CL175 CAM damaged

There are plenty of ways to restrict or thin the oil running to the head it's an issue with all the 175' and 200 twin's
They all end with melted journals and trashed cams
Did you check the oil pump plunger is within spec, that holes in the case between the two outer rear cylinder studs are clear, and the cam journal gaskets are the correct way around and not blocking the oil passages between the journals and the head
You can confirm oil is getting to the head by filling with oil loosening the two rear studs and kicking the kick starter vigorously ( it takes forever but less time than finding a new cam) also remove the front rocker covers and confirm oils getting there as well

Just FYI........

This type of camshaft and bearing journal damage is also typical of what happens when the oil in the engine becomes fuel-thinned......

At least weekly check oil level and smell the dipstick for gasoline odor......

Thanks guys. I didn't realize there were so many ways to mess up the top end. I will keep an eye on everything that's been suggested.

We got the engine running today ..... just a short time to make sure everything was ok. There is definitely oil coming out of the two rear studs so we know we have oil in the head and on the cam. Yippie!!!!

Tomorrow we are going to re-check the valves and timing (electronic ignition) to make sure everything is still set correctly. After that its time for a test ride and a break in. I bought this bike not running so Im excited to see how it runs and rides.

Thanks for all the input. Video to follow.

To add to Steve's thin oil.
Make sure you switch the gas off at the petcock every time you stop the engine, the float valves generally leak a little and with the engine off and the petcock open ( especially when on the side stand) fuel can full the carb bowls and run through the manifolds to the head and down through the cylinders past the rings and into the crank case ( and thin the oil)

Simo said:

To add to Steve's thin oil.
Make sure you switch the gas off at the petcock every time you stop the engine, the float valves generally leak a little and with the engine off and the petcock open ( especially when on the side stand) fuel can full the carb bowls and run through the manifolds to the head and down through the cylinders past the rings and into the crank case ( and thin the oil)

Click to expand...

I can see all that happening with the short side stand because the bike really leans over when parked. I use the center stand most of the time.

In regards to the petcock .... just about every carbureted bike I have needs to have the fuel shut off. Most of the time I shut it off a block or two from the house just to drain the bowl.