Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Camchain wear? Camchain wear?
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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Jun 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 148
Camchain wear?
Hi

There's a funny noise coming from around the head of my 3AJ. I suspect the camchain is loose however the motor has only done about 30k miles.

It's not the 'tic-tic-tic' of a loose tappet, it's more of a 'flickety-flickety-flickety' noise. It used to do it only on startup but now it happens all the time.

The automatic camchain tensioner looks like it's working, but how do you really tell?

Also, the manual says 'inspect camchain for wear and replace as necessary'. No problemo, but what the heck does a worn camchain look like?

Lastly, if I replace the camchain I assume I also have to replace both sprockets - is this the case?

I am finally taking delivery of POB/London's stolen/recovered 3AJ tomorrow. If I can get the engine started I hope to have the luxury of fixing one engine while using the other to commute.

Cheers

------------------
Barry
3AJ Tenere
__________________
Barry
XT600Z 3AJ Tenere (rebuild in progress)
SRX600
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 651
Yes, it is probably your camchain that is worn. Test by pushing in just a bit more the plunger of the tensioner, as the spring is not strong enough to push it all the way. First remove the large 'coverbolt' on the tensioner L/H side of cilinder. If sound stops it is the camchain.
Another indication: remove coverbolt and spring on tensioner. Remove tensioner. Count number of notches out on the plunger. If more than 60% of total replace chain. Spring to be remoived first, otherwise the spring will push out he plunger all the way and you loose the actual reading of thenumer of notches.

Replacement of chain does not require new sprockets, see post about two months ago.

Auke
__________________
Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
I agree with Auke [only this time].
Apparently the last 5 or so positions of the tensioner are not engaged by the spring. What you can do [and I did] is put it forward 1 position and then mount and listen.



------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jun 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 148
Thanks guys, I will try your suggestions.

Also did a search for 'camchain wear' in past posts which came up with similar advice. Also included a note from David Lambeth saying the sprockets don't wear as they are v well lubricated inside the head, and a stern warning to only use genuine Yamaha camchain (will do).

Thanks again.

------------------
Barry
3AJ Tenere
__________________
Barry
XT600Z 3AJ Tenere (rebuild in progress)
SRX600
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
If never changed ..seems times to change the timing chain ...usually they last about 45/55.000 kms !
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Mine has been sitting there for more than 70.000 kms now. Think I should change it?

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Jun 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: bizovac, croatia
Posts: 240
And my camchain is around 60-65.000 km, and still works out of any dangerous noice! Model is 4BW XTZ 660, 1996. I think no need to change it!
AnteK
__________________
AnteK
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

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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