cam chain replacement- step by step guide

[daimus]

Hi first time forum submitter:

I'm picking up a 1980 XS 1100 which the owner tells me has slipped a cam chain. Here is the theory on the problem as I've been told. The cam / timing chain slipped a tooth while he was riding it last September. It would not idle and had no power. he believes it is due to the nylon chain guide wearing down. he's been told that they become brittle and are known to deteriorate with age. So, the bike may need to have the chain guide replaced and while in there replace the chain itself.

I asked a local shop for a quote on the job and I was told it would cost $1150 for parts and labor, bit steep.

Would like to see if anyone in the forum has experience in this and can give me a low down on the job, how to make it more manageable if I attempt to do it. I'm mechanically inclined and would attempt this with the correct manual, but I figured why not see if there were ways others have found to help either ease the cost of repair or ease how to do the repair.

Would appreciate your help. Thanks.

PS: Other than the cam chain issue, Bike is clean and sweet, that the biggest reason I'm considering it....if I can fix the problem nothing else is wrong with the bike, owner has moved on to a newer model and would just like his garage freed up.

Johann

[Ken Talbot]

IMHO, it is highly unlikely that the nylon chain guide has worn down that much. It is much more likely that the slack adjuster was simply not adjusted properly. Either way, though, if the chain jumped a tooth you might now be looking at one or more bent valves. I forget what the correct terminology is for this, but there is just not enough room in there for an open valve and a piston at TDC at the same time. This would not be good.

If you are lucky, the chain might have only jumped one tooth and maybe the pistons have not hit any valves. If needed, an new chain can even be installed without taking off the head or removing the chain guide. If you are real lucky, the chain has not jumped at all, it is only loose and making a terrible racket, and the poor running is a result of dirty carbs, broken pick-up coil wires, plugged air cleaner, and tired plugs. This would be good.

Being that you consider yourself mechanically inclined, this might be a good introduction to the XS11 for you. Look for a Clymer's manual, check out all of the technical articles here at the forum, pick up one of Rob Mills' CDs and you'll be ready to get started. You won't know until you get into the job a bit whether or not you actually need any parts. By then you'll have discovered that there are some pretty good sources for discounted Yamaha parts, as well as lots of used parts.

I think you are already on to the most common method of controlling costs on the fine old machines - do the work yourself!

[daimus]

Thank you, I am looking for the Clymer manuals- and will be doing more research. Thank you for the input and for anyone else that may have additional input.

[sixtysix]

Start with the tips section:

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63

[Stava]

Daimus,

G'day mate......I am in OZ and had a lot of trouble finding info on the XS1100.
My first big break was finding this site.......as you have done.
My second was getting a copy of Rob Mills CD and sitting down with a couple of coldies and read...read....read.

Ride Safe, Ride Free.