How to install a timing chain without splitting the case

[luskateer]

reworking a 2002 with bad crank
So i buy the short block off of ebay and it shows up without a timing chain.
Is there a way to install it without splitting the case.
I was in hopes of the quick and easy way out here but will do what ever works the best.
thanks

[The Buddha]

The fool that removed it used a cutter.
I dont see the harm in using a master clip ... if you can get a master clip in that size.
Camshafts are not a huge load - which is why we have a dinky chain ... But finding a chain that size with a master link - whole other story.

I dunno, google it, someone has to have tried it. Its just too tempting to grind off 2 pins and put in bolts and nuts, after all that's how drive chains are and they carry tons of load.

Cool.
Buddha.

[luskateer]

So I'm going "google search nuts" trying to find a master link for my existing old cam chain that's in great shape.

Do i have it right that the cam chain is "520 profile and 110 links long" The original i gather is continuous . I guess i can break it apart and install a master link... Not having much luck finding one.
Would it make sense to go to a bicycle shop and have them set this up. Really would like not to split the case.

[bombsquad83]

Do i have it right that the cam chain is "520 profile and 110 links long"

That's the drive chain, not the cam chain.

[burning1]

Tsubaki is a popular brand, but from what I gather they are only available as endless chains.

My recommendation would be to measure and ID the chain size used on the GS500. Order a replacement of the same pitch and size with a rivet master link. Cam chains should be conventional, non o-ring type. They are lubricated by engine oil.

[sledge]

Cam chains and links are easily found, never seen a clipped one though only riveted 

You buy a chain, you buy a link, you cut the chain and remove a link, you position the chain and fit the link then using a proper tool make off the link. You really do have to know what you are doing, get it wrong the chain breaks, kills the engine and maybe you at the same time.....probably why the manufacturers choose to use the more reliable riveted links than clipped ones 

If you have some multi-cylindered 20v DOHC exotica that takes a week to split and reassemble  it can make sense to do it this way but IMHO with a GS5 its easier to split the case and feed an endless one on. Particularly as in your case the heads and cylinders are already off.

If you have bought a bottom end with unknown history it also makes sense to have a look in there as you don't know what horrors you may find.

Chains.....http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/suzuki/gs_500_ey/00/picture/cam_timing_chain_did/

Links.....http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/suzuki/gs_500_ey/00/picture/cam_timing_chain_did_-_rivet_link/

Tools......http://www.lasertools.co.uk/item.aspx?code=4191

[luskateer]

Sounds like good advice. I bought a whole gasket set. Was just trying to avoid the split. Feel like i could do more harm than good.....
the plot thickens.

[yamahonkawazuki]

The fool that removed it used a cutter.
I dont see the harm in using a master clip ... if you can get a master clip in that size.
Camshafts are not a huge load - which is why we have a dinky chain ... But finding a chain that size with a master link - whole other story.

I dunno, google it, someone has to have tried it. Its just too tempting to grind off 2 pins and put in bolts and nuts, after all that's how drive chains are and they carry tons of load.

Cool.
Buddha.

Would be a good idea to split cases. Cause the person who cut the chain which was unnecessary lol, could have little metallic pieces down inside crankcase.

[luskateer]

so here's what i did. I was able to punch out one pin from the chain. Sneak the chain onto the gear and replace pin with a suitable replacement and peen it together . Looks good and feels right.
......Thanks for comments and advice. Now onto the broken stud thread.

[Janx101]

So I'm going "google search nuts" trying to find a master link for my existing old cam chain that's in great shape.

so how did that particular search go?! .. see anything you wish you didnt?! 

[luskateer]

didn't find anything that would "master link" fit.

I think my solution is acceptable ....if i had more time i'd take the case apart and check it out more thoroughly.

[noworries]

Janx, mate, justa bit of a tip, like, but you don't have to buy into every thread. Taciturn, mate, taciturn...the prime Australian characteristic.

[Janx101]

Janx, mate, justa bit of a tip, like, but you don't have to buy into every thread. Taciturn, mate, taciturn...the prime Australian characteristic.

... i dont have to anything .. yeah thats right...

you wouldnt be trying to tell me where and where not i can post now would ya?.... cos that would be sad... 

i like to stir people up.. so i do .. when and where i please... thats another Prime Australian Characteristic

oh and....

[noworries]

Great picture, Janx, exactly how I imagined you - down at Centrelink, picking yer nostrils with both fingers and looking at the boogies, whilst the crowd of new chums in the line engage in synchronised face palming as a result of your stream-of-consciousness drivel about everything and anything.  Anyway, mate, as I was saying....wanna be an Ozzie? .....taciturn, learn to be taciturn.
Jazus, now I'm not being taciturn. See what a ghastly effect you have on people?

[Janx101]

bahahaha.. pull yer head in spotty! ..

random pic 'mate' ... just to convey the idea/concept ... you know what a concept is right?!... cool ..

but dont worry... i'm not offended by your 'monthly' mood... certainly wont be losing any sleep over it...

dang ... someone said argy bargy should be confined to PM .. but screw that ... you get up on the wrong side of bed and want to be a twelvie piss-moaning about whatever is on your fun bags today, want to pick me up for posting as i wish ... in one way .. cool... stir the pot!... in the other way .. as i said above ... pull yer head in.. 

now if John was to make a mention of where and what i am allowed to do... then fair call... its his sandpit!! ... maybe even another admin... depending... anyone else... bahahahahahahah

Oh and Sorry Lusky!! .. wont bother arguing further... hope it doesnt get your thread TF'd 

[codajastal]

noworries.....are you sure you're an Aussie?

[The Buddha]

so here's what i did. I was able to punch out one pin from the chain. Sneak the chain onto the gear and replace pin with a suitable replacement and peen it together . Looks good and feels right.
......Thanks for comments and advice. Now onto the broken stud thread.

Ooooo you are a little out in the weeds there. I'd probably have used a bolt and a thin jam nut instead of peening that pin. You never know what it has weakened into ... Anyway you can always do the bolt/nut thing when you're done assembling it. Or you can do a pin and e clip. Something like that. Something new. Dont like unpeening and peening sheite. WTF is peening ... grrrr.

Cool.
Buddha.

[noworries]

Janx, you're thinking about me. I know. And you're thinking about my advice. I know. You'll say you ain't, but you are. And then, you know in your heart that you'll take the advice 'cos it's dinky-di and you know you'll be a better Skippy for being a little taciturn. Trust me, I'm an Australian. I know these things.

[sledge]

Ooooo you are a little out in the weeds there. I'd probably have used a bolt and a thin jam nut instead of peening that pin.

[luskateer]

Pretty weird how this thread got hi jacked and messed with.

I'm happy with solution for now.....
thanks to those members with constructive remarks.
rich