Thank you all for your attention to this problem. All your suggestions, helpful, humorous or otherwise, are appreciated.
I still find it hard to believe that a normal operation such as fitting a new camchain requires such force.
The other day, I was able to join the chain, but only with the bearings removed from one end of the camshaft. Using brute force to try and lift the camshaft up sufficient to refit the bearings a) proved difficult or impossible and b) felt completely wrong thing to do. Lifting with a Z1 fork tube, I applied enough force to start bending an 11 mm steel bar, selected because it's a fairly snug fit inside the camshaft. I was worried that I might damage something expensive.
Last night when I should have been sleeping I was devising ways to apply more stretching force to the chain.
GLJ, I don't have a T-handle, so I've made a substitute using a copper pipe and wire passed through the end link multiple times:
The full set-up includes a socket & T-bar on the crank, to hold the engine at TDC or PDC. Braced against a fork stanchion, which runs across the front of the engine and bears against the cupboard on the right - effective in holding the engine from turning. Also, a small hardened screwdriver through the last pin at the forward end of the chain, bearing against two pieces of oak wedged in by the engine studs, to prevent that end of the chain jumping off:
With this set up plus long-suffering assistant holding the engine, I stood on a chair, placed one foot on the ledge just to the right of the engine in the pictures and heaved upwards, slightly back so as not to engage the sprocket. Assistant said the stretch achieved was enough to bring final pin to a position at the apex of a tooth - just a wee bit more would be enough.
At this point, I was pulling the chain enough to lift the engine.
Next?
Might risk lifting the engine of the bench onto a pallet on the floor. So as to be able to stand over it and get more heave. Or perhaps dominate it into submission?
People have raised the question whether the chain I have is too short so I am going to buy a new chain. Just so I can swap them about and confirm what I already know, that the one I have is 104 links which will be 106 when/if I ever get the blooming joining link in.
My life has become a bit one dimensional at the mo.
Part dismantled XS650, anyone? Buyer collects.
I still find it hard to believe that a normal operation such as fitting a new camchain requires such force.
The other day, I was able to join the chain, but only with the bearings removed from one end of the camshaft. Using brute force to try and lift the camshaft up sufficient to refit the bearings a) proved difficult or impossible and b) felt completely wrong thing to do. Lifting with a Z1 fork tube, I applied enough force to start bending an 11 mm steel bar, selected because it's a fairly snug fit inside the camshaft. I was worried that I might damage something expensive.
Last night when I should have been sleeping I was devising ways to apply more stretching force to the chain.
GLJ, I don't have a T-handle, so I've made a substitute using a copper pipe and wire passed through the end link multiple times:
The full set-up includes a socket & T-bar on the crank, to hold the engine at TDC or PDC. Braced against a fork stanchion, which runs across the front of the engine and bears against the cupboard on the right - effective in holding the engine from turning. Also, a small hardened screwdriver through the last pin at the forward end of the chain, bearing against two pieces of oak wedged in by the engine studs, to prevent that end of the chain jumping off:
With this set up plus long-suffering assistant holding the engine, I stood on a chair, placed one foot on the ledge just to the right of the engine in the pictures and heaved upwards, slightly back so as not to engage the sprocket. Assistant said the stretch achieved was enough to bring final pin to a position at the apex of a tooth - just a wee bit more would be enough.
At this point, I was pulling the chain enough to lift the engine.
Next?
Might risk lifting the engine of the bench onto a pallet on the floor. So as to be able to stand over it and get more heave. Or perhaps dominate it into submission?
People have raised the question whether the chain I have is too short so I am going to buy a new chain. Just so I can swap them about and confirm what I already know, that the one I have is 104 links which will be 106 when/if I ever get the blooming joining link in.
My life has become a bit one dimensional at the mo.
Part dismantled XS650, anyone? Buyer collects.
