Has anybody ever.....???? Engine Help

[BauersXS11SF]

Hey, Newbie here, just bought my 79XS11 Special this last saturday, 17,000 miles runs like a champ, except for one thing.

I knew there was a problem with the timing chain (cam chain) tensioner because I could hear the chain clicking inside the motor at idle, Closer inspection revealed that the tensioner bolt had been broken off. I was wondering if this has ever happened to anybody else, and how you fixed it if it has.

Thanks.
Jarett Bauer

[Dragonrider]

The tensioner is spring loaded...the lock bolt is on the side, there's just a pin in the end...

So the side bolt/lock nut is broken off??

You need to remove the old bolt and replace it...or replace the tensioner. I would avoid riding it until you do, as if that lock bolt isn't holding the pin, you could jump time (head killer).

[UncleSpot]

Cam Chain Tensioner at BikeBandit.com

URL: http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit...e~XS1100SF.asp

I got items 13-20 and it cost me $38.31
Make SURE you get all the o-rings, gaskets, *AND* the plug (#20).
It fixed mine GREAT

XSive regards,
Ron

[BauersXS11SF]

well, Last night I took it apart, and the tensioner bolt was snapped off, I simply drilled the bolt out and replaced it and now all the problems cleared up, bike runs great, MAN these things are fast.

[Ken Talbot]

Chances are "you ain't seen nothing yet"!! I really thought my 'H was fast when I first got it, and it was, compared to my '53 R51/3. When I cleaned the air filter element, it got even faster. The same thing happened the first time I sync'd the carbs, the first time I got the pilot screws adjusted properly, and when I found just the right setting for the circlips on the metering needles. Now I know what an XS in proper tune should feel like, and yes, it is fast!

[RS Thornton]

Jarrett,

You may want to look at some other key nuts and bolts (axle, steering head, cam cover etc) The cam chain tesnion is part of a 5000 mile service and if it was broken off my fear is that the service tech decided he did not need a torque wrench and snapped it (4.3 ft-lb is pretty light) If you find an overtightened bolt you may have some undertightened bolts. Sounds like you know your way around wrenches so you could easily to the checks. It is better to find these things now in the shop than later on the road.

Good call on the troubleshooting.
Scott

[BauersXS11SF]

The thing that caused the problem was not letting somebody that knew what they were doing pick up a wrench. The guy I bought it from (luckily only put 2k on it) was the one that tried to fix it and snapped the bolt off. I just changed the oil and filter and checked the air cleaner, pretty much covered the bike maintenence wise and everything checked out.

[RS Thornton]

Good deal, as I said it is better to find problems while you have it parked with all the tools around, than at the side of the road after something lets go.

Now go ride and let us know how long it takes to get rid of that BAG after you find out how these bikes really ride.

My 79 special is not on the road yet, mostly becuase the 78 standard is so much fun, even with the bags and fairing. That black and chrome beast looks fierce just sitting in the garage, it will be down right scary on the road. My 78 has pipes that cut way done on ground clearance and I have already worn the muffler clamp bolts, now they are 5 sided instead of 6. the special ought to be able to lean something fierce on the twisties.

[LoserShoes]

You also might want to take a close look at the threads in the aluminum part. If the bolt was torqued hard enough to twist off the head, the threads might be starting to shear also. A helicoil might be good preventive maintaince. It's 6x1.0 mm by the way.

Steve

[BauersXS11SF]

The threads were fine luckily, It was one of the first things I looked at.


As for the specs on my bike.

1980 XS11SG
New Ruby Red, Black Red
Straight pipe exhaust with turndowns
had a somewhat busted up Cycle Sound system that I removed
Windjammer front Fairing with tube rack on rear/ removeable trunk
17,500 miles

I love this bike, I had a 81 Honda CM400T before this and it was getting to be way to small, both motor and frame. I feel right when I sit on this one, its not too big, nor too small, obviously theres PLENTY of motor. Now if only we could find a cheap carb rebuild kit for my dads 80 Standard we'd have it made.

Thanks for the help guys.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Bauer,

The carb rebuild kits are fairly cheap, if you don't go for getting NEW jets. The gasket and float needle/valve seats are only $12.00 a set for 1 carb, on Partsnmore! They take the Viton, rubber tipped valve needle, and that can get a crease in it, or just break down after years, but if you don't have to rush, you could pull the carbs and inspect them, if they are good, then you may just need to replace the gaskets!? Only $4.00 ea. That, along with a $10.00 bucket of carb cleaner, and a few dollars for some spray cleaner, and you're all set!
T.C.