xj 550 cam chain tension adjustment

Hi all, I have an 82 xj550 maxim with just 5600 miles on her, was wondering if I should do the cam chain tension adjust?? If so wahts proper procedure, what size wrench sockets do I nedd and can this be done without removing tank ect?? Thanks everyone.... Love this bike and this site!!!!!

 

Only way to adjust the cam tensioner on the 82 550 is to pull the tank, and carbs. Then you can get the 12mm wrench on the locknut and the 10mm wrench on the bolt.

I usually do it when I am cleaning up carbs or something else that requires me to remove my carbs.

1) remove left side cover and rotate engine until the tick mark on the crank lines up with the C on the block.

2) Loosen cam tensioner locknut

3) loosen cam bolt

4) tighten bolt

5) tighten lock nut

6) re-install carbs, tank, and side cover.

Ride.

 

It's still possible to do that with the fuel tank and carb in place if you just use an extension tool (6 inches should be enough) to do that. Also, use a regular 10mm socket for the top bolt and a deep 12mm for the lock nut (the 12mm socket will NOT affect the 10mm bolt while both bolt and nut are in the socket).

As PghXJ states number 1, rotate the engine so the C mark lines up with the pointer in the engine. The manual states you are supposed to turn it counterclockwise (I suppose to take up the slack in the cam chain).

Turn both bolt and nut out until they're loose then tighten the bolt (6 nm torque) then tighten the lock nut (9 nm torque).

 

Thanks for the replies guys!! By extension too are you refering to a 6 inch socket extension?? Do I just go in from the right side of bike to get at bolts wiith an extension? Also what's the recomended iintervals to adjust the tension.. Thanks

 

Yes, 6 inch socket extension. You might want to add another 3 inch extension if you need more room to turn. Just go under the carb boots from the right side.

I checked my Clymer manual, all it states is that after the first 600 miles after breaking in, adjust the cam chain tenison. I know, I know, it's moot now.

I hope someone will come shortly and let us both know when we need to adjust the tension but I'll play it safe and do it every time I change the oil anyway.

 

every oil change (2000 miles), or sooner if it is making noise.

I never thought of the extension thing...perhaps it will work. I could try my 24" extension next time.

 

Thanks guys for the info. I'm gonns give it a whirl after work. Bike had 3000 miles on it 2 months ago now has 5600 and I've never adjusted tension... So what's best way to rotate engine counter clockwise to get on the c mark

 

When you take off the cover, you can put a wrench on the center bolt. It is square, so you need the proper sized open ended wrench or an adjustable crescent wrench.

 

thanks for all the info guys, adjustment was a breeze with the extension, this bikes only got 5600 miles on it but i bet this was the first time this was adjusted, definetly seemed to notice come sorta differenceceven though she was running great before. any other tips would be awsome....
again AwSOME SITE!!!!

 

excellent...great to hear you got it worked out.

I always know when it is time...it rattles like hell when I get off the gas.

 

are the adjustments the same for the 750..?

 

I have the original Yamaha owner's manual for my XJ550R.

In there it states to adjust the tension at 600 miles, at 3000 miles and then every 8000 miles after that.

 

I have just tired to adjust the tension however it does not seam to have worked. I still can hear the chain rattle when i back of the throttle. Any ideas?


David

 

It might not be the camchain.

IMPORTANT: Watch the torque on the bolt and locknut; mucho importante.

funxj550maxim 5600 miles? You're 600 miles overdue for your INITIAL valve clearance check and adjustment on that motor.

DID YOU DO IT??? DID THE PO??? If not, you need to get that one figured out now.

 

it did get a little better. could it be that the oil is two thin?