Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
How can I tell if cam chain is shot? How can I tell if cam chain is shot?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
How can I tell if cam chain is shot?
I'm trying to to track down an intermittent, erratic knock I sometimes get from my engine when it's not under load. I've read Mezo's great thread from 2014 on how a loose keyway on the counterbalance shaft can be to blame, but everything seems tight on mine.

So, working on the idea it could be a slack cam chain, I opened up the cylinder head cover and found the chain still snug against the sprocket with no obvious kinks or stiff sections in it. The cam chain tensioner is two thirds of the way in.

I'd be grateful for advice on two things:

- If the tensioner is that far in should I replace the chain?
- If the nuts and gears on the clutch side of the crank case are tight can I assume the keyways are also fine? (I don't want to go digging into parts of the engine that don't need digging into).

Thanks in advance for any help.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 562
fotobucket
Last edited by turboguzzi; 18 Oct 2017 at 00:00.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Cant see pic, but a worn camchain would "knock" (more like tapping, sounds a bit like loose valves) at idle, and very low revs, and the sound would go away as you put a load on the engine.

My tensioner was about halfway out at 125.000km, were I replaces it 'cause I had the engine open. You could tell the difference between new and old no problem, but im fairly sure it could have lasted way longer.

Without seeing a pic, og hearing the engine, my bet would be that it isnt the camchain.

You can see if the sound goes away if you install tensioner, and remove the spring. Then use a screwdriver ect and press on the tensioner and see if you can press the tensioner in a click more. Start the bike and see how it sounds.

Be sure to set the tensioner back to normal afterwards.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 562
here you go, right type of chain this time
Attached Thumbnails
How can I tell if cam chain is shot?-chain.jpg  

Last edited by turboguzzi; 18 Oct 2017 at 00:00.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Oct 2017
Bobmech's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BOP , New Zealand
Posts: 183
Here is another thread on cam chains
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-change-87669

Bob
__________________
Remember that Assumption is the mother of all f**k-ups.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Thank you for the advice. I've already pulled the engine out so, given the bike's history (it was running on half a litre of oil when I got it), I'm going to try to check everything I can without going so far as splitting the crankcase. Once I've finished making a tool to replicate the very expensive Yamaha fly wheel holding tool I'll try to get the cam chain out and do the stretch test. I know it's a tough one to get out but if I don't try I'll never be able to ride with the peace of mind that will hopefully come from knowing I've checked it all.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 562
not sure which tool you need, to split the cases you can simply use long M8 bolt and push the crank out ...

check 3rd and 5th gears too
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Oct 2017
Bobmech's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BOP , New Zealand
Posts: 183
You don't need a tool to hold the flywheel. Put it in gear and apply the rear brake.
Here is some good advice regarding removal of the flywheel/rotor
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...r-clutch-53329
Do not press or hammer the threaded end of the crankshaft(use a hollow spacer as in the pic) or you will most likely damage it.

Bob
__________________
Remember that Assumption is the mother of all f**k-ups.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Thanks Bobmech. I'm finding my way with all of this as I get deeper into the engine and your great spacer idea could have saved me from disaster. I've already taken the engine out so the gear/brake thing is not going to work for me but I've made the tool now so will try it tomorrow. Do you think it's ok to apply a little heat to the nut to help it release? I've read somewhere that heat and magnets don't mix but am not sure how much heat it would take to wreck the magnets.

Thank you too turboguzzi. I was going to go just far enough to check the cam chain was ok but if it's that easy to split the crankcase I'm thinking I'll accept I'm done riding for this year and do a complete rebuild over the winter so every weekend can be spent on the road next year. If I do that would you recommend changing the big end bearing even if it looks ok? Just because I'm there?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 562
the way i block the crank from turning is by putting the rod at the 12 oclock position and inserting a nice thick square piece of would between it and the cases. you will have to hold the whole engine well of course!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Thank you tuboguzzi. That worked like a dream and saved me a whole lot of hassle. Now to get that rotor pulled off...
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Oct 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 562
i used a 10mm steel plate to build a tool, three holes for the 8mm bolt to pull, one central hole for a 12mm bolt to push... even then it needed a few sledge hammer blows on the central bolt to free, not for the faint hearted...
i wouldnt do the conrod bearing if it feels ok.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
In Mendoza Argentina with cam chain slapping noise: how/where do I fix it? arooni SOUTH AMERICA 4 10 May 2014 13:57
cam chain position kenymact Yamaha Tech 1 19 Jan 2013 21:49
cam chain tensioner zigzag Yamaha Tech 2 11 Jan 2013 22:47
can the cam chain slack produce failures? rich7 Yamaha Tech 53 8 Jan 2013 18:19
XT600E cam chain life? The other Paul G Yamaha Tech 5 6 May 2012 20:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:58.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top