Primary chain master link?

I've swapped out the cam chain on two bikes using a master link so I wouldn't have to split the case. Never had any problem with them. I was wondering if a master link was available for the primary chain so I could do the same thing? Anyone know?

That's interesting. What type of camchain did you put the master link in? Was it a roller chain, or the newer Hyvo type camchain?

a master link is very common for a drive chains. the newer 530's are going away from them now though.

About the only chain I'd put a master link on is the drive chain. It is still the weakest link. Never seen go one but heard what a snapped cam chain can do. I imagine a primary could also do some good damage too. For that matter sometimes a drive chain letting go is not pretty. A good reason to take care of your chain and inspect it often especially the master. Never heard of a HiVo master link.

The cam chains I did were rollers (didn't know there was anything else?). By primary chain I mean in the engine, not the drive chain. I've found that master links are perfectly fine if installed right. All the parts are just as strong as a regular link except the clip, and it is fine if fully seated, and installed in the right direction.

I know that the primary chain is not a roller type, but I'm sure there are links master links for one, but where?

polkat wrote:

The cam chains I did were rollers (didn't know there was anything else?). By primary chain I mean in the engine, not the drive chain. I've found that master links are perfectly fine if installed right.

Maybe, but I would never run one on a primary drive chain.

polkat wrote:

I know that the primary chain is not a roller type, but I'm sure there are links master links for one, but where?

I have never seen one.

Am thinking this is the link for HiVo cam chain.

Link for HiVo cam chain available from Z1E

Good Luck!

Patton, that looks like a re-riveting cam chain master link, not a clip type. I'd bet that would be every bit as strong as a continous chain if re-riveted correctly! Thanks for that link.

The cam chains I swapped may have been Hi-Vo, although I remember them as roller. Also did some Honda's that way, which may be confusing me. That reminds me to ask, Can a Hi-Vo chain be used to replace a roller type for the cam? Or did Kawa use different spockets on the 750 crank/cams?

Looking at that link, and thinking about it, one could probably make a primary master from an old chain.

The big problem with clip type masters, particularly with rear drive chains, is that the clip can get hit with rocks and other trash and get knocked off. But in enclosed areas (like a cam chain) they are perfectly safe if installed properly. They get a bad rep that's (other then the drive chain) not always deserved.

polkat wrote:

in enclosed areas (like a cam chain) they are perfectly safe if installed properly. They get a bad rep that's (other then the drive chain) not always deserved.

definitely a psychological fear against a non-riveted chain.

1977-~1980 kz650's used roller cam chains; after ~1980 and all kz/gpz 750 4 cylinders used hyvo cam chains.

The primary chain is like 4" wide. I have never seen a masterlink for such a wide chain. Good luck!

Most psychological fears have a root in some reality. I guess in a riveted chain some mook could screw it up and produce a weakened chain and I guess a manufacturing glitch could produce a weakened endless chain. I also suppose a guide block or vibrations could influence a clip for that matter. We have a large amount of people here it would be interesting to poll and see how many have a clipped master on their cam chain or primary. And if any have ever failed.

I know of a 71' Honda DOHC450 that snapped a factory cam chain at 45,000. Made a mess of the head.

For those of you not familiar with the 650/750 four engines they employ a hy-vo/multiplate primary chain that ties the crank to the secondary shaft through the starter clutch housing (see pic below).

The primary chains are notorious for rattling especially at idle/low rpms, which is about the only reason I can see for replacing one. I have never ever seen a primary chain break, nor have I ever even heard of one breaking.

I doubt that a masterlink is available for the primary chain, and even if it was I wouldn't use one anyway - if the primary chain is worn/stretched beyond service limit, chances are most of the engine innards (bearings, crank sleeves etc.) will be too so you'd have to split the cases anyway to replace those in which case you might as well install a new endless primary chain.

As for the cam chain I wouldn't think twice about using a riveted master link - if you take your bike to a bike shop and ask them to replace the cam chain I'd bet 99% would use a master link. Why? Because very few wants to pay a shop what it costs to split the cases and install an endless chain. In fact all the endless cam chains I ever bought came with a master link, probably for the very same reason.

Mind you, we're talking riveted master links, I have never seen a clip type cam chain master link, nor would I ever use one.

Btw, no a hy-vo cam chain can't be used to replace a roller chain - the crank is different, the cam sprockets are different, cylinder block is different, cylinder head is different, valve cover is different and the cam chain guides are different (roller uses idler gears, hy-vo uses sliding blocks}.