Cam Chain Tensioner VMAX Swap.

[Radioguylogs]

Thanks Phil.

Note: First year for Vmax is 1985, so '85-'07 will work.

Each Vmax engine has 2 tensioners, so I got two of them in an inexpensive eBay purchase.

[Banshee's Veil]

Hi folks, I am new to this forum. I just bought myself a 1978 Yamaha XS1100. I was tightening the cam chain tensioner and obviously over tightened the small bolt and lock nut - it cracked and is now leaking oil. From what I am reading in the above posts, it looks like people are using the VMax CCT as a replacement option. I'll need to but a replacement CCT - is there a specific year that I should look for, or does it matter?

Do you want an OEM one? The one I pulled off was fine, I just had a leak because there was no gasket, just some rtv that I had to peel off.

[skids]

DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE WITH A CRACKED HOUSING! It can cause the tensioner plunger to slip back and be held is a slack position. It can make the cam chain slip and ruin the valves. Been there/done that.

[ageneroux]

Thanks for all of the input - Good points. I'm looking to buy either a used or new one. OEM or other. I'll try ebay or amazon.

[ageneroux]

The guy I bought my 78 1100 from swore that it was all original., until I pulled the carbs and soon discovered that the carbs are from an older model, probably a 80 or 81 year. Hmm, I wonder what else I will discover as I slowly rebuild it..lol. Can anyone tell me which supplier they use for their XS'? I've heard of Mikes XS and XS Direct, but not sure if there are any other recommended vendors. I live Canada, so there are already challenges with getting access to parts.

Thanks again,

Cheers,

Andrew

[bikerphil]

Canada has Parts N More for XS parts.

[ageneroux]

Thanks, I've used them before for my 1982 Yammy XJ650RJC Seca.. she was a beauty. I'll give them a try for this XS bike.

Cheers,

Andrew

[ageneroux]

I've checked all of the "Canadian" suppliers and no one seems to have anything in stock. I'll try ebay or Amazon for a used one. I did notice many aftermarket "Manual" CCT's that seem to be available. I know that they are probably not as good as the "Automatic" spring loaded CCT's, but it may be my only option.

Thanks again for all of your valued input guys.

Cheers,
Andrew

[DiverRay]

Most of us use the ebay used part for the CCT. It's cheap, and they don't really go "bad", as it takes a LOT of miles to show wear on the mechanism.

[ageneroux]

Ray, thanks for the tip. I'll give ebay another try.

Cheers,
Andrew

[2WheelFun]

I bought 2 off eBay if you want one LMK. Off 01 royal star XVZ13 LT. $10 shipped would split my cost. PM me if you like.

[2WheelFun]

Wow, what a difference. Added the CCT today on a freshly adjusted valve train and this bike sounds sweet now! I did adjust the holes a tad (the gasket was fresh 200 miles ago) and used that as an indicator of where the holes were and shortened the bolts a bit. ageneroux I've got this other one here if you still need it.

[Banshee's Veil]

Wow, what a difference. Added the CCT today on a freshly adjusted valve train and this bike sounds sweet now! I did adjust the holes a tad (the gasket was fresh 200 miles ago) and used that as an indicator of where the holes were and shortened the bolts a bit. ageneroux I've got this other one here if you still need it.

I know right? Mine sounded better after I installed the VMax tensioner as well. I already adjusted clearance so that was not the issue.