Timing chain replacement through top end

**chris Aus** · #1 17 Aug 2005

Hello everyone, after 10 000klms on our trip back to Australia the timing chain on my XT 600Z 88 3AJ as started to make way to much noise and needs to be replaced. Reading the Haynes manual it states that the entire engine needs to be pulled down to do this. But I have heard that it can be done through the top end by attaching the replacement chain and threading on. Has Anyone done this? And if so are there any tricks or things to look out for?

Thanks very much in advance for any info

chris

**scdan3** · #2 18 Aug 2005

never done it on a xt but have done it on plenty of other stuff -

1)split both chains
2)join one end of one to one end of the other - i use a small piece of welding rod carefully bent - whatever you use make sure its strong and "flush" so it won't snag
3)with cams out (no timing, don't want pistons hitting valves) get a mate to slowly turn over engine on crank nut (spark plug out) while you carefully and slowly feed the chain round - while you feed new chain in, feed out chain out. (take your time with this one...)
4)when both ends of new chain exposed, re-rivit, then time up and refit cams.

if you need to secure something for a while, use zip ties to hold it to the frame. a broom hangle or similar is useful for resting over the top of the engine to hold a complete chain up when there are no cams in..

It is quite a quick and easy job when you have the nack. but if you get it wrong, chances are you end up splitting the engine to retrieve what you've dropped down the camchain tunnel!

hope it helps

dan

**scdan3** · #3 18 Aug 2005

oh - and make sure the tensioner is out when you do this. (and make sure you understand how tensioner works so you don't chuff the new chain when you put it back on!)

dan

**FredXTZ** · #4 20 Aug 2005

Buy an endless original chain and just take the camshaft cover and the flywheel off. No sweat, no trouble and no chances of screwing up the riveting part etc.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

**Mark** · #5 23 Aug 2005

Hi,

Probobally a silly question, but what does a loose cam chain sound like?

My girlfriends bike has started vibrating badly in all gears but doesn't make the sorts of noises I emagine a loose can-chain would make.

Do they make a racket ?

Thanks

Mark

**Bill Ryder** · #6 23 Aug 2005

Cam chains can make a rattly noise usaly worse at idle. I always double check the cam chain followers, those guides on either side of the cam chain. If they are worn or cracked they will let the new chain wear out. Also the cam chain tensioner. If it is a automatic one and the bike has some miles on it replace the tensioner. Speaking of tensioners, before I would replace a lower mileage cam chain I would double check the tensioner to make sure it is not stuck.

**chris Aus** · #7 24 Aug 2005

Thanks a lot for the ýnfo Dan and Fred. Wýll try the endless chaýn way fýrst ýf I can fýnd a puller ýn Istanbul!! But guess thats another post.

Many thanks
Chrýs