dropped cam chain

OK... despite all the warnings on this.... I dropped the cam chain down when pulling off the head gasket. I really don't want to break the case the rest of the way, or am i going to have to? (this is on the 85 700)

 

I done this once if not twice by accident as well. Just used a wire hanger bent to hook and grab the chain. Only other advice I could say is to just be certain that the chain is back on the sprocket of the camshaft... lol

I wouldn't think its the end of the world having the chain with a loss of tension off the crankshaft as long as its put back correctly. However, I'm not saying its okay to freely drop the chain when disassembling the upper engine...accidents happen

Don't sweat the small stuff! That being said, I vote that you shouldn't have to split the case. others will chime in

 

I don't want to split the case if I don't have to.... This bike sat forever, and was used as a dirtbike/farm transportation... What used to be oil is this sticky gooey stinky sludge. Had to pull the clutch, oil pan, camshafts, top end to get this crap cleaned out. (the oil pan had about 1/4 inch of hard sludge in it). From what I can see, the middle gears look OK. I don't want to break it down further if I don't have to. I think i'm in over my head already, don't want to go any further, unless I have to

 

I have dropped the cam chain also. You do need to make sure that the chain is back on correctly as moellear said.
I think at worst you should be able to just pull the oil pan to put the chain back in place.

 

Yea, I know... I also have this lingering concern with the chain guide too. I have it this far torn down. Dont want to button it up then have to tear it apart again in the forseable future.

 

i just recently put a new head gasket on, i also dropped the chain, i left it down there untill i had the head back in place, used a coat hanger pulled it up and carefully around the crankshaft gear, then to make sure there were no kinks i rotated the crank back and forth 1/2 revolution in both directions. mine is a 1983 750 maxim, then i tied it up with a wire while in reinstalled the cams.

 

You might also try a small telescoping handle magnet like they sell at the auto parts stores. Might be easier than trying to catch it with a bent wire.....

 

You were taking a chance putting the head on without the cam chain in place, I have had to remove the guides to get a chain back on the sprocket.