Camchain wear?

[Barry Johnson]

Hi

There's a funny noise coming from around the head of my 3AJ. I suspect the camchain is loose however the motor has only done about 30k miles.

It's not the 'tic-tic-tic' of a loose tappet, it's more of a 'flickety-flickety-flickety' noise. It used to do it only on startup but now it happens all the time.

The automatic camchain tensioner looks like it's working, but how do you really tell?

Also, the manual says 'inspect camchain for wear and replace as necessary'. No problemo, but what the heck does a worn camchain look like?

Lastly, if I replace the camchain I assume I also have to replace both sprockets - is this the case?

I am finally taking delivery of POB/London's stolen/recovered 3AJ tomorrow. If I can get the engine started I hope to have the luxury of fixing one engine while using the other to commute.

Cheers

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Barry
3AJ Tenere

[aukeboss]

Yes, it is probably your camchain that is worn. Test by pushing in just a bit more the plunger of the tensioner, as the spring is not strong enough to push it all the way. First remove the large 'coverbolt' on the tensioner L/H side of cilinder. If sound stops it is the camchain.
Another indication: remove coverbolt and spring on tensioner. Remove tensioner. Count number of notches out on the plunger. If more than 60% of total replace chain. Spring to be remoived first, otherwise the spring will push out he plunger all the way and you loose the actual reading of thenumer of notches.

Replacement of chain does not require new sprockets, see post about two months ago.

Auke

[FredXTZ]

I agree with Auke [only this time].
Apparently the last 5 or so positions of the tensioner are not engaged by the spring. What you can do [and I did] is put it forward 1 position and then mount and listen.



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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

[Barry Johnson]

Thanks guys, I will try your suggestions.

Also did a search for 'camchain wear' in past posts which came up with similar advice. Also included a note from David Lambeth saying the sprockets don't wear as they are v well lubricated inside the head, and a stern warning to only use genuine Yamaha camchain (will do).

Thanks again.

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Barry
3AJ Tenere

[giorgioXT]

If never changed ..seems times to change the timing chain ...usually they last about 45/55.000 kms !

[FredXTZ]

Mine has been sitting there for more than 70.000 kms now. Think I should change it?

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

[AnteK]

And my camchain is around 60-65.000 km, and still works out of any dangerous noice! Model is 4BW XTZ 660, 1996. I think no need to change it!
AnteK