The 88 cbr1000s I just bought came with the starter and alternator removed. The po said the engine was quiet and smooth. He took it apart hot and didn't prop or wire the chain. When he came back the chain had dropped down and was stuck. This guy is a Lexus mechanic so with all his fine mechanical knowledge he bent the tang of the tentioner to retreive and untangle the chain and bent it back in place. What I'm concerned about is many of the links are stuck like an old drive chain can do with lack of oil or rust. There are only two things I can think of that would make that chain do that 1 physical damage or 2 lack of lubrication but so many are frozen I'm worried that it's lack of oil. Before I tear it down and replace the chain I'm wondering if anyone has an idea of an other cause for those links to stick and have the engine quiet and running well. An other question, when I drop the mains and pull two rods is it manditory to release the cam chain tentioner or will I get enough slack to slip the old chain out and the new one in? I don't supose there is a chain made with a master link?

 

definitely replace it. i had a motor that had a severely kinked cam chain. replacing it took care of the problem. it was from south florida, so i doubt freezing had anything to do with it. i think what happened is that the motor sat too long with terribly dirty oil in it and developed sludge and it just worked it's way to be kinked like that. used oil has acids that eat away at that kind of stuff. it probably won't affect anything motor wise. one thing to check is the oil pump chain. if that's kinked up, it'll give you an idea that it's all the chains - and then the motor may not be such a smooth and quiet machine after all. if its not, then it may just be the cam chain.


no master link.


yes, you'll have to release the tension-er and remove the guides.

 

I never though of contaminated oil. The oil was changed when I bought the bike. With the little history I've been able to put together for this bike that makes a lot of sense. I shure hope it's that and not lack of oil. I guess I'll find out when I tear it down. I'm waiting for the title to clear before I do anything. Ca has some stupid and greedy rools governing stored vehicles with penalties that acrue if a "certificate of non-opperation" is not filed and the penalties follow the vehicle. Past registrations and penalties have to be paid even if it is stored as long as it's still on their computer.. That acid is carbonic acid, it's weaker than vinigar but does it's dammage over time and it will attack bearings as well. It's formed by the combination of carbon and water/moisture. Thanks for the info, very helpful.