cam chain replacement?

ian · Mar 6, 2010

Posted this on FJROwners as well:

My 04 has about 80,000 miles on it. I'm overdue for a valve check/set and thought I would have the cam chain tensioner replaced at that time as well. I was talking to an old Suzuki mechanic at breakfast this morning and he suggested replacing the cam chain as well as the rubber sliders on the tensioner. Any thoughts? TIA Ian, Iowa

SkooterG · Mar 6, 2010

It's a pretty stout part. But it's also cheap.

Different opinions on that around here. There are a few who feel strongly that the chain wears (slowly stretches) as the miles are put on. Personally, I am not convinced. Most FJRs with your mileage have not had the cam chain replaced. In fact, I don't know of one.

I had mine replaced at 110k. Personally, I think it was just the cam chain tensioner that was bad (and causing noise), but it was a warranty repair and they decided to replace the cam chain (and guides) also. I wasn't going to argue since it was on their (Yamaha's) dime.

I now have 222k, so I have 112k on the current cam chain and tensioner. No noise. I am in no hurry to replace either.

James · Mar 6, 2010

SkooterG said:
It's a pretty stout part. But it's also cheap.
Different opinions on that around here. There are a few who feel strongly that the chain wears (slowly stretches) as the miles are put on. Personally, I am not convinced. Most FJRs with your mileage have not had the cam chain replaced. In fact, I don't know of one.

I had mine replaced at 110k. Personally, I think it was just the cam chain tensioner that was bad (and causing noise), but it was a warranty repair and they decided to replace the cam chain (and guides) also. I wasn't going to argue since it was on their (Yamaha's) dime.

I know have 222k, so I have 112k on the current cam chain and tensioner. No noise. I am in no hurry to replace either.

Early, when I started hearing noise in my '04 (~16,000mi) & I was thinking cam chain tensioner, Yamaha decided it was the chain. They replaced it under warranty, but said the tensioner was fine. Later as the noise on the left got bad enough for them to hear it (~30,000mi) they replaced the valves & guides as a ticker. Last fall I replaced the tensioner post warranty (~50,000) as I'd started hearing right side noises again. Got rid of them, but at some point I might need to look at the chain again.

DonRed7 · Mar 6, 2010

Unless you were going to replace all the cam sprockets you would just end up accelerating wear on both the New chain and the Old sprocket teeth as they find their lands. I use a pretty sig amount of gear/chain in our process plant and while it may seem crude to compare #40/50/60 chain and running gear in a salt water production facility it is relative on a slighter scale. Run sprockets and New chain or New sprockets and Stretched chain just don't get along.

But i'm not an expert on engine internals so it's just my take on the deal...........

Cheers

Don

FJRBluesman · Mar 6, 2010

SkooterG has some good points, and high miles.

ionbeam · Mar 6, 2010

Everyone seems to disregard most Owner's Manual and FSM recommendations, but FWIW, the FSM says:

Replace the camshaft sprockets and timing chain as a set.

Have your CCT replaced with the new P/N 5JW-12210-10-00. You should not have to replace the cam chain/cam sprocket set for at least another couple of valve check intervals. The cam chain slippers are made of the same stuff that Superman is, and should outlast the engine as long as they don't get damaged.

charismaticmegafauna · Mar 6, 2010

ionbeam said:
Everyone seems to disregard most Owner's Manual and FSM recommendations, but FWIW, the FSM says:

Replace the camshaft sprockets and timing chain as a set.

Click to expand...

What'ya do about the crankshaft sprocket (that sprocket sees twice as much chain as the camshaft sprockets)...?

Put a new chain on a worn sprocket -- and soon you have a worn chain again.

The proverbial 'Gordian Knot'... :huh:

S76 · Mar 6, 2010

Like oil, everyone has their preferences.

I changed my cam chain and tensioner, no cam sprockets though. While it is true new parts and worn parts don't mix well when it comes to chains and sprockets, I think a chain that is stretching will accelerate the wear on the sprockets. The teeth become unevenly loaded. By changing the chain and maintaining the original dimensions of it, the sprockets should last longer. Cam spockets not so important, but the crank is one piece, (or 2 pieces that don't come apart). When I changed my chain at 40K, except for some polishing I could not see any wear on the sprockets or the slides. Chains do stretch. If they didn't we wouldn't need a CCT.

But that's just me. I change a lot of parts on speculation. Some don't and it seems to work out.

