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1985 maxim x 750 valve tick

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by xj550, Jan 1, 2013.

  1. xj550

    xj550 Member

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    Hello all. It has been a while since I have been on here as I have been putting a few miles on the ol' girl. There are about 22000kms on it now. It has developed a ticking noise which feels like it is coming from the outer left, from sitting on the bike, cylinder at the top. I assume this is from the valve assembly and it is time for a shim job. My bike also has been harder to start lately. I have a new agm battery installed and it is freshly charged and tests good. Any feed back is appreciated. Also does anyone have a walk through of the valve shim procedure. I have seen the one for the airheads but nothing for the liquid cooled babies. I have the maintanence manual from len but I'm nervous about removing the cams and messing up the timing.

    Thanks
     
  2. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    xj550,

    Welcome back. Forum>Search> Valve Shim Replacement. There are numerous threads that talk about and will give you helpful hints with shim replacement. You won't remove the cams to replace shims. And you will not mess up the timing unless you remove the chain from the sprockets which again you do not have to do to replace shims. Depending on what technique you use to hold down the buckets you will rotate the engine clockwise or counter-clockwise via the nut at the end of the left side of the crankshaft where the timing coil is located in order to rotate the cams and remove/replace shims. You'll also use the later to measure the clearance prior to shim removal/replacement. Others will chime in soon. Hope this helps.

    Gary
     
  3. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    Actually, the Maxim X *does* require removal of the camshafts to change out shims, as they're located *under* the bucket instead of on top.
     
  4. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    Jumped too soon. Wasn't paying attention even though the thread title "Clearly" states maxim "X". Duuuuh....Ima' go sit my a$$ down and be still now! 8O Thanks schmuck. Is this the one with the 5 valves at each cylinder? Does the "Special" also have the shims under the buckets?

    Gary
     
  5. xj550

    xj550 Member

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    Yes this is the engine with five valves per cylinder. I have loved it until now.
     
  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    550, get a-hold of member, desingermike. He know's the X engines inside out. He can walk you right through it. Let him know that I sent you to him.

    I'm in the middle of building an X from scratch, but don't have the valves assembled into the carrier yet. Otherwise, I'd be able to help you. I'm going at it from a different approach. Since I have the engine on the bench, and took it right down to the block, I honed the cyls, checked ring clearances, and it's getting all new gaskets. When I'm done lapping the valves, I'll obviously reassemble things, but I am going to take care of valve clearances while it's still on the bench. That way, when I drop a shim into the engine I'll be able to get it a whole lot more easily. LOL

    Dave F
     
  7. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Valves "Ticking" within specs is a GOOD sound.
    The ticking lets you know those valves are closing.

    If it gets too loud; measure all the clearances and find the offending noise-makers and adjust them as necessary.

    Using 20W/50 Oil will help keep Pressure up and quiet things down, too.
     
  8. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    Been there. Done that. :oops: Thought you might have gotten his username confused with the bike in question.

    It is. 3 intake, 2 exhaust.

    I think the X is the only XJ that has this, being as the heads and watercooled cylinder jacket were borrowed from the FZR sportbike of the time.
     
  9. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Not "borrowed." IN COMMON. When Yamaha launched the 20-valve watercooled motor, they made two versions: a shaftie and a chain driven one.

    The "X" series bikes are truly just FZRs disguised as Maxims.

    Look on the bright side; once you get the valves back in spec, the adjustment interval is way longer than the airheads' 5K miles.

    Don't stop loving it because it requires maintenance.
     
  10. xjmad1

    xjmad1 New Member

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    xj550

    IF your considering doing the shims on your maxim x these links should help
    http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=16298.html

    http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29661.html

    Make sure you have a ready supply of replacement shims, a torque wrench, feeler gagues with 1/4 inch wide blades (Standard width gauges will not fit), and a workshop manual.This job may seem daunting, but it aint to bad. Be careful not to let the cam chain come off of the crankshaft sprocket or you'll be messing around for ages getting it back on. Perhaps most importantly, be extra careful when removing/installing the cam sprockets back on the camshafts- Held on by two small bolts which if dropped into the engine -easily done - will mean a complete engine strip down to recover -just jam some rags in every concievable oriffice to prevent this. Dont worry about the engine timing - its easy -There are marks on the camshafts and camshaft covers which you align at TDC - job done - just follow the worshop manual and you will be ok. Just as a foot note - i have the very same 'valve ticking noise' coming from what appears to be the valve train on the number 1 cylinder - i replaced my shims - i still have the same valve ticking noise.
    if you ever find out what it is please let me know. Good luck and post me if i can be of any help
    mike...in the uk
    xj700 maxim x
     
  11. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The process of Adjusting Valve Clearances involves removing and replacing Shim Discs atop the Bucket surrounding the Valve Springs.
    Acquiring the Special Tool to keep the Bucket Depressed for Shim Removal and Exchange simplifies the process a good bit.

    For YOUR Bike, having the Yamaha Factory Workshop Manual would be a very valuable resource during the Valve Adjustment Maintenance.

    The Factory Book guides you, ... step-by-step and emphasizes where you should exercise care in being precise about following the process and is most valuable when setting the Valve Timing after Shimming.
     
  12. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    NOT on the "X." The shims are under the buckets. A bucket hold-down tool won't help.
     
  13. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Did I just see Rick make a mistake!?!?!?!?!?!?!

    Dave F
     
  14. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Yep.

