Help! Cam sprocket

Jester401 · Nov 7, 2015

My 78 xs400-2e has a seized motor. Any suggestions on getting the chain off the sprocket on the camshaft, without breaking it? I would like to re-use the head on my motor and just replace the bottom end. The sprocket bolts are line up at 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock so I was able to get the top bolt out. The bottom bolt is at the point where I can get my wrench on but have no way to back the bolt out since the wrench hits the head. Any suggestions are welcomed, thanks again everyone.

drewpy · Nov 8, 2015

Jester401 said:
My 78 xs400-2e has a seized motor. Any suggestions on getting the chain off the sprocket on the camshaft, without breaking it? I would like to re-use the head on my motor and just replace the bottom end. The sprocket bolts are line up at 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock so I was able to get the top bolt out. The bottom bolt is at the point where I can get my wrench on but have no way to back the bolt out since the wrench hits the head. Any suggestions are welcomed, thanks again everyone.

will the sprocket not just pop off to one side of the cam so you can get the camchain off?

otherwise just take out the rivets of the camchain
then you can rotate the camshaft to get the rest of the bot out

wgnzlz · Nov 8, 2015

I just went through the same thing this morning. Mine were at about 11 o'clock and 5 o'clock. However, after removing the 5 o'clock bolt, I was able to rotate the sprocket, counter clockwise, just enough to gain access to the other bolt. Good luck.

rshutchinson · Nov 8, 2015

His issue is the engine is seized so the cam won't turn either and he can't access the bottom bolt. Without both bolts out the sprocket won't turn or slip off to the side

If you can't get any sweep on it I think you may be forced to break the chain or get creative with a wrench or socket.

wgnzlz · Nov 8, 2015

rshutchinson said:
His issue is the engine is seized so the cam won't turn either and he can't access the bottom bolt. Without both bolts out the sprocket won't turn or slip off to the side

If you can't get any sweep on it I think you may be forced to break the chain or get creative with a wrench or socket.

Oops, forgot that part of his post :doh:

Wolfe_11B · Nov 8, 2015

Just cut the chain??? It's not like they are expensive or hard to find

Jester401 · Nov 8, 2015

Can I cut the chain without damaging the sprocket? There doesnt seem to be enough room to cut it without damaging a tooth or two.

Wolfe_11B · Nov 8, 2015

You should be able to just grind the ends off the rivets and pop a link off.

Help! Cam sprocket

Jester401

XS400 Enthusiast

drewpy

Excess twin

wgnzlz

XS400 Member

rshutchinson

XS400 Addict

wgnzlz

XS400 Member

Wolfe_11B

XS400 Guru

Jester401

XS400 Enthusiast

Wolfe_11B

XS400 Guru

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