I had an uncle that had a 1966 Dodge with a 383. He did not beleive in changing oil. He would just change the filter and add a quart. Sounds insane right? He did 2 trips around the country pulling a camping trailer with that car and used to deliver cases of eggs from the farm to the stores the rest of the time with it. The car had 175K miles on it when it was too rusted to use. Still ran.

Go figure.

Canadian FJR · Jan 16, 2013

Old thread but very timely for me. Once the chain stretches/wears to a certain point you will see it in the way the cams line up. They are still lined up but the marks/lines are not exactly horizontal any longer. I hope that I explained that properly. I'm due for a new chain the next time the valves are done. The CCT was replaced a couple of years back as a precaution and it seems fine and no significant wear on the sliders either. Must be years of gentle riding.

Canadian FJR

odot · Jan 16, 2013

FJRBluesman said:
SkooterG has a nice ***....he must work out..

There we go....much betterer.

johnny80s · Jan 16, 2013

Canadian FJR said:
Old thread but very timely for me. Once the chain stretches/wears to a certain point you will see it in the way the cams line up. They are still lined up but the marks/lines are not exactly horizontal any longer. I hope that I explained that properly. I'm due for a new chain the next time the valves are done. The CCT was replaced a couple of years back as a precaution and it seems fine and no significant wear on the sliders either. Must be years of gentle riding. Canadian FJR

How many miles are on your bike?

fjrob1300 · Jan 16, 2013

Canadian FJR said:
. Must be years of gentle riding. Canadian FJR

Ahem!

huron52 · Jan 16, 2013

Canadian FJR said:
Must be years of gentle riding. Canadian FJR

That man is going to get struck by lightening! Don't stand to close

Fontanaman · Jan 16, 2013

Here is a very thoughtful and technical article on cam chains by Dave Searle the editor of Motorcycle Consumer News. Dave often presents interesting technical articles.

By the way I'd change it. You are in there and it is not expensive and will contribute to keep your engine in tip top shape.

Canadian FJR · Jan 17, 2013

"How many miles are on your bike?"

180,0000 km. New CCT was installed a few years back.

As others have said, not an expensive part, just some time to replace it. It won't be touched until the next winter.

Canadian FJR

RadioHowie · Jan 18, 2013

charismaticmegafauna said:
QUOTE (ionbeam @ Mar 6 2010, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Everyone seems to disregard most Owner's Manual and FSM recommendations, but FWIW, the FSM says:

QUOTE
Replace the camshaft sprockets and timing chain as a set.

What'ya do about the crankshaft sprocket (that sprocket sees twice as much chain as the camshaft sprockets)...?

Put a new chain on a worn sprocket -- and soon you have a worn chain again.

The proverbial 'Gordian Knot'...

iF you need a new crankshaft-end sprocket, place your wallet firmly between your thumb and forefinger and kiss your money goodbye....or just go shopping for a new/different motor.

It's non-replaceable.

And the cam chain is only $18....don't be a cheap summbitch....put a new one in their if you're tearin' it ALL apart!

Klubis · Jan 18, 2014

Does the valve cover have to come off to check if the cam is "one tooth off"? Is there an easy way to check valve timing, I guess is what I'm asking?

RadioHowie · Jan 18, 2014

Klubis said:
Does the valve cover have to come off to check if the cam is "one tooth off"? Is there an easy way to check valve timing, I guess is what I'm asking?

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/122970-cam-chain-replacement/?p=656371

Worth reading if you're gonna check your valve timing.

RossKean · Jan 18, 2014

I have over 100,000 miles on my '07 and I'm fairly sure that this winter's valve check will require cam removal and replacement of a few intake valve shims. I was thinking about the possibility of replacing the cam sprockets and cam chain while I was at it.

Not sure if I am going to do it at this time but I was looking at parts and prices.

SPROCKET, CAM CHAIN
5JW-12176-10-00 (replaces 5JW-12176-00-00) 2 $49.00

CHAIN
94591-73136-00 (replaces 94591-49136-00) 1 $32.03

$130 in parts doesn't seem so bad to replace 2 sprockets and the chain. I noticed that for both the sprockets and chain, the part numbers have been changed - presumably a change in the specification of the parts (maybe just a different supplier??) I was wondering if anyone knows about any issues with the original or what changes might have been made? How many have replaced the chain and have you done the sprockets at the same time?

(I assume that no performance difference was noted)

cam chain replacement?

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