What is this?

[Smash]

The fixed work! No more leaking.

[natemoen]

Glad to hear it!

Now check those value clearances!

[Smash]

Ain't gonna happen anytime soon, seriously, unless the bike proves to really need it. Sorry, I understand why people are pushing to do it.

[motoman]

Smash, that mileage isn't high, but would be worth checking. The valves were headed on the tight side at 50K on mine. Before any distance riding would definitely look into changing out the stock cam chain tensioner for a self adjuster off a V-Max/Venture or 550 Vision. With years of service the stock lock bolt set-up will NOT hold tensioner properly! Have seen a few unknowingly slip back and suspect cam chain stretch instead. Some on the site may still have an extra one. You come up with one and I WILL personnally ride over there and install it for you and Karla......and on a short notice!

[Smash]

Yeah, with the inconsistent idle it seems it should be checked at the very least.

Thanks for the heads up on the tensioner, I didn't realize it was that big of a deal. Can you point me in the direction of some reading on the subject?

We're looking at probably 3500 miles round trip at the end of July, 95% 2 laners. So definitely need to put a "new" tensioner in there before that?

[motoman]

Thinkin CZ or Skids either one would rather hear that all's good with the bike rather than the alternative. I would SERIOUSLY consider asking one of them to at least give you a hand or watchful eye with the cam chain adjuster. That would be the LEAST I'd do even before going to Alb.! Meanwhile, keep watch and source a self adjuster. Trust me, this advice from all is NOT overkill and can keep that scoot from becoming just a decorative conversation piece........bout halfway to Alb.

[Smash]

You mean break open the bike within the next three days? Good lord, I am not even sure when we would find the time! It's running great otherwise. No smoke, barely any backfiring, not using oil, runs smooth throughout RPM range under load and in neutral, starts right up (when she remembers to turn the gas on ).

[motoman]

You mean break open the bike within the next three days / Not at all Smash. Just DO the cam chain adjustment at this point and if not comfortable doing it have CZ help.......takes all of five minutes. Used to do mine "on the road" some 30yrs. ago when it got a little erratic running. If your slabbing it down I-25 to 40 to Alb. its gonna be singing up there in rpms plus on 40west your gonna be bucking some good headwinds. Would not even consider running cruising speeds for a few hours at a time without at least doing that adjustment.......and it only takes a couple min. to do..........could save you a top-end and the expense of having it hauled home alot of miles from nowhere. "Hurry-ups" and shortcuts at this point WILL wind up costing you and Karla the enjoyment of what looks to be a nice decent running XJ......U don't wanna go there.

[Smash]

Motoman, I need to offer some sincere apologies here! I COMPLETELY misread what you originally intended, I thought you were insisting we check the valves before we go! Now I feel like a rather large arse... I'm sorry!

Cam chain adjustment. check. I have no clue how to do that. I shall pull out the manual!!

[bikerphil]

With years of service the stock lock bolt set-up will NOT hold tensioner properly

It sure won't, unless you do this....

Take the plunger out, tap with a 3/8" coarse tap (no drilling), put the plunger back in with a stud and lock nuts and some RTV on the threads so the oil doesn't seep. No more slip!

[Smash]

Huh... the plunger was missing on mine!

[bikerphil]

Huh... the plunger was missing on mine!

The plunger is on the inside, you can't see it unless you remove the tensioner. Smash, do not remove your tensioner!

[blkryno]

If you do anything with that cct be very careful when tightening the adjustment bolt back up it only takes about 4.5 lbs of tourque to secure it and thats hardly enough to feel on a wrench cause you can strip the threads out of the aluminum very easy. To be honest I should say it was easy for me to strip it out. Luckily I borrowed one from my 79 and then picked up a nice one from the bone yard for 20.00 bucks. I had a cam chain snap on this bike two months after I bought it in 81. On the highway at 55 mph the motor and rear wheel locked up with out any warning. Fortunately the road wasn't busy and we didn't go down. How I kept it up I don't know. I do know my reflexes were better then than now. So I really make sure that chain is right. The dealer did make everything good without a problem and gave me a loaner for the mean time but it was only a 750 3banger thats when I knew I was spoiled. Still got the slash marks inside the cam cover from the chain slapping.

81 11 Special ( Yup this is the one )
79 11 Special

[motoman]

No apology necessary..........internet comm. can easily get confusing. When you have the bike on the centerstand and the left timing cover off and if still a bit hesitant dial 970-640-7221 and I'll lead U both through the adjustment over the phone....will only take a few minutes. If ridden prior and warmed up......even better. Late morning(10ish+) or later works fine....give me a hollar!

[CaptonZap]

Thinkin CZ or Skids either one would rather hear that all's good with the bike rather than the alternative. I would SERIOUSLY consider asking one of them to at least give you a hand or watchful eye with the cam chain adjuster. That would be the LEAST I'd do even before going to Alb.! Meanwhile, keep watch and source a self adjuster. Trust me, this advice from all is NOT overkill and can keep that scoot from becoming just a decorative conversation piece........bout halfway to Alb.

You betcha, Red Rider,

The chain tensioner is a slam dunk, The valve clearance is a couple of hours to measure, (taking all the stuff off) and an hour to put it back together. If any are tight, finding the shims is going to take more time than doing the fix. I have the tool.
If you want to check them, give me a call, and I will tell you what needs to be done to get ready. 3 seven77, one 1 7 too. CZ