How to Install a Press Style Cam Chain Masterlink

Link to our in-depth article: https://support.common-motor.com/hc/e...
Purchase a cam chain for your vintage Honda: https://www.common-motor.com/search.a...
Purchase the chain breaker/press tool: https://www.common-motor.com/chain-br...

Questions come to us constantly about cam chains and master links over here at CMC. When the majority of these vintage Honda Motorcycles were put together at the factory, they used an endless cam chain that was installed with the crankshaft when the bottom end was assembled. If you are rebuilding the entire engine, this is still the best way to install your cam chain, master link or not. Motorcycles like the CB450, CL450, and CB500T have to use a master link because of the dual overhead camshaft setup and head design. You will also need a split cam chain if you are only wanting to do a top end rebuild or replace a stretched cam chain.

Buy a replacement cam chain: https://www.common-motor.com/search.a...

Our cam chains come with what is called a "press style" master link. What this means is that the master link is secured and held together by an interference fit between the master link center pins and holes in the outer plate of the master link. This is an incredibly strong connection that will last the life of the cam chain and is similar to how every link is assembled on the chain itself. You might also come across a rivet style master link. The OEM Honda cam chains used in the CB450, CL450, and CB500T used this style of master link which involved peening and mushrooming the end of the center pins of the master link as a method of securing the outer plate. Both styles work well, just be aware of which style you have so you install it correctly. 

Buy parts and pieces for your vintage Honda motorcycle at common-motor.com

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Need help with your vintage Honda? Attend the CMC Repair Academy and watch the full playlist of repair videos for your motorcycle:

   • CB175/CL175/SL175/CB200/CL200  
   • CB350/CL350/SL350  
   • CB360/CL360  
   • CB450/CL450/CB500t  
   • CB500K / CB550K / CB550F  
   • CB750K / CB750F  
   • CB350F / CB400F  
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Contents of this video:
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - What is a press style masterlink?
00:33 - When to install the masterlink
01:30 - Setting up the chain breaker / chain press tool
01:49 - Installing the masterlink
03:01 - Final tips