timing cover

[DeanR]

Might be checking cam chain and valves for the first time tomorrow, relying on past threads and my Yamaha manual for help. Bike is running well but I don't think these have been checked for quite some time. Am I correct that timing cover(another name for stator cover?) and valve cover both are removed without draining oil? which I did last week. Thanks!

[randy]

Yes, Dean that's correct. But, you will want to install a new Valve Cover gasket, or you'll have a leak. The Cam Chain Tensioner also has a gasket, but that can be successfully re-sealed with a high quality Gasket Maker in a tube. Gasket Maker won't work on the Valve Cover, BTDT

[DeanR]

Thanks Randy. Forgot to ask if most people put anything on the gaskets when installing or just use them as is.
I don't need to remove the cam chain tensioner to adjust it, correct?

[randy]

No, you don't need to remove the cam chain tensioner to adjust it.

As a matter of personal preference, some guys remove the cams to do their valve adjustments (me) and when you re-time the cams you have to have the tensioner out.

I find removing the cams easier than jockeying the "Motion Pro" tool. I have found that tool too short to impart enough 'motion' on the valve bucket and it's anything but 'pro'-fessionally designed. There's my rant about Motion Pro.

[DiverRay]

Laxdad;
If you are using the "Yamaha" style tool, you don't need to pull the cams. You probably will only have to replace one or two shims at most. When I did my present Eleven, I had three valves out of spec. Just be sure to measure the gap without forcing the gauge. If you try to force a larger gauge, it will go by compressing the valve spring slightly. This will give you a wrong reading.
I did smear a very thin coating of silicon gasket seal on the valve cover gaskit. I did this at the start of the procedure, so it was cured most of the way when I installed it. That will help the next time you remove the valve cover, as the gaskit should not stick to the aluminum.
Once done, I would then do the cam chain adjustment, per the book.

[thumperjsa]

Laxdad,

I just did mine. With help from others I was able to get the other 3 shims I needed. I had 4 out of spec and was able to reuse one to that I had to fix another.

I used the motion pro tool. I agree with Randy because it is a pain that you have to "adjust" some measurements on the tool. You need to elongate the hole that the screws go in a little as well as shave down the thickness.

This page helped me quite a bit when it came to figuiring out what to do.
valve adjust

It takes about 5 minutes per cylinder to remove the adjusting pad, once you figuire out how to do it. It also helps to have a buddy with you when you do one of the sides so someone else can turn the engine when you are on the opposite side.