A Tale of Two Cam Chains

[3Phase]

Two new cam chains and the old chain from my '79SF.




"EK29H" 219H chain from E.K. Enuma Chain Mfg. Co., Ltd. -- avoid this chain.




D.I.D. 219FTS(S) DHA chain from Daido Corp. -- use this chain.




The old chain from my '79 Special. The master link was not riveted correctly and it was beginning to fail.




More information about Daido's DHA process:-

Daido DHA chain process

[3Phase]

219 Chain Specs from the Dado Catalog



I measured the chain dimensions of the two new chains and the old '79SF chain.



It's a little hard to read but the D.I.D.'s measured specs don't match their catalog. Oh, well, it's a very good chain.

[Jerry]

DID has a good reputation. When I replaced the XJ's cam chain (several years ago) I used a DID chain. Compared to the used and original Yamaha chain the DID appeared to be of heavier build.

iced to see the die-by side comparison!

[3Phase]

I found a link to another forum where the EK29H broke, ripped the link right off. From what little information I can find on the 'net, the 29H isn't the same as a standard 219H. It's an endless chain but looking at it in my hand I definitely would not split case to put it on.

The thing that gets me is that the "05" chain series listed in the catalog has an 8.00 pitch and the 219 has 7.774 but it's sold in several places as a straight replacement or a "Heavy Duty" alternative. Tsubaki.

It's the wrong chain, aside from the pitch. The rollers are a lot bigger and wouldn't fit the gears. That might be what's caused some of those anecdotes from people that put on a new chain and say, "My cam timing dots don't line up at TDC."