NON GS motor question

[mach1]

So I am in the process of tearing down my honda cm185 engine and cant seem to get the camshaft out. I assume the design is close to the GS engine pics will soon follow.

[ben2go]

Is that an in head cam or in block cam?

[joshr08]

did you take the tension of the cam chain to let the chain slack enough to get the cams out?  not sure on that motor if it is a removable one or kinda built into the motor.  I built an old honda last yr and it was kinda built into the motor.  just loosen the tension then once the cams are unbolted usually on the old hondas that just means pulling the valve cover off.  you should be able to wiggle them (one at a time) and get them to pop out then with the cam gear tipped down into the cam chain runner area move the chain out of the way enough to get the cam out.  if its the style that the gears unbolt just make sure they can only bolt on one way before removing the bolts also mark them so you dont get the gears mixed up when putting it back together.

[BaltimoreGS]

If it is the same as the CM200 twin star, you first have to take the rocker arm assemblies out (8 nuts if I remember correctly).  Once those are off and out of the way, you have to take the tension off the cam chain.  There is a lock bolt that is visible and a second bolt that is up higher on the head (behind the manifold I think) that has to be loosened.  Once loose, pull the cam chain tensioner upward to release the tensioin and lock it down.  Then remove the (2?) bolts that hold the cam chain gear to the cam.  You will probably have to hold the crank bolt to break them loose. Then the real fun is getting that cam gear off the chain.  Be patient and don't force it.  It will be even more fun going back together     Once that gear is out you should be able to remove the cams.  There may be "C" clips on the cam ends, been a while since I did one.  Hope that helps   

-Jessie

[mach1]

rockers are off and the top half of the tensioner is off but I guess there is another bolt for the tension need to get that tonight. will post if any other issues and yes the cm200 motor is the same.

[sledge]

  Then remove the (2?) bolts that hold the cam chain gear to the cam. 

This is the secret to it  and I will add my own similar comments. These old Honda twins have very little slack in the camchain and if memory serves there is a cutout in the center of the gear that will allow the shaft to pass through while the gear stays roughly in place with the chain still sitting on it. Suggest you slacken the two holding bolts off BEFORE loosening off the chain so you can lock the engine by your favourite method. Familiarise yourself with the timing arrangements first and mark the position of the points backplate. Not sure if the gear is symmetrical or indexed to the shaft so mark it to prevent it going back on 180deg out. Might help if you slide the camshaft bearings off each end of the shaft before sliding the shaft through the gear, the one on the points side is definately retained with a circlip, not sure about the other......it was a long time ago and everything has gone fuzzy 

BTW.....this engine is NOTHING like a GS5 mill. Vertically split cases, ball bearings on the mains, pressed-up crank, an oil pump sits in a casing between the crank webs thats held in position when the crankcase halves come together......plus good old points ignition!!

[BaltimoreGS]

  Then remove the (2?) bolts that hold the cam chain gear to the cam. 

......plus good old points ignition!!

That's why you buy the '81-up CM200, 12 volt electric and CDI ignition   

-Jessie

[mach1]

my cm185 is 12V I did the conversion