Removing head from 250 honda rebel, how do i remove timing chain?

lamp removes from rear ..under rubber cap where wires go into bulb

The cam chain is a endless chain. You will have to split the cases to replace it forcing you to remove the engine from the bike.
I have a 2005 rebel with 38,000+ miles on it and still have the factory chain. What makes you replace it. Unless there was mechanical damage or you put a lot of mile on it you shouldn't need to replace it. It also has an auto tensioner in it so you don't have to adjust the cam chain.

If you take the valve cover off you will see the top of the chain. try to wiggle the chain. If there is no freeplay between the chain and sproket then your chain should be fine. If the chain pulls away the sproket then it needs replaced.


Rebels don't have oil filters so it is important you change your oil often. the drain plug has a little "crush" washer on it. that MUST be replaced every time you change your oil. You can pick one up at a motorcycle shop for about 90 cents. If you reuse or remove the crush washer eventually your threads will strip and/or the blot will back out when your going down the road. and the drian hole is positioned where the oil will leak out right under your rear tire.

If you need to remove the cylinder head, here's how. To remove the cam chain, you've got to also remove the left crankcase cover and flywheel.

First, you need to turn the engine over until the piston is at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke. Begin by removing the two round covers from the left side of the crankcase cover. Also remove the four tappet hole covers from the cylinder head cover. Turn the engine (in the normal direction of rotation) and watch the intake valves open - and close, then see that the exhaust valves open, then close. Now align the 'T' on the flywheel with the notch in the inspection hole. With all of the valves closed, the engine is at TDC of the compression stroke. Do not begin removal of the cylinder head cover until this is done - to avoid damage to the cover.

With the cylinder head cover removed, you will find two bolts attaching the cam chain sprocket to the camshaft. Turn the engine until you can get a 10mm socet onto the heads of the bolts and remove them. The sprocket will come loose and slide down onto the camshaft, enabling you to remove it an the camshaft.

Upon reassembly, set the cam timing by first setting the engine at TDC. Then, align the two marks on the cam sprocket with the gasket surface on the cylinder head. With the engine at TDC and the marks lined up, the cam timing is properly set.

If you need to remove the cylinder head, here's how. To remove the cam chain, you've got to also remove the left crankcase cover and flywheel.

First, you need to turn the engine over until the piston is at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke. Begin by removing the two round covers from the left side of the crankcase cover. Also remove the four tappet hole covers from the cylinder head cover. Turn the engine (in the normal direction of rotation) and watch the intake valves open - and close, then see that the exhaust valves open, then close. Now align the 'T' on the flywheel with the notch in the inspection hole. With all of the valves closed, the engine is at TDC of the compression stroke. Do not begin removal of the cylinder head cover until this is done - to avoid damage to the cover.

With the cylinder head cover removed, you will find two bolts attaching the cam chain sprocket to the camshaft. Turn the engine until you can get a 10mm socet onto the heads of the bolts and remove them. The sprocket will come loose and slide down onto the camshaft, enabling you to remove it an the camshaft.

Upon reassembly, set the cam timing by first setting the engine at TDC. Then, align the two marks on the cam sprocket with the gasket surface on the cylinder head. With the engine at TDC and the marks lined up, the cam timing is properly set.

Before calling the job done, make sure to adjust the tappet clearances to .002" on the intake and .003" on the exhaust valves.

try google for forums on this model!
OHC timing is very tricky if you dont know how!
It can end up in tears very easily if you drop the the timing chain or misstime it [ a tooth out ]
It can bend valves & smash pitons!
my advice is get the workshop manual & just take it slow & steady

same on all other bikes magnito marks should line up with the marks on the case as well as the marks on the cam gear should line up with the head