Cam chain master link

[tarzan]

I just reassembled my engine.I got the head on and cams installed today.
I used the master link that came with the chain from PNM.The problem is
that it's not like the master links I used before with the link then the piece
on the other side(figure 8 washer with two holes) and the lock/clip that slides into the grooves.
This link is just a regular link.So, I am worried that it needs to be swedged with something like all the other links in the chain.I clamped it together with vise grips,but am worried that it might not hold.
I would really appreciate some real guru insight on this.Should I worry or run it.Or, is there a old school master link available?

[Just In Case]

Peen it over. Put another hammer on the other side to provide resistance.

[trbig]

Yup.. the little posts that the link goes over are hollow. You put something on the back side to hold it, and use a center punch to widen those posts so the side can't come off. It's a PITA to do yourself... but it can be done.

I don't know that I'd just peen it over like an incorrectly hit nail though...

Tod

[tarzan]

Hey Tod,
Are sure those are hollow?Mine look like solid pins.I'll take a closer look after work today and see if can expand those things.There obviously aint much room in there for a center punch and a hammer.I'll have to get in there with my ten thumbs.lol
Rick

[trbig]

Well, the one I used from Partsnmore was?? But.. I think just peening it over would put it in a bind. You have to mushroom the head of it somehow I would think.

Yeah, a third hand to hold whatever you're hitting against would be really big help. Not all of us are like Ivan, with opposing thumbs on their feet also.

Tod

[jmnjrpa]

You can get a tool that does it from Harbor Freight. Chain breaker there also. Fairly cheap.

[Schming]

I just reassembled my engine.I got the head on and cams installed today.
I used the master link that came with the chain from PNM.The problem is
that it's not like the master links I used before with the link then the piece
on the other side(figure 8 washer with two holes) and the lock/clip that slides into the grooves.
This link is just a regular link.So, I am worried that it needs to be swedged with something like all the other links in the chain.I clamped it together with vise grips,but am worried that it might not hold.
I would really appreciate some real guru insight on this.Should I worry or run it.Or, is there a old school master link available?

Hi tarzan, Your on the right track about swedging. There's tool that is used for this and if you do a little research You will find them at a reasonable cost.
http://www.sudco.com/motionpro.html

[trbig]

You can get a tool that does it from Harbor Freight. Chain breaker there also. Fairly cheap.

Yeah, I saw one of those when I went in there last Friday. Looked like it would do a good job, and seems like I remember it being @ $15?? Under $20 anyway. It would break the old chain and finish up those ends on the new chain as he said.


Tod

[randy]

Last time I did one, I started it off with a centerpunch then peened it with a ball peen hammer. It hasn't blown up yet.

[Crazcnuk]

I used a center punch and a sledge hammer behind.

There is no side force on the cam chain, it's just to keep the loose side from falling off.

[dbeardslee]

I used the master link that came with the chain from PNM.The problem is
that it's not like the master links I used before with the link then the piece
on the other side(figure 8 washer with two holes) and the lock/clip that slides into the grooves.

Sounds like what you had on it before was a removable masterlink. The masterlink goes with the chain, and you just have to make sure you have the appropriate link for the chain. If you got the chain from pnm it should have had a rivet masterlink included that is correct for the chain. You could peen the links as was previously suggested, or Mikes XS sells a nice chain breaker/riveting tool. It not only rivets the link, it also provides you with the punch tool to take one apart. It's a lot easier than hammering on the link, but it'll cost you $44 plus shipping. JAT

[randy]

I've never seen a cam chain with a clip-on link, only seen them on rear wheel drive chains.

[dbeardslee]

I think I misread the original post. I was thinking that was the type of link that was on the chain, but in rereading I see where Tarzan only said that was the kind of link he was familiar with. Sounds like he might need a chain breaking tool sooner rather than later.

[tarzan]

I have a chain breaker.That is how I removed the old chain.Bt no riveter.

I did get a new chain from PNM, but installing the chain I smashed the link together with a pair of vise grips.It's difficult to get in there with a hammer and punch and a dolly behind the link.So I was thinking there has to be a tool to make it easy.But $44, I think I'll get a friend to hold a hammer behind it while I smash the pins.

To aggravate the problem, I decided to remove the link to get the timing dots closer to lining up(my dots won't align perfectly,close, but not perfect) and have beat the link up.So, now I am waiting for a new link from PNM

[Ivan]

I saw a chain riviter and breaker at Walmart of all places in the bicycle section. The set was not expensive, $14 maybe?