Boorrrringggg Build/Rebuild/Refres&restore

[3Phase]

Seriously.

It takes less than a minute to set the tensioner but you don't have to do it first, it's your engine. The hardest part is putting the bike on the center stand.

You can skip the tool and grinding it to fit, just pull the cams to change the shims.

[puskrat]

3, I've never done this, but I've read y'all's experience and advice enough to think you might be trying to hoodwink me. "Oh don't do all that process stuff, just pull the cams out" Hey look at the virgin! Nice cams. Wanna go snipe hunting?

[3Phase]

Heh, I use the tool and leave the cams alone, I'd suggest you do the same.

Since I don't pull the cams but a lot of others do, someone else may have figured out how to get away with not removing the tensioner. Either way, you're going to need the bike on the center stand. You'll have to decide for yourself if you want to loosen the lock nut and adjust the tensioner so you can use the tool safely, or remove the tensioner and use a fresh gasket/glob of sealer so you can set the camshaft timing and adjust the chain.

However you do it, turn the engine a few times by hand to make sure it's good and no valves are hitting or sticking, then disconnect the TCI and run the Starter for a few revolutions and recheck the shim clearances again one more time before you put the valve cover back on.

When you're finished, put your snipe trap out back with your other snipes in case one of them gets loose and tries to make an es-cape. I just got rid of a nest of them and don't want any more, they aggravate the dogs.

[puskrat]

Indeed. I expect I'll be retensioning, then adjusting valve pads. I was entertaining a tensioner replacement, but I'm going to run with the minimum for now.

[3Phase]

Be nice to the tensioner adjusting bolt and locknut. The body is cast metal and it'll crack or pull the threads if you get too enthusiastic.

Edit: Write down the shim sizes for each valve and keep the list somewhere for the next time you check the shims. With a list you can check the clearances, then see if you can swap shims around or buy new shims. It'll also give you a history so you can tell what shims have been changed and how much it's worn since you started the list.

[puskrat]

I think I have no enthusiasm left.

speaking of new projects....anybody got a sidehack for sale?

[3Phase]

You're making too much out of it.

It's like reading a set of instructions for putting on and adjusting a pair of button-fly jeans but deciding not to wear them because taking them off, using the bathroom, washing and folding them isn't covered in the instructions.

It's entirely up to you, just make sure you put on some kind of pants. Use a zipper if you must but there's a whole other warning that goes with zippers and pants.

[puskrat]

Or remembering button fly jeans and bathrooms, and swearing off BDUs forever

[3Phase]

Pants. Beware of zippers. Or not.

[puskrat]

Only a problem with boxers, really.

[puskrat]

got gasket/plugs. ordered valve tool. waiting patiently. ive noticed since I was able to turn engine over, battery has gone dead. back to no lights (neutral, headlamp, etc on dashboard) previously this was due to a connector being discoed. checked that connection and the fuse. no problem, must be bleeding electrons. any common causes of drain to ground to start my search? oh and any tips on valve pads sourcing?

[puskrat]

Tool arrived. hard bag locks found under fairing. Fairing looking like it will be kept and painted. Even though it's dorky looking. Still dont know where all the teensy bits in the locks go.

[puskrat]

Yamaha manual says tensioner will automaticaly adjust to proper tension" if I loosen a locknut and a machine screw. will it? i mean, it IS the manual, but.....


also: what if my cheap torque wrench doesnt go down to 4.3 lb-ft. ?

[3Phase]

The tensioner will take up the slack if you follow the manual.

For Mother's Day you need to get her an inch/pound torque wrench.
Harbor Freight just happens to have them on sale this weekends for $20.


1/4 in. Drive Click Type Torque Wrench

[puskrat]

My Tq wrench happens to be from HF, even though I saw that Western Iowa guy bash all over it. guess I can head back to the Freight next day off. Not likely to ride before then anyway, so I dunt need to worry about rattling off