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Help 1999 Yamaha FZX250 Zeal TDC?

Discussion in 'Yamaha 250cc In-Line 4's' started by Anne K, Jul 6, 2020.

  1. Anne K

    Anne K Member

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    Hey folks, I purchased a cheap zeal that wasn’t running.. got it running after changing the spark plugs and charging the battery.. only to find a ticking sound coming from the front of the motor.. after measuring the valve clearance I found they are all out but I want to make sure the method of finding TDC (top dead centre) I used was true TDC before I change the shims.. I can’t find any indicator for TDC on the crank. The only way I can see where the TDC is.. is by turning the crank and aligning the cams to point in opposite directions, is this correct? How do I know if they are in exactly TDC position? I am doing this with the motor still mounted on the bike. Any advice would be great, this is my first bike at 32 years old.. I don’t have my licence yet but this bike was in my price range and I can take my time getting to know it. Thanks for your time!
     
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  2. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Welcome. We have manuals in the resources section which will show the proper position for the crank. Need to become a member to access.
     
  3. Anne K

    Anne K Member

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    I have a copy of the owners manual, torque spec and parts list already. Unfortunately none of them include TDC, the owners manual mentions it and recommends taking it to a workshop, it’s not a workshop manual and doesn’t elaborate. Being a single parent that is also mechanically inclined I’d rather save myself the $45ph plus whatever they mark the parts cost at.
     
  4. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    The manuals are workshop manuals.
    If you can find a bike workshop for $45 ph then they are cheap. Most here charge $100 plus!
     
  5. Anne K

    Anne K Member

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    $100ph far out!

    He’s just a bloke doing p/t work at home after f/t work during the day. Has stacks of good reviews including a couple were multiple shops couldn’t fix what was wrong or said they’d fixed it but didn’t.
     
  6. my67xr

    my67xr Bike Enthusiast Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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  7. Anne K

    Anne K Member

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    Thanks for that! I have read @ruckusman ’s thread so many times but missed the part that explains where and what to align.
    Working on the bike while the kids are asleep so usually fairly tired and sleep deprived.
     
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  8. ruckusman

    ruckusman White Mans Magic Master Premium Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    If you're in any doubt, there are obviously the marks on the stator, but with the plugs removed you can just put a pencil down a plug hole and rotate back and forth to verify the marks if it gives you the peace of mind in being certain you have them correct
     
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  9. maelstrom

    maelstrom LiteTek Staff Member Premium Member 250cc Vendor Contributing Member

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    It doesn’t have to be exactly at TDC. With the lobes as you described will be fine.
     
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  10. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    The crank timing mark is under the stator cover on the right hand side. It is not bathed in oil and there is no gasket so nothing to worry about there.

    FZR and Zeal timing marks are the same and should look like this. Note the cam timing marks are on the left hand side of the engine. If they don't perfectly line up, then it's likely that the cam chain is stretched and the timing will be a bit lazy, aside from the obvious cam chain rattle.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  11. maelstrom

    maelstrom LiteTek Staff Member Premium Member 250cc Vendor Contributing Member

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    That only lines up for 1&4 though, right? Or does it have marks for the other pair?
     
  12. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Only for 1 & 4
     
  13. my67xr

    my67xr Bike Enthusiast Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Doesnt the timing advance as the timing chain stretches ?
     
  14. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Poor wording on my part, lazy as in not as per specification
     
  15. jmw76

    jmw76 Well-Known Member

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    I think you will find that the timing retards a little as the chain stretches.
     
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  16. Anne K

    Anne K Member

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    Because I’m measuring valve clearance with the motor on the frame and working from the side and working tired I didn’t realise that was a T (facepalm). Thanks for taking those photos, clarifies my query. You’ve been a great help!
     
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  17. Anne K

    Anne K Member

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    Thankfully, the cam chain was replaced in December last year (seller provided receipt), so it’s within spec.. I’m just surprised that the valve clearance wasn’t checked at the same time, seller had asked shop to investigate ticking and was listed as checked and resolved
     
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  18. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Hi Anne, Welcome to the forum. "seller had asked shop to investigate ticking and was listed as checked and resolved" Are you able to contact the shop and ask them about the ticking? Sometimes, ticking is normal as it's the sound of the valves working properly. Are you able to post a video to Youtube and link it for us to listen to the noise? By all means get your valve clearances right if they're outside of spec.
     
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  19. jmw76

    jmw76 Well-Known Member

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    Unless it is making a lot of noise, a little bit of extra valve clearance is not a bad thing. Being too tight is worse as it can lead to inadequate valve sealing and burnt out valves.
     
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  20. Anne K

    Anne K Member

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    A382F203-EF8F-49FE-896B-4B5C7DC3917C.jpeg
    They are way to tight, there is also a little bit of wear at 4th on the cam
     

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