Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement - Discuss Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Honda CBR XX Resource Center. (Technical Articles, Tips, Tricks, How-To's and other useful resources for the Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird. You cannot post new threads in this forum. Threads containing useful Tips, Tricks, and How-To's will be moved here by Staff as needed.)

gudgravy · 02-05-2007, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lois

It isn't so much a question of like or Diss- like.

On one hand, my XX has 38000k and I was on my 3rd auto CCT. So, putting a manual unit on looked like the way to go.(made sense)

But, on the other hand.....

What I didn't (don't) like about the APE unit was, the fact the the instructions that came with it made perfect sense, until I read them a few times....and then they didn't. Also, while doing some research on installing the APE , I found that there were 12 different suggestions from different folks, on how to properly adjust the thing.

It would seem to me that for something as important as a manual CCT, there should only be 1 or 2 different ways to set one up....not 12.

As for the how it turned out...well, I do live in the artic, and can't fully test this CCT out until March in AZ. But, that being said, I have run and run the crap out of my engine in the shop, and so far so good.

Maybe I would recommend the APE to more people if there was a absolute clear set of instructions, that left no doubt.

But until APE or Warchild or myself, writes these instructions to go with the APE unit, I still say that the average guy, working out of his car garage with simple hand tools should stick to the Honda unit.

My buddy Richard (a seasoned bike mechanic or 22 years) put mine in a few days ago with no instructions and it works like a charm. No removal of the Top cover required! Really it is not as complicated as some would have it made out to be! Granted the stock CCT is plug-and-play but I like the APE because it is simple, almost never will go out of adjustment and I only have to buy it once! Good shit! My motor is not on For Sale/Wanted either. The only drawback that he said it would have is that my rubber CCT guide may wear faster but that is all. I recommend it after being confounded with the stock after only a few thousand miles.....

Angelski19 · 02-05-2007, 11:17 PM

Thanks for all the info. I didn't know that about the key. I wonder what happends when you take the key out. As long as it works I will be happy!

PJNXX · 02-06-2007, 7:13 AM

Read this previous post:

Quote:

Originally Posted by haWHYnXX

"CCT" is a misnomer. What you are actually replacing is the lifter set. It comes with a pin in the center hole. Replace the "CCT" by R/R the 2 bolts, then pull the pin from the center hole. It releases a spring that keeps tension on the "real" cam chain tensioner. That tension is what kills the rattle.

superxx · 03-01-2007, 7:52 PM

Hi,

113.000Km in my BB, and still original CCT.
But, there is some noise now... maybe is reaching the time to change.

SuperXX

Angelski19 · 03-04-2007, 10:27 AM

Hey guys. I replaced my CCT and the nosie is still there. Beware because this CCT may not in fact solve the problem. I will have to crack the engine and replace the chain itself as well as the guides that the chain slides on. Oh well, it was worth a shot at a cheep fix!!!

PJNXX · 04-16-2007, 10:23 PM

When replacing the CCT it is a good idea to keep the "stopper" tool (1mm thick key-shaped piece of metal) that you remove from the new CCT. You will need it again when checking your valve clearance. Prior to performing the actual check, this tool would first be inserted in the top of the CCT and turned in to take the tension off the cam chain. These directions are per the Factory Service Manual.

billypf · 04-25-2007, 5:42 PM

Do you just pull the old one out or is there something that you have to do before you pull it out ?

PJNXX · 04-25-2007, 8:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billypf

Do you just pull the old one out or is there something that you have to do before you pull it out ?

Just pull it out. Personally, I like to remove the 8mm bolt from the top of the CCT before removing the 2 socket head bolts, but it's not necessary to do so.

billypf · 04-25-2007, 8:30 PM

sounds good. Just double checking. I think that i will install mine this weekend. Since i wont be riding until i get my new chain. I may have to take out the old man's whale ( My dad's '96 yamaha royal Star)

slyxdevil · 05-04-2007, 11:56 AM

i just ordered one from john will have it tuesday!

fzrcbrklxrider · 05-05-2007, 12:18 PM

PM sent, John you also got the plastic frame plug's ? if so how much with shipping ? Thanks

Smokey · 05-08-2007, 10:06 PM

I replaced the CCT on my Blackbird last weekend. Its a 1999 with about 44000k. What a difference! The engine went very quiet.

