Ok what the heck is it...??

[scott0757]

That's a leaky cam chain tensioner! (Crankcase oil film with dirt). There's actually an adjuster nut and bolt under that crud!

[DiverRay]

Darrek,
That picture is of the cam chain adjuster. It looks as if it needs to be cleaned and used.

[Snow]

Is it me or are you missing a cylinder or two there?

[79XS11F]

I am sure that the pic that Ken posted of that little 1/2 dome is where the engine is supported for assembly. there is one in the back as well and there is little doubt that the engine would be perfectly balanced if picked up at those 2 locations. At the factory they don't wrestle these engines into the frames like we do. The engine is placed by machinery and that machinery picks the engine up at those locations.
Rob

[Jerry]

Darrek:
Thats your cam chain tensioner. By the looks of it you may have a leak around the plastic plug at the forwared end. If you remove it, clean plug and bore, and replace plug after putting some black RTV sealant around it it your engine will stay cleaner.

To the left side of the part, scrape off the dirt and you will find a jam nut and short bolt. Nut takes a 12 mm wrench, bolt takes a 10mm IIRC. Your cam chain should be adjusted every 3K miles or so, looks like this has not been done in a while. Look at this Tech Tip for instructions on how to adjust the cam chain and also get other information about the cam chain and tensioner:
http://www.xs11.com/tips/maintenance/maint10.shtml

[Ken Talbot]

Originally posted by concours
Now, what the heck is with the pipe nipple and couplings on your motor mount?

Another adaptation - a way to use a low-budget engine stand...

[skids]

That picture is a keeper!

Originally posted by scott0757
That's a leaky cam chain tensioner! (Crankcase oil film with dirt). There's actually an adjuster nut and bolt under that crud!

[JWSanders]

Ken, that's an interesting color. Going for the olive drab/military look? Or is that just primer

Slick mount, btw.

[firecrackerboom]

those instructions on adjusting the cam chain are very vague... can anybody help me out maybe with pictures or more specific instructions? thanks.

[GtrMn]

The "lock nut" is the 12mm...loosen it first...the other is a 10mm loosen it..then tighten it back to torque specs. Then tighten the 12mm back to torque specs..just did mine today. Make sure first that you spin the 19mm bolt in the crank end clock wise a couple time first...It's under the left side cover where your pickup coils are..Turn it until it aligns with the "C" mark. Pull the plugs to make it much easier to turn the engine. Hope this helps.

[skids]

Originally posted by firecrackerboom
those instructions on adjusting the cam chain are very vague... can anybody help me out maybe with pictures or more specific instructions? thanks.

0. put the bike on the center stand
1. loosen spark plugs to make turning the crank easier.
2. remove the left side timing cover (4 bolts)
3. turn the crank in the clockwise direction like the arrow on the plate, by using a 19mm open end wrench or a 3/4 inch wrench on the square "nut" on the timing plate. Make it two full turns and stop on the C mark without passing it.
4. loosen the nut on the tensioner, then loosen the bolt.
5. tighten the bolt to spec using a baby torque wrench. Do NOT overtighten. Never use a tensioner with stripped threads.
6. tighten the nut.
7. tighten spark plugs
8. start bike and listen to the chain. This is also a good time to check out the pick-up wires
9. button on the timing cover.

[Ken Talbot]

Originally posted by JWSanders
Ken, that's an interesting color. Or is that just primer

You got it. That's a good quality self-etching primer. Since then, it has been sprayed satin black, to match the frame and all of the powder coated parts. Going for a total black-out look for this one.

[JWSanders]

Nice! Can't wait to see the finished product!

[Hammerhead1st]

FIRECRACKERBOOM has it!!!

Thats the part! He's got it...I'll read on and see if anyone found an answer...

[Hammerhead1st]

THanks, guys...

THere's a TON of great information here. Thanks for replying with such detailed answers