Whats The Deal With The CCT'S
#1
Whats The Deal With The CCT'S
Ok so I just bought a mint 2002 SH... She has 3100 miles on her and doesnt even look like its been ridden... Im in the process of tuning her up and putting on an exhaust and I keep seeing the CCT problem pop up in threads... Whats the problem with the stock ones? Is there a set amount of miles where they become unreliable? what brand would you suggest for the SH and is it really needed?
#2
Reliability seems to vary, perhaps with how it was ridden or maintained... extended wheelies, prolonged idle on the sidestand, and running low on oil have been reported as possible causes of CCT failure.
Having said that, I recently replaced mine with OEM units, for preventive maintenance, at well over 60,000 miles. And I don't baby my bike, I enjoy the torque. I've also heard that the CCTs were upgraded in 2002.
Having said that, I recently replaced mine with OEM units, for preventive maintenance, at well over 60,000 miles. And I don't baby my bike, I enjoy the torque. I've also heard that the CCTs were upgraded in 2002.
#3
On an inline engine, there is one cam shaft for all cylinders, and often also one cam chain and tensioner... If the CCT fails, the other cylinders keep it going, keeping the chain from going slack and keeping things timed... In a V-twin there is one shaft and one CCT per cylinder... When the CCT fails you loose timing and the cylinder fails, it's that simple, nothing else keeping the chain from jumping a tooth ot two...
Becuase of that, it's more important to do preventive maintainance, since a "small" failure of the CCT usually results in an expensive repair...
#4
#6
Well since I was brought up............
The bike is still running strong. I swapped the first set of CCTs at around 50K and at the Honda recommended 30K after that.
So yes I am on my third set of CCTs.
Manual or auto either will work fine. Both have positives and negatives associated with their use.
I always recommend replacing them on a new to you SH as you don't know their history.
Unless they are manual units and then you should check to see how they are set and installed.
The bike is still running strong. I swapped the first set of CCTs at around 50K and at the Honda recommended 30K after that.
So yes I am on my third set of CCTs.
Manual or auto either will work fine. Both have positives and negatives associated with their use.
I always recommend replacing them on a new to you SH as you don't know their history.
Unless they are manual units and then you should check to see how they are set and installed.
Last edited by 8541Hawk; 02-13-2013 at 11:44 AM.
#7
When I retired my '89 Transalp, it had over 180,000 on the odo. The motor was fine and sellable even then.
#8
After the event we often have folk joining the Uk VTR forum wondering why their engines has inexplicably grenaded into a bag of nails. The lucky ones join before and have a chance of applying foresight and taking measures to prevent it from occurring.
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Busted Cam chain blown valves into cylinder...
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Busted Cam chain blown valves into cylinder...
Ok so I just bought a mint 2002 SH... She has 3100 miles on her and doesnt even look like its been ridden... Im in the process of tuning her up and putting on an exhaust and I keep seeing the CCT problem pop up in threads... Whats the problem with the stock ones? Is there a set amount of miles where they become unreliable? what brand would you suggest for the SH and is it really needed?
#9
Bikes are not cars... I always chuckle when people think a high mileage bike is like something to behold. There are plenty of very old bikes of all makes and models running strong out there.
When I retired my '89 Transalp, it had over 180,000 on the odo. The motor was fine and sellable even then.
When I retired my '89 Transalp, it had over 180,000 on the odo. The motor was fine and sellable even then.
#10
68,726 miles as of today, and my wife and I are going for an Ortega Hwy ride shortly to add to that. But as HRCA said, there are others on here with more miles, Mike being one of them.
I rolled the dice before changing my CCTs, knowing how I maintain and ride my bike. I had over 72,000 miles on my '78 CX500 when I sold it in 1986. They're Hondas after all.
I rolled the dice before changing my CCTs, knowing how I maintain and ride my bike. I had over 72,000 miles on my '78 CX500 when I sold it in 1986. They're Hondas after all.
#11
well I very **** about my bikes and always change everything before it really needs done... being as it only has 3K miles I will just change them at hondas suggested time or a little before... I had a APE CCT on my last CBR and it was a pain in the *** to mess with... So im going to just stick with the stock ones for now...
FWIW you only have to "mess" with a manual CCT once, I never found it to be a pain in the *** other than getting the install correct... if you mean this part then you have a valid point.
The people that run them for a long time have owned the bike since new or near new, so know how it has been treated. The could be a couple other factors involved, but that's enough for one post, lol!
#13
Most bikes don't have enough slack in the chain to skip teeth even if the tensioner goes. So it's not as big of deal if tensioners do break. Also most all inlines' cams run multiple cylinders so they don't have as much jerkyness to them as generally when one lobe is being pushed by a valve closing another valve on the same cam another lobe pushing one open so they better balance out. With ours each cam is operating one cylinder so it gets a good pull when opening the valve but when the valve closes it tries to snap the cam forward. The only thing stopping this is the CCT. So it gets a lot more jerking back and forth making it more prone to failure. Couple that with a chain that's got enough slack in it to be able to jump teeth on teh cam and you have a recipe for disaster.