Thank you all for the info

John01XX · 05-08-2007, 10:10 PM

I am bringing back Frame Plugs and Ride Height Spacers from England when I go on my annual trip to paticipate in the UK BlackBird Bash.
Will be staying with Jaws for 6 days and then retuning on the 30th of May.

slyxdevil · 05-09-2007, 10:55 AM

i bought my ride height spacer 6mm from jaws
i gott the cct what a differance so quite like day i bought it

DaveNTsXX · 07-21-2007, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billypf

sounds good. Just double checking. I think that i will install mine this weekend. Since i wont be riding until i get my new chain. I may have to take out the old man's whale ( My dad's '96 yamaha royal Star)

From those in the aussie side to this threadm I now have to change my chain and guide aswell. i changed my CCT and didnt do a friggin thing to help. And only after 54000k too. bugger didnt want to this may have to send to honda in Darwin with the parts i bought. good thing i`m a HRCA member!!! lol

later2day · 07-23-2007, 9:51 AM

I'm very pleased to learn about the CCT problem on the Bird. I was definitely concerned about the noise coming from my bike in the 3 to 4 thousand RPM range and will get on that issue as soon as I get the part in. It's forums like these that make all the difference, and I am happy as hell to have been turned on to it by Dutch out of Nashville. Thanks for the information guys!

OZDave · 07-23-2007, 9:56 AM

Welcome to the forum later2day. These are a useful bunch of guys to know. Friendly too.

John01XX · 07-23-2007, 10:56 AM

I just now replied to your PM on the CCT Brian.

They are listed on my website ready to ship out.

Welcome to the Site

DaveNTsXX · 07-24-2007, 8:47 AM

Well things turned to poo this morning. This rattle i had even after changing the CCT turns out may be the counter balance shaft or even the balancers themselves. The mechanic at Honda said there are 2 guides down there, 1 in the front and one (easy replacement on this one) at the rear. So I am getting them to do a major service and replace both guides and chain. I will be in constant contact with them but for the next 3 months I will be away overseas so a mate will be taking care of the bike for me. So in the meantime, thanks for all your help so far and i`ll provide an update on where and what I have been doing as well as the problem for the bike upon my return

Cheers

Dave

Banshee · 08-07-2007, 12:41 AM

My cam chain rattle was caused by the guides... Not the chain or tensioner...

later2day · 08-07-2007, 3:33 PM

I received my CCT in a very timely fashion (Thanks John01XX) and finally had the chance to replace it last week. The whole job from walking up to the bike to sitting back down for a beer might have taken me 40 minutes to accomplish. I did as was suggested and put the bolt from the old CCT into the new CCT at the top, but used the new hardware everywhere else. This could not have been easier, and the result is exactly as hoped for. There is no more rattle at all.

So chalk one up for the forums, it saved me money, and I learned a new trick for the bird!

** If your bird is rattling from 3 to 4,000 RPM give this fix a try, you may be as fortunate as myself with the repair.

John01XX · 08-07-2007, 5:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by later2day

I received my CCT in a very timely fashion (Thanks John01XX) and finally had the chance to replace it last week. The whole job from walking up to the bike to sitting back down for a beer might have taken me 40 minutes to accomplish. I did as was suggested and put the bolt from the old CCT into the new CCT at the top, but used the new hardware everywhere else. This could not have been easier, and the result is exactly as hoped for. There is no more rattle at all.

So chalk one up for the forums, it saved me money, and I learned a new trick for the bird!

** If your bird is rattling from 3 to 4,000 RPM give this fix a try, you may be as fortunate as myself with the repair.

I can't help but think of "The Monkeys" when I see your hometown !!

"Take the last train to Clarksville,
And I'll meet you at the station"

Showing my age now !!

Glad the CCT took care of you.

