2k? Ouch. May be time to think about retiring Old Faithful or becoming an instant expert on replacing a 550 alternator chain.
The problem is further complicated by the fact that '83 was the only year the 550 was produced, so parts are more scarce than other model Nighthawks. Though you might be able to scrounge up what you need used on Ebay if you can find someone parting one out. Sounds like a hassle, either way. On Nov 30, 2:43 pm, EJ Reinagel <[email protected]> wrote: > Thanks for the info. I have the Honda service manuel and in it it clearly > shows an alternator chain, in a very hard to get location. Sadly it was a > Honda shop that I took it to and they quoted 2k for the job. > On Nov 30, 2011, at 11:33 AM, surfswab wrote: > > > > > No experience with that particular issue here either, but I like to > > study up on such things. > > > Judging from the exploded view of the alternator assembly for your > > bike, I agree with Allen that the alternator looks like it's driven by > > a shaft, not a chain. > > > If you are hearing chain noise (sounds like marbles rattling around > > the inside of the engine), it's more likely a cam chain tensioner > > issue, caused by a weakened spring that maintains the tension. That's > > a known Honda issue. > > > If I'm correct (and I could very well not be), that could be a > > blessing. According to the exploded view I looked at, most of the > > alternator assembly parts for your bike have been discontinued. > > > If it's the cam chain tensioner, that's repairable, but I can't tell > > you how. You'll have to get a Clymer or Honda service manual and > > study up on the procedure. I'd be wary of what your shop tells you. > > It doesn't sound like they specialize in Hondas. > > > You can see the exploded views of all the assemblies on your bike at > > this link: > > >http://www.servicehonda.com > > > To navigate to your bike, click Easy OEM Lookup/Motorcycles/Honda, > > then the year and make of your bike. > > > On Nov 29, 10:34 pm, ej <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Hey all, > >> have had my 83 cb550sc for about 15years now, I don't own a car so I > >> ride 365. well the bike is making noise and the shop says it is > >> alternator chain, has anyone replaced one? How hard is it? what > >> happens if I don't replace it? Any help would appreciated. I am at > >> 57k miles and want to keep riding. thanks. > > > -- > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > > "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. > > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > > [email protected]. > > For more options, visit this group > > athttp://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
