Cam chain link

[GregMcN]

Looking back at previous posts there seems to have been plenty of discussion on cam chains. My assumption was that I would just renew the spring clip when I reassembled my engine but previous posts (I have not gone through everything) seem to suggest this is not the best option and there are problems with availability, different chains etc. So some questions.

1. Is there a problem with spring links?
2. My bike has a DID 219T chain - can you actually buy a spring clip now, I have not found so far?
3. Rivet links do seem to be available, not sure about tools required to fix the rivets, are they specific to chain size?

[LOUD MOUSE]

What's wrong with your old one?. ............lm

Looking back at previous posts there seems to have been plenty of discussion on cam chains. My assumption was that I would just renew the spring clip when I reassembled my engine but previous posts (I have not gone through everything) seem to suggest this is not the best option and there are problems with availability, different chains etc. So some questions.

1. Is there a problem with spring links?
2. My bike has a DID 219T chain - can you actually buy a spring clip now, I have not found so far?
3. Rivet links do seem to be available, not sure about tools required to fix the rivets, are they specific to chain size?

[GregMcN]

LM - good question

It may be fine but I know nothing of the history and I have already had to remove it a few times so my thinking was that it would be safer to replace....... but I can not find one.

[GORDON BROWN]

Hello Greg

I dont think a properly fitted clip link in a engine with good rollers etc. will cause any problems, that's what was fitted as standard and Honda made plenty of changes to these bikes but I dont think they ever changed the cam chain or the link. However if they are hard to get the, rivet type are easy enough to fit without special tools, in fact I think most of the special tools currently on the market wont fit anyway ( if anyone knows one please share ).
It helps if you have someone to hold something solid ( steel block / hammer etc.) behind the link, use a small socket / hammer to make sure the plate is properly seated over the pins ( some of the rivet types are quite a tight fit ) thenjust peen the ends over with a punch. There are probably lots of other ways but this works fine.
Some people even use endless chains ! but this seems like a lot of work.

Gordon

Just saw your PM did you get a drive ?

[LOUD MOUSE]

I have NOS ones and I get $15.00 plus mail if you want one. ...................lm

LM - good question

It may be fine but I know nothing of the history and I have already had to remove it a few times so my thinking was that it would be safer to replace....... but I can not find one.

[GregMcN]

Thanks Gordon. I did think I had used rivet links on go kart chains but could not remember any tools but there now seemed to lots of tools available so I assumed I had just forgotten what I used.

LM thanks for the offer. I do not know if the chain is as original and cost of postage & UK charges will be high so I will decline for now.

Greg

[rrietman]

Les Barker at Vintage Advantage has instructions for modifying a $15 harbor freight bolt cutter into a cam chain riveter. I have done this, It's very simple, works great, and allows use of more readily available chains.
Good luck
Randy