John

brushbuddy · 09-02-2007, 3:08 PM

All you people are on here are evey helpfull.I had a marble noise around 3 to 4 thousand RMP'S.Read about it here and changed it and wala,its fixed.Bought the part from John01XX.Excellent price and fast delivery.Couldnt say enough.thanks.

John01XX · 09-02-2007, 5:46 PM

BrushBuddy, Now just show up in Towanda, PA next weekend so I can hear how well the CCT worked for you !!

I am arriving on Thursday afternoon in Pennsylvania and leaving to come back home to Florida on Monday.

meky · 01-19-2008, 2:30 PM

Hi! I have a question. I have '99 BB PGM FI with 65000 km. Must I change cam chain or just CCT? I don't have some sounds on engine when starting or driving it sound nice but the 65000 kilometers ( cca 106000 miles ).
Thanks!

lois · 01-19-2008, 8:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meky

Hi! I have a question. I have '99 BB PGM FI with 65000 km. Must I change cam chain or just CCT? I don't have some sounds on engine when starting or driving it sound nice but the 65000 kilometers ( cca 106000 miles ).
Thanks!

You should only have to change the CCT.

I am very surprised that you haven't had to do so as of yet.....but for the 30 minutes it takes, it is very very good insurance.

Lou

AndyM · 03-01-2008, 8:53 AM

Thanks Warchild,

I have an XXW BlackBird with 52,000 miles on the clock, recently it has sounded like a bag or marbles right through the rev range from tick over to 5000 revs. I consulted with my local Honda Dealer who told me it would cost a fortune to rectify and could even be terminal and maybe I should even think about gettig rid of it.

No Way I love my bird.

Within 5 minutes of googling I found your post and thought why not try it, at a cost of £55 and 20 minutes work the CCT was changed and what a difference, the Bird sounds like new no rattles at all.

Needless to say I will looking for a new dealer to service my Bird from now on.

Great post it saved me a fortune.

Andy

radu46 · 03-06-2008, 3:20 AM

i have this problem too. this marble thing makes me very

. yesterday i order de cct and the gasket and here in romania cost 81,25 euro. the problem is y dont have the courege to change the cct my self because some mecanics from honda told me is not as simple as it seems and if i dont do it properly i could damege my bike. i read all in this topik and it dosent seem to be so hard to do it. is there a trik on mounting properly?
the cct remove the problem only for a wile but the real problem is the chain and the part that the cct is pushing on.
my bb has 37000km it is normal to have this problem at this km?

i think it counts the way you ride it, if you push her to the limit it is posible that the cct from the moment you change it it will last only for 10000-14000km but if you ride the bike more soft it will go 20000km. but if you change the cct and also the chain with the 2 pices that are presing on him, at the same time then you wil go at least 40000km before having the marble problem again.

MLT7538 · 03-15-2008, 10:21 AM

Nice

rychefan156 · 03-29-2008, 8:23 PM

Thanks warchild. I used a double green dot from John, but printed off your discussion above. Took all of 5 minutes and seems to have quieted the rocket down some.

02-05-2007, 11:17 PM	#32
Angelski19 Join Date: Jan 17 2007 Location: New York Posts: 24	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Thanks for all the info. I didn't know that about the key. I wonder what happends when you take the key out. As long as it works I will be happy!

03-01-2007, 7:52 PM	#34
superxx Join Date: Feb 18 2007 Location: Portugal Posts: 12	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Hi, 113.000Km in my BB, and still original CCT. But, there is some noise now... maybe is reaching the time to change. SuperXX

03-04-2007, 10:27 AM	#35
Angelski19 Join Date: Jan 17 2007 Location: New York Posts: 24	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Hey guys. I replaced my CCT and the nosie is still there. Beware because this CCT may not in fact solve the problem. I will have to crack the engine and replace the chain itself as well as the guides that the chain slides on. Oh well, it was worth a shot at a cheep fix!!!

