Cam chain master link not at top

[cmills83]

I am finishing up an engine top end assembly and although the cam and crankshaft are tdc I think I started inserting the cam chain not quite at tdc so the master link is around 120 degrees on the cam instead of 90 degrees.

Is it an issue if the master link it's at the top of the cam at tdc? I can't think of any reason but this is my first engine rebuild.

 

[Jim]

As long as the cam is correctly timed to the crank, it doesn't matter where the master link is.

 

[bikefreak69]

No,it doesnt much matter where the master link ends up in the chain.Mostly when you press the rivets it is done at the top of the sprocket.All that matters is that the rivets are pressed on good and that the timing marks align at TDC.

 

[cmills83]

Got it, thanks!

 

[cmills83]

Does this look riveted? Gave it a couple turns with the rivet tool but didn't overdo it. If not, how wide should the rivets be at the end?

 

[5twins]

That looks OK, as long as the pin heads are mushroomed out a bit so the side plate can't come off. You can hand peen it a bit more with a small ball peen hammer if you like.

 

[Jim]

You can hand peen it a bit more with a small ball peen hammer if you like.

Be sure and back up the other side with a heavy metal block of some sort if you do that.

 

[robinc]

Be sure and back up the other side with a heavy metal block of some sort if you do that.

Think I've seen a small sledge hammer used for backup.