Need Help - Cam Chain Question

Is it OK to use the masterlink type cam chains in a high performance motor?? It seems the link would be just as strong as the others if the pins are staked properly. I have a 1260 kit with .425 cams.

I've read some discussion on this before, but I want to get some more opinions as things have gotten serious now. I am rebuilding the top end (head work, larger bore) and I just noticed that the cam chain is damaged. The cam chain was replaced not long ago (along with welding the crank, undercutting the trans, etc...) so I hate to split the cases if I don't have to.

Opinions Please??

Post edited by: 79MKII, at: 2006/10/30 16:22

I am very sorry too say but if you plan on not having to open your engine in the middle of just having fun on it, get the one with the master link. BUT, if you want to run high performance I would get something more permanent. there is no telling what might happen with all of that pull on the chain and plus I bet you arent even gonna go cruising alot like those big v engines. So do yourself a favor and do the extra work if you want to go that extra mile

I had a good long talk with my friend Jeff Saunders on this subject and sort of changed my mind... Get a real good quality chain for your application and split the cases. I know it adds about 8 hours work to the process... yank engine and scrape gaskets and about $75 for the gasket kit but if you had split the cases recently, the clean up shouldn't be bad. If you had a stocker I would say use a master link but since you have a higher power engine, go the extra yard... split...

I second the george even though he second me btu I respect the george and I feel good about myself now

Yep...call it peace of mind, insurance, whatever...but split those cases!!! It's winter, you have lots of time, and you know you want to...split those cases. After all you are doing to your motor, do it and yourself a favor and go the extra mile and put in a new endless chain. You won't have doubts down the road and you will actually feel better after you are done. It's winter...

yeah i think we went through this a while back.im thinking the consenus(? :blink: )was if its a stock rebuild or a mild motor the masterlink chain is ok,but if itsgonna be a powerhouse spend the time and money and split the cases.or as i always figured kawasaki put an endless chain in there for a reason. goodluck,happy wrenching!

You should probably have the crank welded and balanced while your at it.

Wow, I had given up on this post after nearly 2 weeks without a single reply...Better late than never!

Crank is already welded, but would sure be a great time to do it if not.

I appreciate and respect everyone's opinion on this. I guess my question is this: Where would one expect this cam chain to fail? If it's staked properly I don't think the side plate would come off. I also don't believe the masterlink to be any weaker than any of the other links that were put into place one at a time before being staked at the factory. Also keep in mind that the replacement chain would be a one pc unit that would be broken and then a masterlink attached. The only difference would be the masterlink.

George, I think this is similar to you're previous argument on this topic. (The one that convinced me to go with a masterlink chain)

One final thought in this reply...does anyone know of a masterlink-type cam chain failure??

Post edited by: 79MKII, at: 2006/11/08 09:49

Well,I'm not putting out the ponies that You are,but with what I have for an engine,and I'm not babying it...My cam-chain isn't an endless style,and in 2 seasons,I've had no problems.
I'll be pulling the valve-cover off,to get in and check My valves,etc.,and while I'm in there,I'll be checking the chain as well.

Sandy is that the boss with you in your avatar? MEOOOOW! Make sure she comes with you if you come down next summer!

I have never heard of a master liked cam chain.I do know that you MUST use an aftermarket higher stength heavy duty chain.If these chains come with a master link you should be ok,after all we all do it on the drive chain.But if you plan on splitting the heavey duty chain you had better make sure you have a heavy duty master link.But in the end if it were me,since I have never heard of this .I would play it safe and go 1 peace.

I installed a new cam chain with master link on my last rebuild 4 years ago. I am not easy on my bike, I flog it on a regular basis, So far so good.
I can't see where the chain would fail if properly installed. The pressure is on the side plates not on the staked part and if it is staked correctly it won't come off.
When I was younger I rebuilt numerous engines and due to money issues I swapped used cam chains all the time. I would use a used cam chain link for the master and stake it. Never had any issues with them.