Clutch chatter? Sorry, I'm a newb.

I have been trying to search for this exact problem, but keep finding stuff related to the cam chain tensioner. I think I may have a different, or hopefully not, more severe issue.

1981 Yamaha 550 Seca with 21K miles.

When the bike is idling, I can definitely here some chatter. But when I pull in the clutch lever, it gets faster and louder. I can even here it in lower gears when riding. Obviously something is metal against metal, I just don't know what. Going to open her up tomorrow and tighten the cam chain.

Any ideas? Or is this just typical cam chain tensioner stuff? Just odd that it gets louder when I engage the clutch lever. I'll go out and take a video/soundclip of it here in a little bit.

Thanks in advance! Awesome to see such a great group of bike owners.

 

From what I have been told about the same problem is it's typical with the XJ bike. It's the timing chain in the crank case or whatever it's called. But mine gets quiter when I pull the clutch lever and stops off idle. I have around 16,500 miles on mine though. And there really isn't much to do about it. It's just a design flaw with the 550. The chain is hydraulically tensioned (seperate from the cam chain). It's the life of the 550 I guess.

 

I know the sound yu are referring to. That's what is was like when I got the bike. I figured that was normal, based on all the searching. But 500 miles later, it's developed this new sound. There is definitely something wrong now. If I downshift to 1st or 2nd when going 5-10 mph, it starts rattling like the ball in a can of paint. And maybe it's my imagination, but it seems like the clutch is taking longer to grab a gear. Almost like a chain is skipping a tooth on a sprocket.

Trying to upload the video of the sound before and after pulling the clutch lever, but the BlackBerry is being stubborn... Thanks so far.

 

...and for full disclosure, it's getting tough to find neutral. The transmission likes to jump from 1st - 2nd. Also sometimes hard to get it out of 6th. Have to push hard with my foot. Hoping I don't have transmission issues. Ugh.

 

You don't have to "Open it up" to set the Cam Chain Tension.

Your Bike has a MANUAL Tensioner.
You'll have to loosen the Lock-Bolt and Move the Pawl.

Someone with a 550 Book will have to explain the routine.

Check your Drive Chain and Sprockets too.

 

Gotcha. I have the very detailed instructions that you guys have posted previously and the good ol' Clymer. Also printed your carb cleaning tips. AWESOME! You really took some time putting that together. I'll be tackling that soon as well. Running a tad bit rich and just noticed I have some oil coming out the tailpipe when revved. This just keeps getting more fun by the minute. :/

 

If you need the step by step for the cam chain tensioning, I have a clymer. But it will be difficult to explain where the lock bolt is and where and how to move the pawl before you tighten it back. Yeah, it does sound like something is funky with the transmission. Thats an area I am unsure.

 

I have the Clymer. But, thanks for the offer. Doesn't look too terribly painful.

I'll go ahead and do an oil change too. Wonder if the PO used car oil instead of motorcycle oil. Heard that can jack up the tranny. Or did I just start up that debate again?!

Now I'm just as worried about the oil coming out of the exhaust. Called blowby, right? Isn't that a sign of piston ring issues? Or am I way off base? Could it be that way becuase the carbs need to be cleaned/synced? The engine seems to run great, except for a little bit of stumbling idle at stoplights (feels like it's running rich and a little off sync).

I'm not a mechanic, obviously, so appreciate you guys' patience and direction.