04-16-2007, 10:23 PM	#36
PJNXX Moderator Join Date: Nov 12 2006 Location: Medford, NY Age: 40 Posts: 1,904	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement When replacing the CCT it is a good idea to keep the "stopper" tool (1mm thick key-shaped piece of metal) that you remove from the new CCT. You will need it again when checking your valve clearance. Prior to performing the actual check, this tool would first be inserted in the top of the CCT and turned in to take the tension off the cam chain. These directions are per the Factory Service Manual. __________________ -Paul

04-25-2007, 5:42 PM	#37
billypf Join Date: Mar 20 2007 Location: Sleepy Hollow, IL Age: 22 Posts: 614	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Do you just pull the old one out or is there something that you have to do before you pull it out ?

04-25-2007, 8:30 PM	#39
billypf Join Date: Mar 20 2007 Location: Sleepy Hollow, IL Age: 22 Posts: 614	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement sounds good. Just double checking. I think that i will install mine this weekend. Since i wont be riding until i get my new chain. I may have to take out the old man's whale ( My dad's '96 yamaha royal Star)

05-04-2007, 11:56 AM	#40
slyxdevil Join Date: May 02 2007 Location: sussex nj Posts: 228	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement i just ordered one from john will have it tuesday! __________________ hard to steer when the devils driving,brakes who needs em they only slow you down NOW ROCK ME UP TO 135!!

05-05-2007, 12:18 PM	#41
fzrcbrklxrider Join Date: Apr 08 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 209	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement PM sent, John you also got the plastic frame plug's ? if so how much with shipping ? Thanks __________________ When exotic dancer's compete you win !!!

05-08-2007, 10:06 PM	#42
Smokey Join Date: Apr 25 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada Age: 43 Posts: 3	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement I replaced the CCT on my Blackbird last weekend. Its a 1999 with about 44000k. What a difference! The engine went very quiet. Thank you all for the info

05-08-2007, 10:10 PM	#43
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement I am bringing back Frame Plugs and Ride Height Spacers from England when I go on my annual trip to paticipate in the UK BlackBird Bash. Will be staying with Jaws for 6 days and then retuning on the 30th of May. __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

05-09-2007, 10:55 AM	#44
slyxdevil Join Date: May 02 2007 Location: sussex nj Posts: 228	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement i bought my ride height spacer 6mm from jaws i gott the cct what a differance so quite like day i bought it __________________ hard to steer when the devils driving,brakes who needs em they only slow you down NOW ROCK ME UP TO 135!! Last edited by slyxdevil; 05-09-2007 at 1:15 PM.

07-23-2007, 9:51 AM	#46
later2day Join Date: Jan 20 2007 Location: Clarksville, TN Age: 41 Posts: 5	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement I'm very pleased to learn about the CCT problem on the Bird. I was definitely concerned about the noise coming from my bike in the 3 to 4 thousand RPM range and will get on that issue as soon as I get the part in. It's forums like these that make all the difference, and I am happy as hell to have been turned on to it by Dutch out of Nashville. Thanks for the information guys!

07-23-2007, 9:56 AM	#47
OZDave Join Date: Oct 16 2006 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 808	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Welcome to the forum later2day. These are a useful bunch of guys to know. Friendly too. __________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me!

07-23-2007, 10:56 AM	#48
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement I just now replied to your PM on the CCT Brian. They are listed on my website ready to ship out. Welcome to the Site __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

07-24-2007, 8:47 AM	#49
DaveNTsXX Da Birdie Join Date: Jun 19 2007 Location: Northside Brissie QLD Orstraylya Age: 39 Posts: 50	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Well things turned to poo this morning. This rattle i had even after changing the CCT turns out may be the counter balance shaft or even the balancers themselves. The mechanic at Honda said there are 2 guides down there, 1 in the front and one (easy replacement on this one) at the rear. So I am getting them to do a major service and replace both guides and chain. I will be in constant contact with them but for the next 3 months I will be away overseas so a mate will be taking care of the bike for me. So in the meantime, thanks for all your help so far and i`ll provide an update on where and what I have been doing as well as the problem for the bike upon my return Cheers Dave

08-07-2007, 12:41 AM	#50
Banshee Join Date: Jun 21 2007 Location: Springwood, West of Hell (Sydney), Australia Age: 43 Posts: 1,079	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement My cam chain rattle was caused by the guides... Not the chain or tensioner...

