WHOOPS! Jumped a tooth or two

[Animal Mother]

I was doing some work on the GS550 engine while it was off the bike and I cranked the engine over (plugs out etc) using the starter motor. Unfortunately, I had removed the cam chain tensioner and forgot to replace before turning the engine over.

The cam chain jumped and now the engine, obviously, doesn't turn over.

Is there a chance that I've done any damage to the valves? Or, is it just that the piston will be hard up against the valves and there's no other damage?

I don't want to take the head off but I fear I may have to.

[Nessism]

Most likely you bent a valve or two. I'd pull the cams out and then retime them and install the tensioner. Once you do all that, check the valve clearances. If the clearance is really big on any valves that means they are not closing and are bent.

[Animal Mother]

Most likely you bent a valve or two. I'd pull the cams out and then retime them and install the tensioner. Once you do all that, check the valve clearances. If the clearance is really big on any valves that means they are not closing and are bent.

Bugger. Will do.

[Animal Mother]

Just been out for a look over it.

The cam chain is snapped.

Now, is this a bottom end rebuild or do cam chains come with a soft link?

[Nessism]

I think you can thread a new one though but the joining link must be riveted back together with the proper tool. And some people will tell you that an endless chain is mandatory.

[Animal Mother]

I'm doing a valve leak test while tha cams are off. That should give my an idea if they are ok or not.

The last owner had stripped some threads for the cam clamps, some of the bolts were already loose. Looks like I'll need to Heli-coil them. Am I right in thinking they are M6?

[Steve]

Am I right in thinking they are M6?

Yep.

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[Animal Mother]

Yep.

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Than you.

[Guest]

That just plain sucks!

[Animal Mother]

Phew. All ok.

Did a valve leak test and all valves are perfect.

Just got to order a new chain,and a thread insert kit.