Timing chain replace

[mr blackstock]

G'day,

I have never replaced a cam chain on an in-line four, on single and twins it is easily replaced via the side of the engine usually.  However, with the FJ having the timing chain in the middle I see two solutions, either rip the engine apart or feed a new one onto the end of the old one and re-connect the ends of the new one once pulled through. 

Trouble is, does the FJ timing chain allow this?  Does the timing chain for the FJ have a rivet or pin connection?

My FJ1100 has a little timing slap, and i remember the mechanic that fixed the head last year said my tensioner was at full, and that the timing chain would need replacing soon.

It may be a silly question, but I am inclined towards splitting the chain and feeding a new one through.

Cheers, Gareth

[Bones]

My bike had a new timing chain put in plus the shims done by a bike shop about 50,000 km ago. The previous owner (my brother) didn't mention anything about the engine being removed and split, (because he would've bitched about the cost of labor) so I'm gathering it was done that way.

                                                                    Tony.

                                                       

[FJools]

There are pro's and cons to using a riveted link. May of the classic magazines swear that most shops used them otherwise the cost of a chain replacement would be too prohibitive.

I used one on my XS500 without any problems (and back then I wasn't sure what I was doing! LOL)

My personal view is I would use a rivet link unless I had the motor out and stripped, in which case I would fit an endless type.

[mr blackstock]

G'day,

Thanks for the replies, they have helped me out, I will be looking to purchase a rivetted link chain.  Now I just have to make sure I don't let both ends go and they fall into the crankcase....

cheers, Gareth

[ribbert]

G'day,

Now I just have to make sure I don't let both ends go and they fall into the crankcase....

cheers, Gareth

Don't worry too much about that, it's not that far down there. (I let mine drop into the case to get it out of the way and retrieve it when I'm ready)

Noel

[Arnie]

Put a wire through the links before you push the pin all the way out.
Or, trust Ribbert and go fishing later.  Just don't drop anything else down the tunnel.

G'day,

Thanks for the replies, they have helped me out, I will be looking to purchase a rivetted link chain.  Now I just have to make sure I don't let both ends go and they fall into the crankcase....

cheers, Gareth

[mr blackstock]

G'day,

I will definetly go with this method, but after looking at Randy's site and victor drummond here in W.A, it seems they both sell the same chain, endless.  Would I grind out a pin and replace it later when I reassemble?  Or is there a specific chain that has a riveted pin?

cheers, Gareth

[Arnie]

I haven't done an FJ camchain, but on other hyvo chains I have done, you push one pin out and then push it back. Stake it and you'll be fine.

G'day,

I will definetly go with this method, but after looking at Randy's site and victor drummond here in W.A, it seems they both sell the same chain, endless.  Would I grind out a pin and replace it later when I reassemble?  Or is there a specific chain that has a riveted pin?

cheers, Gareth