08-07-2007, 3:33 PM	#51
later2day Join Date: Jan 20 2007 Location: Clarksville, TN Age: 41 Posts: 5	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement I received my CCT in a very timely fashion (Thanks John01XX) and finally had the chance to replace it last week. The whole job from walking up to the bike to sitting back down for a beer might have taken me 40 minutes to accomplish. I did as was suggested and put the bolt from the old CCT into the new CCT at the top, but used the new hardware everywhere else. This could not have been easier, and the result is exactly as hoped for. There is no more rattle at all. So chalk one up for the forums, it saved me money, and I learned a new trick for the bird! ** If your bird is rattling from 3 to 4,000 RPM give this fix a try, you may be as fortunate as myself with the repair.

09-02-2007, 3:08 PM	#53
brushbuddy 1999 CBRXX Join Date: May 19 2007 Location: nj Posts: 4	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement All you people are on here are evey helpfull.I had a marble noise around 3 to 4 thousand RMP'S.Read about it here and changed it and wala,its fixed.Bought the part from John01XX.Excellent price and fast delivery.Couldnt say enough.thanks.

09-02-2007, 5:46 PM	#54
John01XX Vendor Join Date: Oct 31 2006 Location: So. Flo-da Posts: 1,147	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement BrushBuddy, Now just show up in Towanda, PA next weekend so I can hear how well the CCT worked for you !! I am arriving on Thursday afternoon in Pennsylvania and leaving to come back home to Florida on Monday. __________________ John Smith Proprieter of John's Bike Bits John@BikeBits.us

01-19-2008, 2:30 PM	#55
meky meky Join Date: Jan 15 2008 Location: Croatia Age: 30 Posts: 15	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Hi! I have a question. I have '99 BB PGM FI with 65000 km. Must I change cam chain or just CCT? I don't have some sounds on engine when starting or driving it sound nice but the 65000 kilometers ( cca 106000 miles ). Thanks!

03-01-2008, 8:53 AM	#57
AndyM Join Date: Mar 01 2008 Location: Bracknell Age: 46 Posts: 1	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Thanks Warchild, I have an XXW BlackBird with 52,000 miles on the clock, recently it has sounded like a bag or marbles right through the rev range from tick over to 5000 revs. I consulted with my local Honda Dealer who told me it would cost a fortune to rectify and could even be terminal and maybe I should even think about gettig rid of it. No Way I love my bird. Within 5 minutes of googling I found your post and thought why not try it, at a cost of £55 and 20 minutes work the CCT was changed and what a difference, the Bird sounds like new no rattles at all. Needless to say I will looking for a new dealer to service my Bird from now on. Great post it saved me a fortune. Andy

03-06-2008, 3:20 AM	#58
radu46 Join Date: Feb 19 2008 Location: Romania. Buzau. Age: 27 Posts: 55	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement i have this problem too. this marble thing makes me very . yesterday i order de cct and the gasket and here in romania cost 81,25 euro. the problem is y dont have the courege to change the cct my self because some mecanics from honda told me is not as simple as it seems and if i dont do it properly i could damege my bike. i read all in this topik and it dosent seem to be so hard to do it. is there a trik on mounting properly? the cct remove the problem only for a wile but the real problem is the chain and the part that the cct is pushing on. my bb has 37000km it is normal to have this problem at this km? i think it counts the way you ride it, if you push her to the limit it is posible that the cct from the moment you change it it will last only for 10000-14000km but if you ride the bike more soft it will go 20000km. but if you change the cct and also the chain with the 2 pices that are presing on him, at the same time then you wil go at least 40000km before having the marble problem again.

03-15-2008, 10:21 AM	#59
MLT7538 Join Date: Mar 15 2008 Location: Muskoka Ontario Canada Posts: 11	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Nice

03-29-2008, 8:23 PM	#60
rychefan156 Join Date: Jun 11 2007 Location: Syracuse, UT Posts: 42	Re: Blackbird Cam Chain Tensioner Replacement Thanks warchild. I used a double green dot from John, but printed off your discussion above. Took all of 5 minutes and seems to have quieted the rocket down some.

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