CA77 Transmission & Kick Starter Shafts Endplay and more

GeorgeP1111 · Post by **GeorgeP1111** » Mon Aug 16, 2010 1:51 pm

I pulled the Rt. case cover off of my newly acquired 1968 CA77 Dream to clean/check/re-lube the clutch lifter assembly and replace the cable (sticky clutch issues).

While I was in there I noticed that the Drive Sprocket is loose on the shaft splines even tho the Fixing Plate is secured tightly by the two 6x12 bolts, is it suppose to be loose or locked tight to the shaft?

While looking at the above, I saw that the whole Transmission Main Shaft would move in/out a tad so I put the dial indicator on it and measured .028 endplay.

I checked the Kick Starter shaft as well and that has .0565 endplay.

The bike has 18,300 miles on the clock so I am expecting to find some wear, but I don't know how much is considered still acceptable and I don't want to damage anything further. Comments on my loose Drive Sprocket and endplay?

I also saw that the Starter Chain appears to be quite stretched because it is dragging on the case. The Starting Motor Sprocket and what I could see of the Starter Sprocket still look good and there is no Idler that I could see that would take up this slack. Time for a new chain, or how about a small piece of Teflon on the case to prevent damage?

Thanks for any suggestions.

George

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 1:27 pm

George, the play is normal. Bill talks about shimming the trans in his engine guide, so it ca be done, but normally not really necessary. Starter chain is normal as well, it only turns when the starter is engaged, and the slack is the taken up. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

GeorgeP1111 · Post by **GeorgeP1111** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 2:17 pm

davomoto wrote:If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Words to Live By, will do. Thanks for the reply.

What about the Drive Sprocket being loose on the transmission splines? I know "Loose" is a relative term and I should have measured it when I had things apart (hindsight 20-20??). I was able to cause the sprocket to lean in/out a bit and I think I also saw just a very little of clockwise/counterclockwise movement on is also. The Fixing Plate was tightened and did not move.

My engine/transmission sounds sure sounds noisy and I'm hoping to find someone in the area (Mpls/St.Paul) that has a 305 engine that I can compare to mine. I'm new enough to this engine that I'm not sure whats normal and whats not.

I also notice a noise when I decelerate. I mentioned this to a friend that in a past life was a dealer's motorcycle mechanic (not Honda) and he said that often the "Idler" gears in the transmission will make noise when decelerating and not to worry.

I'm having fun tho :-)

tnx agn

George

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 3:34 pm

Yes, also normal to have play in the drive sprocket. These engines tend to be a bit noisy for sure. Ride and enjoy!

GeorgeP1111 · Post by **GeorgeP1111** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:43 am

davomoto wrote:Ride and enjoy!

Will do.... I put close to 300 miles on it in the last 4 weeks and hope to get more on before the snow comes.

tnx
George