I am replacing my cam chain on my 1998 FZS600 (~70k km).
What's a good way to secure the new rivet linked cam chain to the old cam chain while pulling it through?I'm thinking some string or a zip tie where the rivet should be, though I'm keen to see what other people have done.
Do I need to replace the cylinder head cover gasket?
Is it necessary to remove the radiator?
How many rivets are there on the cam chain between the marks on the sprockets? I will probably end up working this out by lining everything up properly but it would be a good additional check.
Do you have any tips or hints?
First why are you changing it at only 43k miles?
Personally I don't use split link or soft link cam chains. The former just isn't strong enough and the latter often is either over tight or too loose both will shorten chain life, I've seen DIY replaced chains fail in under 3k. Fit endless, yes it's a bit more work and expense but it won't fail and last as mentioned 70k plus. It you must use a split/soft link, slide the new chain on to the old, thread some thin solid copper wire through the links, in a criss/cross pattern. Make sure the ends are on the outside, twist off the ends and fold flat, pull the chain through by rotating the crank.
Don't attempt it unless you are confident of your ability, have somewhere undercover, out of the wind to do it and have all the required tools and parts.Male sure any slack is at the back, if you got any at the front the timing is out and you run the risk of wrecking the motor.
The cam chain is rattling pretty loud. Here's a video. https://youtu.be/mAQfPnmdCBw
Judging by the condition of your bike, it's one that's been well looked after and not used a great deal.
I took out the tensioner completely and bumped it along a click but when putting it back in there was clearance between the tensioner and the engine block. I didn’t want to force it and I figured that the cam chain wasn’t ready for the next click.
Gnasher will correct me if wrong, but you should only adjust the tensionor when its installed in the engine.
Check with Gnasher when, your supposed to set the tension (hot or cold engine).
@Gnasher, is it possible the noise is then a poorly adjusted tappet..?
It's called pilot air screw