Doing my first 4 stroke top end on Honda XR650L dual sport. I was spinning the crank with the top end off (timing chain loose) and didn't notice and I guess timing chain got sucked by the gear and bound up in the crankcase between the lower timing gear and something else in there. I was able to wiggle crank backwards and pull on the chain and pop it free; however, one of the links got pivoted too far which I guess they're not supposed to do and the side plates slipped past their 'peak' and got bound up (first photo). I couldn't pop it back open by hand but popped it loose with a pair of expander pliers. Nothing seems damaged and the link is moving fine, but I'm worried that I &%$#@! something up. That chain seems pretty burly with multiple plates, is it ok or should I pop the side cover off and replace the timing chain??
Maybe I'm over thinking this but don't want to grenade this engine with timing chain breaking or something. I know this stuff is under tremendous load at 8000 rpm. Ugh.
Pic of bound up link, you can see the side plate all flat
Here is a picture of a normal link and how far it usually bends before the peak on the side plates stops it pivoting further:
New timing chain from Honda is like $200, not cheap. Not sure what to do, would love some advice from folks with actual experience!
Maybe I'm over thinking this but don't want to grenade this engine with timing chain breaking or something. I know this stuff is under tremendous load at 8000 rpm. Ugh.
Pic of bound up link, you can see the side plate all flat
Here is a picture of a normal link and how far it usually bends before the peak on the side plates stops it pivoting further:
New timing chain from Honda is like $200, not cheap. Not sure what to do, would love some advice from folks with actual experience!
