Primary/Cam Chain

Anyone Know if it's Possible to replace the cam chain without splitting the case, or removing the engine?

If I keep my baby, I would like to replace it since I just crossed over 68K.. Yup hit my goal, 68K before I left for Iraq which is in a couple of days.

Even if I do sell it, I have a soldier in my squad that is interested in it as a first bike, I would suggest that he replace it also. He even had his wife sit on it yesterday...Goodnews.

Andrew

 

Yes it's not only possible but common to "roll' a new chain in. This means the existing chain has to be opened ans the end of the new one attached to it and the engine v carefully turned over pulling the new chain in as a continuation of the original. Quite simple ..IF.. experienced VERY Risky as a first time DIY though.

 

Why do you feel you need to replace the camchain?...as long as your bike has had regular oil changes, the cam chain last forever as far as the engine is concerned.

My 650 engine had ~60k miles on it when I pulled it out, and the camchain was well within limits. A friend has over 105k on his, and the camchain is fine on it as well. The engine is a little tired, but the only mechanical noise is the normal valvetrain yakking. At idle, it's as quiet as mine.

If you feel you must replace it, the procedure isn't very difficult, unless you make a boo-boo. Then you buy a new engine.

 

oh okay thanks, if someone has a lot more then I'll leave it, it should have had all the normal oil changes, just thinking like a car, timing chains use to go around 60-70k

 

Not quite. Some cars that use timing belts are the ones that need periodic replacement to avoid failure. These are the same sort of dry belts that are used as a final drive on some low-powered motorcycles.

Chains don't have the same habits.

edit: the next time the valve cover is off, try pull the cam chain away from either sprocket with your fingertips. If there's any appreciable wear to the chain, you'll be able to pull it away a wee bit from the sprocket. It should feel as though the chain is glued to where it contacts the sprocket teeth.

 

Cool, I'll try this when I return around Oct 07 to Jan 07, I need to adjust the valve shims anyways, I'll have the shop check it also unless I change the shims my self

Andrew

 

Nawww. Change the damned chain. OEM ones are like $40.. and yes they DO break . Some also last forever, but like winning the loto it's Pure Fng Luck and always happens to someone else
Save $ elsewhere.