Timing Chain Installation

[metalli445]

I've read a few threads but just wanted to confirm that I can install a new timing chain by simply removing the stator cover and pulling the flywheel off. Then i loosen the cam chain tensioner and remove the timing chain. Is it possible to drop the chain down from the top or do I have to fish it up from the bottom? Thanks. Any tips are appreciated.

 

[Warrior1996]

Easier to drop the chain out through the case, then get some wire or string and use it to pull the new chain up from the case to head. It's really easy.

 

[metalli445]

Thank you!

Quick question. When I was at TDC, my cam sprocket looked to be able a half tooth to the right of where it was supposed to be. Do you think this is enough to warrant a new timing chain?

 

[Warrior1996]

From what I have heard on this forum, being a half tooth off is not bad. That being said, if you are rebuilding your engine then I would definitely replace it, because it is slightly stretched. A new timing chain is cheap, the best ones are D.I.D or oem. I have a D.I.D timing chain in my bike and it holds up great and hasn't stretched at all after a full year of riding.

 

[Franken warrior]

Make sure you put a good loctite on the crank when you put the flywheel back on. Also give at least 24 hrs to cure fully. If you don't, you'll be taking it back off and replacing a woodruff key and deburring the tapered shaft. I learned the hard way. Sorry, I should have specified to put the loctite on the shaft, so there is loctite between the crank and flywheel. You'll see that the crank is tapered. That's why you need a puller to get it off. That's also why you need to put loctite on before you slide the flywheel back on. That key is for timing alignment only. Trust me, it won't keep the flywheel from shearing the key without loctite on it.

 

[duneracerweston]

You also wanna loctite the bolt holding the cam gear on, otherwise you might find yourself in need of a new cam which isn't cool.

 

[metalli445]

Thanks for the feedback. I ordered the D.I.D timing chain and I'll make sure to use locktite where you said to.