#15
I see your points but wouldnt a tire and a cct be a totally diffrent thing... I meen after so long with no use yes the tires dry rot and the fork seals go bad but a cct going bad from no use whats the chances? I of course value the advice and all you guys have a lot more experience with this bike than me... So in your opinions I should change them now before riding season starts? Also installing the stock ones is just as simple and unbolting them and bolting some new ones in correct?
#16
Oh and i found a set of 2 on this website for $64.25... so ill need two number 4's and two gaskets witch are number 5's is that right? http://www.motosport.com/oem-parts/H...-%2B-TENSIONER
#17
First it's $64 ea for the tensioners on that site, not a set.
Comparing them to tires is applicable in that they are a wear item that relies on a spring to maintain tension.
That spring has sat in one position under tension for most of the last 10 yrs.
Now you want it to start moving and take the load of the cam chain?
It can and will do it for a little while, then normally the spring breaks and you're FUBARed....
Now you might get lucky and have them work fine, just like you might get lucky and have 10yr old tires work just fine, but is it really worth the risk?
It is much cheaper to do it now IMHO.
No it is not just a quick unbolt them and slap in the new one but it is not all that hard either.
There is a write up on how to change them..... search is your friend.
Though personally I always remove the front valve cover. Both to make sure everything is right in the front head and I also check the valve while I'm in there.
Comparing them to tires is applicable in that they are a wear item that relies on a spring to maintain tension.
That spring has sat in one position under tension for most of the last 10 yrs.
Now you want it to start moving and take the load of the cam chain?
It can and will do it for a little while, then normally the spring breaks and you're FUBARed....
Now you might get lucky and have them work fine, just like you might get lucky and have 10yr old tires work just fine, but is it really worth the risk?
It is much cheaper to do it now IMHO.
No it is not just a quick unbolt them and slap in the new one but it is not all that hard either.
There is a write up on how to change them..... search is your friend.
Though personally I always remove the front valve cover. Both to make sure everything is right in the front head and I also check the valve while I'm in there.
#18
$123.40 Ronayers.com 2 of all three parts you need.
LIFTER, TENSIONER (14520-MBB-013)2x$59.11 $118.21
WASHER (6MM) (90442-397-000) 2X $1.01 $2.01
GSKT, TENSIONER HOLE (14523-MAL-A00) 2X $1.59 $3.17
Sub Total: $123.40
Replacing the unknown condition, unknown used service part which has both a high probability of failure and significant risk of major damage if it does fail is just good preventative maintenance.
The choice on replacing those CCT's with another OEM set, or Manual set is the users for reasons that can read out here.
LIFTER, TENSIONER (14520-MBB-013)2x$59.11 $118.21
WASHER (6MM) (90442-397-000) 2X $1.01 $2.01
GSKT, TENSIONER HOLE (14523-MAL-A00) 2X $1.59 $3.17
Sub Total: $123.40
Replacing the unknown condition, unknown used service part which has both a high probability of failure and significant risk of major damage if it does fail is just good preventative maintenance.
The choice on replacing those CCT's with another OEM set, or Manual set is the users for reasons that can read out here.
Last edited by E.Marquez; 02-15-2013 at 04:23 AM.
#21
My 98 was purchased from it's second owner in 2005, had 3,600 miles.
I installed APE Manual CCT's.
21,000 miles later over 7 years with the tach running up to, at times over and most times close to redline I have had no need to adjust the MCCT's Except once, but that was only due to having the head off to fix a coolant leak.
If there is any doubt in the competence and experience of the Tech (user) installing the CCT's, go with Autos, follow the install procedures and forget um for 15~20k miles, then repeat the replacement procedure.
If installed poorly, the MCCTs can do more harm then good (this is true of a ACCT as well, but your only talking the cam timing)
#22
If there is any doubt in the competence and experience of the Tech (user) installing the CCT's, go with Autos, follow the install procedures and forget um for 15~20k miles, then repeat the replacement procedure.
If installed poorly, the MCCTs can do more harm then good (this is true of a ACCT as well, but your only talking the cam timing)
If installed poorly, the MCCTs can do more harm then good (this is true of a ACCT as well, but your only talking the cam timing)
Once installed correctly, MCCT's will not break and you won't ever need to replace them. Installing them is a bit more involved.
Autos you will have to replace again at some point (if you plan on using the bike for awhile). $120 every 20k miles isn't really that expensive everything considered.
#23
Well since I was brought up............
The bike is still running strong. I swapped the first set of CCTs at around 50K and at the Honda recommended 30K after that.
So yes I am on my third set of CCTs.
Manual or auto either will work fine. Both have positives and negatives associated with their use.
I always recommend replacing them on a new to you SH as you don't know their history.
Unless they are manual units and then you should check to see how they are set and installed.
The bike is still running strong. I swapped the first set of CCTs at around 50K and at the Honda recommended 30K after that.
So yes I am on my third set of CCTs.
Manual or auto either will work fine. Both have positives and negatives associated with their use.
I always recommend replacing them on a new to you SH as you don't know their history.
