boobaloojones
XS650 Enthusiast
I'm fixing to take apart my cam chain. Wondering if it's reusable? I have the appropriate tool for taking apart a chain.
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cam chain removal?
- Thread starter boobaloojones
- Start date
Why are you taking it apart?
Take the bearings off the cam and then there is room to get the cam gear out of the chain.
boobaloojones
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks fellas. I am tearing the whole thing apart. Figured I should make it vagabond worthy.
It has just over 8000 miles on it. Didn't find metal shavings in the oil or on the plugs. Didn't find any black plastic either. In fact everything seems pretty good.
I tried the bearings off trick but couldn't pull one side off the cam while on the engine.
So I grinded the master link pins down til I could pop it off.
Now I'm wondering about reusing it with a new master/rivet. But I did nick the next pin over with the grinder.
It has just over 8000 miles on it. Didn't find metal shavings in the oil or on the plugs. Didn't find any black plastic either. In fact everything seems pretty good.
I tried the bearings off trick but couldn't pull one side off the cam while on the engine.
So I grinded the master link pins down til I could pop it off.
Now I'm wondering about reusing it with a new master/rivet. But I did nick the next pin over with the grinder.
You might have trouble finding the right master link. They changed the specs over the years and used chains from different manufactures.
I would just replace the chain.
Leo
I would just replace the chain.
Leo
bdholsin
XS Enthusiast
If you've compromised the existing chain in any way shape or form I'd suggest replacing it. In the remote chance it breaks after you put it back together, due to the nick in the next pin over, you'll kick yourself...especially if severe damage is done between the pistons and valves. The potential (albeit a remote possibility) for high cost damage and disappointment is too much in my humble opinion.
Since you have it down this far you may as well give yourself the piece of mine and put a new one on. It won't hurt and isn't cost prohibitive.
Since you have it down this far you may as well give yourself the piece of mine and put a new one on. It won't hurt and isn't cost prohibitive.
It's done for you, but no matter how careful you are grinding is not the best operation to do in an open engine if there is ANY way it can be avoided.
PS I ground one apart before I learned of the bearing trick to get the cam out. The good news for me it was a fragged engine anyways and the empty cases are just for mock ups now.
PS I ground one apart before I learned of the bearing trick to get the cam out. The good news for me it was a fragged engine anyways and the empty cases are just for mock ups now.
boobaloojones
XS650 Enthusiast
Man, really appreciate it guys. New chain it is. Can't have my girl falling apart on me miles from nowhere.
Replace the front guide as well. Most are failing now due to age. The rubber strip is coming unglued from the aluminum base. Even if the rubber part still looks good the glue bond will probably start failing shortly. I've found the whole rubber strip fallen off and sitting down on the crank in some I tore apart. A still fully intact, not badly worn strip - it just fell right off, lol. Here's how I found mine. The strip wasn't badly worn or near wearing through in any spots, it was just coming unglued. I caught it just in time I think .....
boobaloojones
XS650 Enthusiast
Suppose I'll have to... rubber part just came off. And add another bill to the parts expense. Thanks.
scharny61
XS650 Enthusiast
Is there any alternative to the proper tool the manual recommends for putting the new link on? Don't want the link to come apart.
Back it up with a 3 to 5 lbs hammer and peen the pins with a 16 to 20 ounce ball peen hammer.
Leo
Leo
scharny61
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks XS Leo, ended up using the tool that joins the links on a chainsaw - worked well.
claytronofrio
XS650 Member
Is it possible to pull the camshaft without removing the chain?
Yup remove the bearings from both sides. Use an aluminum drift so you don't damage the cam.
To add....loosen or remove the cam chain tensioner to geta bit of slack in the cam chain.
claytronofrio
XS650 Member
Awesome, thanks for the quick response guys! I managed to crack my camshaft while pressing in bushing for the advance that was included with my pamco kit.
Ouch I think I have heard of that happening before. Some times it's just a thin flange that doesn't matter?
glennpm
Another Old Biker Nut!
I managed (mangled!) mine up too. I had finished degreeing it and noticed a tiny gap at the flange so put it in the press without heating it up again and heard it crack. Rather than leave it that way I took a small thin chisel and paint scrapper and broke the whole thing off. I didn't want loose pieces in the motor and the cam was degreed properly
