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Changing cam chain
Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 8:16 pm
by RedexRobB
Ok, looking to do this quite soon, not done it before so have some questions and wanna double check a few points.
I know the cam chain can be persuaded to pass the pickup sprocket by ether brute force or filing the relevant piece of casing.
Can it be done in the frame? My understanding is it can but it's mighty akward to time up with the frame in the way.
Im also looking at doing both of the guides, the front one looks like it holds itself in place, where the rear one is bolted in. Which brings me to my next question, is that easily unbolted when in the frame?
the tensioner itself doesnt need to be replaced unless i want a newer stye one? AFAIK the older one is in there.
And in terms of disassembly, remove in this order:
Pickup rotor
tensioner
cam caps and remove cams
old chain
guides
remove old cam chain or use to pull through new chain?
Assembly:
new chain
rear chain guide
front chain guide
cams
time up
tensioner
Any hints or tips much appreciate, no doubt youll have something to say Cargo
P.S. im gonna find out prices soon but any ideas on the cost of the guides? the chain iirc is roughly 20 quid.
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 11:09 pm
by reds
afraid im of no use rob, looked at the info in the manual and its not the best - thinking of taking the engine out of my bike and re-doing it all over the winter (as my new house had a workshop!) but would be v interested in the info / a picture guide
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 4:22 am
by RedexRobB
yeah ill be doing a guide on it, well takng piccies at the very least! Manual isnt too helpful either, no. But thats why we are here

Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 5:42 pm
by RedexRobB
Had the bike apart yesterday, day off and decided to check those clearances. Three were out, so either made a wrong calculation (likely) or theres some severe wear going on! Got to look at the cam tensioner and doesnt appear to have moved since last time going by the picture id taken so no idea what the ping was. But i have noticed the engine getting a tiny rattle every now and then so that tensioner blade is definately coming up for renewal. Checked on the tensioner removal and looks like the engine has definately got to come out as the bolt that holds it in place is smack bang behind the frame spa
Was hoping to avoid that because it means a trip home to use the shed at my mums and will also need a helping hand to lift the motor back in alongside taking everything off.
the things we do eh?
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 7:51 pm
by RedexRobB
Can anybody confirm or deny any of what ive written?
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:52 pm
by CaNsA
I wholly deny that i have, or will anytime in the future, confirmed anything that has been said in this thread......
Ill get me coat
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:59 am
by markkaren96
Although this is an older post I figured i would post for other in the future. I can confirm on My L model the engine hand to be lowered. I did not remove the engine, I support the engine with a jack, removed the the top aft bolt, loosened the aft lower bolt and then removed the two front bolt. with that done the engine can be pivoted on the aft bolt and the Pin for the cam change is accessible. I will admit with all the other work i.e. radiator and header having to come off you might as well remove the engine but i didn't have a extra hand at the time so this was my solution being it was a one man show.
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:41 am
by cargo
markkaren96 wrote:Although this is an older post I figured i would post for other in the future. I can confirm on My L model the engine hand to be lowered. I did not remove the engine, I support the engine with a jack, removed the the top aft bolt, loosened the aft lower bolt and then removed the two front bolt. with that done the engine can be pivoted on the aft bolt and the Pin for the cam change is accessible. I will admit with all the other work i.e. radiator and header having to come off you might as well remove the engine but i didn't have a extra hand at the time so this was my solution being it was a one man show.
For the sake of one more bolt to be removed and your engine would have been out.
Beggars belief that this is somehow easier than lifting the engine out and having it up on a bench at a decent height to work on instead of groveling around on the ground under the bike.......??????
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:51 am
by markkaren96
I would have much rather pulled my motor as you said One more bolt and it would be out. But I was a one man show no extra hand to help and with my limited work space (only a car port no garage or work bench

this was my option of the day. I agree if given the opportunity pull the bugger and give it the attention it deserves.
Re: Changing cam chain
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:32 am
by cargo
I used an old car jack to make a support for the engine that allows me to get the engine out and back in again on my own......................I'll post a picture when I get the chance