Unless they are manual units and then you should check to see how they are set and installed.
Last edited by Northman69; 02-15-2013 at 07:19 PM.
#24
And how many SuperHawks has this tech worked on or around?
I've been around them since '97 but it's all good.
Sorry you felt retarded....bet you'll feel even more retarded if the CCT lets go but again it's all good.
Good luck with your bike.
#25
Everyone has their opinion, but again, I replaced my original CCTs at 63,783 miles (front) and 67,285 miles (rear), and the originals were still functioning just fine. I used OEM CCTs for replacement.
I'm 66, but age has nothing to do with how a bike is ridden. Every time I ride my bike the throttle gets twisted wide open. It's just too much fun!
I'm 66, but age has nothing to do with how a bike is ridden. Every time I ride my bike the throttle gets twisted wide open. It's just too much fun!
The reality is, unless you did a metallurgic inspection on your old ones, you really have no idea what there condition was, you just know they had not failed yet.. Which is good and a valid observation.
It has been observed and reported many, many times, ACCT's failing causing minor damage to massive engine destruction.
Based on the many reports of ACCT failure, I do not believe we know why some fail in so few miles, a larger amount fail in the 18-20k range, and some make it to 67,285 miles with no indication of anything wrong with them.
That unknown failure point is the driving fact in recommending replacement with a manual CCT of which the only known failure point, is the installation.
As VTRsurfer said.. that... is just my opinion based on my observations and experience.
All Done now
Last edited by E.Marquez; 02-16-2013 at 05:56 AM.
#26
I do value all of your opinions and again I know you all know a lot more about this bike than i do... And im very **** about keeping my bike in perfect shape... The guy who looked at my bike had been a honda tech for 20 years and owned a 98 SH... He just basically said that yes they go out by how the bike was ridden but in his opinion lack of use would not make them go bad... I had the bike inspected and 2 or 3 tech's there made comments like " Cleanest 02 hawk they have ever seen"... It checked out good so I feel good about it... I take care of my bikes and will be sure to keep an eye on them and again thanks for all the info guys
#27
Did they take the CCTS out and check the springs for corrosion?
If he's so confident in the standard OEM CCTS will he offer parts & labour warranty to fix the engine if on the 'off-chance' they happen to fail.
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Camchain tensioner failure!!!
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - No longer a virgin.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...-failed-28786/
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...s-25527/page2/
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ck-boom-26943/ ('04 with 7800 miles)
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...84/#post238766
If he's so confident in the standard OEM CCTS will he offer parts & labour warranty to fix the engine if on the 'off-chance' they happen to fail.
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - Camchain tensioner failure!!!
www.vtr1000.org • View topic - No longer a virgin.
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...-failed-28786/
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...s-25527/page2/
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ck-boom-26943/ ('04 with 7800 miles)
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...84/#post238766
Last edited by Wicky; 02-16-2013 at 05:10 PM.
#28
Most bikes don't have enough slack in the chain to skip teeth even if the tensioner goes. So it's not as big of deal if tensioners do break. Also most all inlines' cams run multiple cylinders so they don't have as much jerkyness to them as generally when one lobe is being pushed by a valve closing another valve on the same cam another lobe pushing one open so they better balance out. With ours each cam is operating one cylinder so it gets a good pull when opening the valve but when the valve closes it tries to snap the cam forward. The only thing stopping this is the CCT. So it gets a lot more jerking back and forth making it more prone to failure. Couple that with a chain that's got enough slack in it to be able to jump teeth on teh cam and you have a recipe for disaster.
I see your points but wouldnt a tire and a cct be a totally diffrent thing... I meen after so long with no use yes the tires dry rot and the fork seals go bad but a cct going bad from no use whats the chances? I of course value the advice and all you guys have a lot more experience with this bike than me... So in your opinions I should change them now before riding season starts? Also installing the stock ones is just as simple and unbolting them and bolting some new ones in correct?
If your unsure,change them,set the cams to avoid your timing jumping out,and change the gaskets while your in there
Last edited by VeeTR; 02-17-2013 at 02:04 PM.
#29
Big +1 on this. You only have to read a couple of stories of unexpected failures ("I thought they'd be fine and replace them next summer!") to realize that you're still gambling somewhat without knowing the odds. There are plenty of superhawks out there with no failures, but being on a forum where people come to look for advice, CCT failures are a common enough occurence that it's right at the very top of things to know about the bike if you are new to it that comes up. What you do with the info is totally up to you...
#30
I'll second replacing the CCT's since I bought the my superhawk and there was slight noise from the cam chain and within two weeks the noise was worse. I parked it at that point and ordered manual tensioners. Once I replaced them it was better than when I bought it perfectly smooth no noise. I'll also say to pay close attention to torquing the two mounting bolts for each tensioner and make sure to loctite them. I didn't and two days after installing the tensioners I had the front assembly back out and as a result I bent the valves.
ADHD Version: Replace tensioners, torque bolts properly and remember the loctite!
ADHD Version: Replace tensioners, torque bolts properly and remember the loctite!