Got the timing chain and valve clearances done today. Learned a few things... zeals do not have the guide with plastic backing between the intake and exhaust cams as the FZR does. Did the usual with the chain, except used a small ziptie to hold the chains together this time. Wound engine backwards (not dangerous as the cams are out and all valves are closed) to feed the new chain in. The new chain was not endless, so it has to be joined. Would need to be done anyway unless you feel like splitting cases. Having the correct tools to do the job makes it less frustrating and easier to do - case in point - EMGO chain breaker and riveting kit. You use the blank anvil and the cap over the correct pin for timing chains (2.2mm I think) and squish the new pin into the cap, so that it doesn't fall out. Genius! Position normally useless ziptie ends into the timing chain to hold the links together. This helps sooo much, if you've ever done a timing trying to hold the links together by hand, this is a revelation. Change the anvil on the riveting tool for the hollow one and you can begin to send the pin home. Then the pin has to be peened like the rest of the chain. Use the blank anvil and squish the pin on both sides, check that the link moves freely. Job done. Begin putting everything back together.
Great job @Linkin, the emgo tool seems to work a treat. Last time I did a cam chain found that 2 hands were simply not enough to complete the task, very impressed and well done mate
the cable tie keeping the links together is a clever touch, I've used drill bits of the appropriate diameter on drive chains. What's the time to change the chain approximately? now that you've done it, quicker the second time?
Good job. I took a gamble with a cheap chain breaker kit off ebay as I expected to only use it once - although it did the job I'd consider it substandard for regular use. Metal in the kit bent easily, edges where prone to cold working (it flattening out) so I had to grind the tip off to keep using it. Buy a more quality kit if it's a frequent thing for sure.
Quicker second time yes. You have to drop the radiator out. Tank off to reach the tensioner. But thankfully no fairings to speak of on the zeal and easy access to the cams thanks to the forward incline of the engine, which also helps to stop the chain falling in. I started around 4PM and finished about 9:45.
Chucked a new radiator cap on as I could hear the old one hissing after turning off the bike... Fancy one with the safety lever. Been doing some preliminary tuning of the pilot fuel screws, but it's hard to get a good temperature reading on the headers through all the rust. Booked in for a dyno run on monday.
Yeah there are 2 that I know of... The harley place (Western Ranges) and a smaller guy who runs his own shop... 100 bucks for 3 runs
I'd love to see you roll into the harley place and request a dyno run, I imagine sneers and sideways glances to which you could counter, well at least mine goes around corners I am of course just being cheeky