takasago rk219 cam chain

oldbikedude · Post by **oldbikedude** » Sun Aug 06, 2017 1:17 pm

Hey folks, I just put my '67 CA77 head back together. I installed new pistons,rings,wrist pins etc...I bought a Takasgo RK 219 x 94 cam chain & for some reason it looks like it's a half link short. I know we do not want a half link & I noticed the side plates are flat (top & bottom). The stock chain had the peanut shape to them. Would the flat links make a difference in legnth? Has anyone else used this chain successfully? I have searched on here & haven't found an answer. Any help would be appreciated.

DJM · Post by **DJM** » Sun Aug 06, 2017 4:54 pm

It won't be half a link short but you may need to tighten the head down fully before you can get the chain on. If it still won't fit check that the cylinder base gasket and cylinder head gasket are the correct thickness. I'm assuming that you've taken the cam chain tensioner out of the cylinder block? In extreme cases washing the chain in gasoline to remove the grease from the links could help but shouldn't be necessary.

DJM · Post by **DJM** » Sun Aug 06, 2017 4:56 pm

Forgot to say that early chains had parallel sideplates rather than 'peanut shaped' so that shouldn't be an issue.

oldbikedude · Post by **oldbikedude** » Sun Aug 06, 2017 5:37 pm

Thanks DJM, I am doing a new build. The chain tensioner is out, I am not quite convinced that torqueng the head down is gonna give me enough length. The gaskets are aftermarket of some unknown brand. I feel like even if I could get it together it would be under (maybe to much) tension. Here's a pic. [/img]

LOUD MOUSE · Post by **LOUD MOUSE** » Sun Aug 06, 2017 6:06 pm

I recommend you do as suggested.
That chain at 94 links will be the same as others and it IS NEW and NOT STRETCHED.
The new gaskets (2) need to be compressed a bit and then consider that the open link has to GO OVER a tooth to install. ......................lm

oldbikedude wrote:Thanks DJM, I am doing a new build. The chain tensioner is out, I am not quite convinced that torqueng the head down is gonna give me enough length. The gaskets are aftermarket of some unknown brand. I feel like even if I could get it together it would be under (maybe to much) tension. Here's a pic. [/img]

oldbikedude · Post by **oldbikedude** » Sun Aug 06, 2017 6:59 pm

Thanks LM for your input. I thought I shouldn't compress the head gasket, loosen it & re tighten it. A couple more pics

LOUD MOUSE · Post by **LOUD MOUSE** » Sun Aug 06, 2017 7:12 pm

I know of no reason you need to compress then loosen.
In the 60's we installed rings/had valve work/ and replaced the beoprene then used the same head gasket.
Your parts look nice.
Hid you have the head and cylinder surfaces broched/flattened?. .............lm

oldbikedude wrote:Thanks LM for your input. I thought I shouldn't compress the head gasket, loosen it & re tighten it. A couple more pics