    I forgot we were discussing a Max-X.

    I'm getting old and infirm.
     
  15. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    That's ok.....I thought I made a mistake one time, too. I found out later that I didn't.

    My dad always says, "the problem with getting old is that memory is the second thing to go....."

    Dave F
     
  16. RonWagner

    RonWagner Member

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    I have the same tick on my X. I was worried it might be a broken ring. Maybe exhaust leak?
     
  17. xjmad1

    xjmad1 New Member

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    Hi Ron
    Well i did consider an exhaust leak, and subsequently replaced all my header pipe gaskets but the 'tick' is still there.A few other maxim x owners have the same tick, and all report it appears to originate from the top of #1 cylinder - so the valve shims was an obvious place to start. Now, i had the ticking before i replaced my shims -16 of them needed replacing and most of them had no clearance at all - so the ticking wasn't coming from there- and i still have exactly the same darn tick after replacing the shims...
    It may be a broken piston ring, or any other number of things, perhaps worn
    buckets / lifters (Maxim x is shim under bucket) .. To me , the tick is definately mechanical, not too noticeable at tick over, but as i ride i can hear the tick increasing / decreasing with the engine speed. This is not uncommon with these bikes and some one out there must be able to help.
    Thanks in advance to all.
    Mike
    --------------
    85 xj700 maxim x
     
  18. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The Valve Train Noise on an X-Bike is more pronounced than that of a 8-Valve Bike.

    You may actually be hearing the Valves Closing.

    Buy a Fiberglass Driveway Marker.
    Cut a 4-Foot length of the rod.
    Clutch the rod in your fist with your thumb on the very end.
    Probe the idling Plant with the rod.
    Put your ear to your thumbs fingernail and "Listen" to the mechanical sounds.

    If the noise is coming from the Valve Train, ... that's OK.
    Hearing Valves is much better than not having them close because they're too tight.

    Probe the Case and Block, too.
    Listen for knocks.

    Tape a "Flag" of tissue to the end.
    Probe the exhaust.
    Watch the flag for any signs of fluttering, ... indicating a leak.

    Lay a wrench on the exhaust Head Collar Nuts.
    Make sure they aren't loose.

    Last but not least.
    Look at the underside of the Valve Cover.
    See if the Cam Chain is making contact.

    Lift the Chain off from the Bridge between Cams.
    The Chain shouldn't be loose.
    Manually adjust the Chain Tensioner.
    Just for the heck of it!
     
  19. RonWagner

    RonWagner Member

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    Rick, Good sugestion. I'm down with the stomach flu so I don't when I will get to it. It was 70 Deg today. I would love to have been riding.
     
  20. mikeyman

    mikeyman Member

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    Tick tick tick tick tick... Yup, I've got the same noise.

    Valves are in spec and I re-torqued the header collars, and it's still present.

    I suppose us X guys are just going to have to live with it...
     
  21. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    You should be happy to hear those 20 valves closing tightly.

    When you can hear your valves closing you know they're not in jeopardy of getting burned!

    I'll trade you a clean 900 for a clean X-bike.
     
  22. quebecois59

    quebecois59 Well-Known Member

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    I've owned a Maxim-X for three years and have had all kinds of problem with that bike, but never heard a tick!
     
  23. mtnbikecrazy55

    mtnbikecrazy55 Active Member

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    makes me want to find a clean X ;)
     
  24. xj550

    xj550 Member

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    Well I finally got into my bike. I swore I read that someone did this without removing the carbs to get at the cam chain tensioner. What's the best way about this?
     
  25. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The trick Ii use for removing a Cam Chain Tensioner without removing the Carbs is as follows.

    I remove the Assy using FLEX Extensions.
    6-Inch, 4-Inch
    http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... _ID=674772

    I have a PATTERN for the Gasket to make my own.

    Once removed, ... I remove the End Cap Bolt.
    Drill a 3/8" --> "Dimple" Dead-center on the Cap.

    When Re-installing the Tensioner:
    • Reset the Tensioner.
    • Mount using Sealant on BOTH Sides of Gasket.
    • Insert Dual Springs.

    Special Tools:
    6" Phillips Screwdriver ~ Shortened Shank, Pointed-end to fit Bolt Dimple.
    Handle cut square to accommodate pry lever.
    Hardwood Hammer Handle.
    12mm Ratcheting Combination Wrench, Stubby, Harbor Freight
    http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-pr ... -2764.html

    Insert Springs, Lube Threads on Cap-Bolt Head.
    Place Bolt in Wrench.
    Have assistant position Mod Screwdriver in Bolt Dimple and Pry forward against Spring Load.
    Start and tighten Cap with Ratcheting Combo Wrench.
     
  26. xj550

    xj550 Member

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    Okay, I got past that point. Next I have to remove the camshafts. I seems that there is still too much tension in the chain to lift the camshafts up. What am I doing wrong since the tensioner is fully removed?
     
  27. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    You have to remove the Chain Sprockets from both Cams.

    You should acquire a Workshop Manual.
    The Manual is comprehensive for top-end work.
    Vital for reassembly and Re-Timing.
     
  28. xj550

    xj550 Member

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    I have a manual thanks but was finding it a little vague. That's when I come to a great forum. I got the cams out. The sprockets have to be slid sideways off the cams. I didn't initially know that. Anyway, cams are out, shims are out or swapped to another location and I'll be ordering replacements tomorrow!
     

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