Timing chain and valve shims

[rev79xs11]

I was reading the cam chain tips and someone mentioned removing the tensioner end plug to measure tensioner movement. Is this hard to remove? I'd like to see if my tensioner does move for sure. I can't help but think this noise I had posted about earlier is the chain. I pulled the cover and depending on where the engine is turned to there is slack at the top at times. Is this normal or maybe my tensioner is weak or something/ Bike has 20k on it, i wouldn't think the chain is stretched.
Also, I figure I will adj. the valves while inthere, can you still get the shims from YAM, or is there a better place?


Thanks!
Ron

[Winterhawk]

Sometimes the rod in the adjuster gets a little gaulded from over tightening the bolt. If you suspect this take it apart and smooth it up some then insert a helicoil in the bolt hole for extra strength. Put silicone over the cam plug after reinstalling it.

[Ken Talbot]

Most people look for ways to replace a missing plug, or seal one that has started to leak. If yours doesn't leak, I would suggest checking the adjuster a different way.

Remove the points cover and set the crank to the cam adjusting mark. Do the slack ajuster adjustment as per the procedure. Then remove the adjuster, and open the lock nut and bolt. You will see immediately if there is any more travel left as the push block springs out to its limit. If it doesn't come out any more, the chain has stretched and will need to be replaced. If it does come out more, you can reset the plunger all the way back in, lock the nut and bolt, and reinstall the unit. Finish up by releasing the lock bolt, and tightening it and the lock nut to spec.

When you get around to doing the shims, look for a friendly shop that will let you talk diectly oto one of the mechanics. They will often swapa shims for aa fraction of the price of buying new from a dealer. Also, once you find out which shims you need, you could post a follow-up note here. A number of XSives have some decent collection of spare shims, and you may be able to do a one-for-one swap via mail.

[prometheus578]

Any bike shop should have them. The 29mm diameter shim is quite common among different makes. They cost from $5-$7 per, but a good bike shop, if you know the sizes you need and bring in your old ones, will swap them for you.
Common sizes are from 2.50mm to 2.80mm or so. Anything thinner or thicker... a shop may have only a few laying around and the mechs might not be too willing to let them go.
( I went to three different dealers last week trying to find a 2.30mm shim for an old cop bike I was working on. Ended up having to get it from the shop I worked at two years ago, and that was only by promising to replace it when our order from Kawi arrives this week. How humiliating!