see the bottom of the chain, and if any thing is in there in the wrong place. Broken parts. you will see a bolt that is connected to the crank and you can turn it clockwise slowly and see all the chain go by. Check it for kinks or broken links. It will get hard to turn if the plugs are in. Don't turn counter or will unscrew. I am sure if you can run the motor you need a cct from john and if you can do the above you can change the cct Edited April 15, 2008 by cbrxxquad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampdonkey Posted April 16, 2008 Author Share Posted April 16, 2008 It seems like this will end up being one of those hard, and expensive lessons. You all provided useful info but I'm sort of caught in a position where I can't exercise your suggestions. My lack of mechanical experience created this situation which I now find myself. As mentioned, I brought my bike in several months back to a local shop who went in and came back saying the chain was kinked and it took out the CCT. I could not part w/ the money so I had them button the bike up but I was told to definitely NOT start it since it was not as it was prior to them going in. What this means I don't know and at the time I didn't think to ask. Lesson learned. W/ that warning in mind, I don't feel comfortable trying a CCT since I have no clue what else should be replaced as a result of the initial recon into the engine. It would be nice to find a shop/mechanic that you just know you can trust. Maybe I'll just break it down w/ the help of a manual and see what happens, or I'll pay the money, or.... I sure do miss my bike! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrxxquad Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 It seems like this will end up being one of those hard, and expensive lessons. You all provided useful info but I'm sort of caught in a position where I can't exercise your suggestions. My lack of mechanical experience created this situation which I now find myself. As mentioned, I brought my bike in several months back to a local shop who went in and came back saying the chain was kinked and it took out the CCT. I could not part w/ the money so I had them button the bike up but I was told to definitely NOT start it since it was not as it was prior to them going in. What this means I don't know and at the time I didn't think to ask. Lesson learned. W/ that warning in mind, I don't feel comfortable trying a CCT since I have no clue what else should be replaced as a result of the initial recon into the engine. It would be nice to find a shop/mechanic that you just know you can trust. Maybe I'll just break it down w/ the help of a manual and see what happens, or I'll pay the money, or.... I sure do miss my bike! If you have metric tools, and any mechanical ability, pm me and I will give you my number and with what I have said in the post before will walk you through it. Stan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampdonkey Posted April 20, 2008 Author Share Posted April 20, 2008 Many of you commented that it would be highly unlikely for the cam chain to break so I looked a bit closer at all the paper work obtained from when the bike was checked out. I figured I'd include additional info just as an FYI on this thread. The shop noted the following: Found cam chain to have tight/loose spots from tensioner failure. Recommend replacement of cam chain, CCT and both cam chain guards. Thanks for all the comments and PM's. I haven't decided which way to proceed, i.e. attempt myself or find a local shop. -Scott- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrgoudy Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 As others have suggested, try replacing the CCT. It's easier than changing a spark plug on these motors, costs very little, and even if you have no idea what you're doing should take no more than an hour even if you go about it slowly, especially if you enlist the phone help offered by Stan. I'd be willing to bet most cam chains have tight and loose spots, just as drive chains and most other chains do once they've been in use awhile. It's the nature of the beast IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrxxquad Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02XXCA Posted April 21, 2008 Share Posted April 21, 2008 Try replacing the tensioner lifter(CCT)first, if that doesn't solve the noise, then buy the actual cam chain tensioner that presses against the chain itself and a spare head gasket and I will volunteer my time to come over and help you swap it if you cover my gas and ferry ride. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zero Knievel Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 EEP. My 'Bird has about 44K on it? How often does the CCT need replacement and what are the sure-fire signs? Do you all replace them at a set interval as a matter of preventative maintenance or do you wait for the sound of it starting to fail. Also, if you go by sound, how long from the time you hear it before it's toast? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John01XX Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 I replied to your PM Ride the Bird and forget about the CCT !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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