cam chain tensioner and other oil leaks

[tab1324]

My cam chain tensioner is leaking like mad... I think I'm losing about 1 quart of oil to every tank of gas - maybe a little more.... I've had the bike sitting for a few days and noticed that there's a little puddle on the floor below the tensioner - then saw the drips. Also after a long ride I notice a leak out of the "valve / cam" cover end with the little half moon shaped rubber thingys (I'm so technical). Are these simple fixes? The cam chain thing has me concerned - I fear taking it apart and having a spring or some clip or something flying accross the room never to be found - or that removing it could cause adjustment to get thrown out.

Thoughts???

Tom B

[xssiveone]

The cam chain tensioner leak is a very common problem, and a very easy fix. You must first remove the cam chain tensioner. To do this, follow the instructions in your repair manual to adjust the cam chain tensioner. Remove the timing plate cover, then rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the "C" mark aligns with the stationary pointer. You can then loosen and remove the cam chain tensioner. DO NOT ROTATE THE CRANK WITH THE TENISONER REMOVED!! Hold the plunger in with one hand and then loosen the locknut and turn the bolt out. Slowly let the plunger out and then remove it. You can then drive the leaking plug at the end of the cam chain tensioner out. Clean the plug and the tensioner good and ensure all traces of oil have been removed from both. Apply your choice of gasket maker/RTV sealer to the plug and then reinsert it into the tensioner. Reverse your steps to reinstall the tensioner. Once it's reinstalled, release the tensioner bolt to allow the plunger to adjust against the chain. Tighten the bolt(4.3 ft lbs) not too tight, it strips easily, then tighten the locknut(6.5ft lbs)

As for the halfmoons, they should be available thru your dealer or you can order them online from Dennis Kirk. You can also try to reseal the old ones with hi-temp gasket maker. To replace them, you must remove the valve cover, so you will need a new gasket for it as well.

[Underdog]

On mine the plug was completely missing. It's sort of a rubber thing & doesn't fit real tight. Still available from Yamaha. I didn't have to remove the tensioner. Cleaned out the hole with some spray brake clean, coated the new plug with silicone rtv and tapped it in. Others have simply filled the hole with silicone.

[Michael March]

Is the center of the cam tensioner supposed to have a plug? Oil is pouring out of the center hole of mine, and there is no plug in there. Can I simply try to clean it and put silicone it to stop that leak?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Michael,

And welcome to the world of Xsives!! I'm surprised that you found this older thread and didn't see the others with several tips on repairing/replacing that plug!?

Thread 1
Thread 2

Please read both threads, good info! Just remember, RTV doesn't stick to metal well with any oil present!

[Michael March]

I gotta tell you TC, that bike seems to have so much potential that I'm willing to do far more than I thought I would to get it right. Looks like I'll be pulling the tranny this winter to fix the first gear skip, and I've got serious amounts of oil coming out that hole in the cam tensioner to fix (the level was below reading after a week with a fourth of a quart added). Also, the front end seems a bit jumpy, almost as if the front wheel is out of round, which is quite noticable at about 30 mph and then again at around 80. Just gets kind of a shimmy jumpy thing going, not solid like my old wing.

I am not that experienced a wrench turner, but I'm going to give it my best shot, as I don't see anything close to this xsive machine out there for fun potential. What a beast. I mean wow, when you jump on her (in any gear but first), she explodes! If I could get this right I'd love to ride her for a long time. Right now I've got to tackle that oil leak dripping out the hole in the cam tensioner which has trashed the whole front of the engine. Thanks for being there, I'm hooked!

Mike