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Cleaned and reinstalled starter motor ? cam chain tensioner messed up?

  • Thread starter Thread starter johnnykakes
  • Start date Start date
johnnykakes said:
Woulda been great but I scoured everywhere, even the manual, and didn't find anything about removing the starter motor on a 550
Click to expand...

If you had scoured EVERYWHERE, you'd have found the information. It's out there in many places.

There is loads of help here. Many have been working on these bikes since the 70's.

Don't be afraid to ask. Welcome to the site.
 
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Okay so, how bad would it be to just take the tensioner out, then reinstall it per the info posted in this thread (ensure plunger is all the way in before installing, reinstalling, then loosening set screw to release plunger etc), and then test if it worked by trying to start the engine?

Would starting the engine via electric start rotate the camshaft? Sorry if this is pretty basic sounding
 
that sounds like a plan. then you can make sure the timing isn't off. maybe take off the timing cover and pull a plug and check piston position. turn the motor over with a wrench and see if you feel any tight spots. does that make sense?
 
Timing cover is on the right side of the engine, towards the bottom right? Held on by Philips screws?
 
johnnykakes said:
Timing cover is on the right side of the engine, towards the bottom right? Held on by Philips screws?
Click to expand...

Yes. You did download (and refer to) the factory service manual for your bike from the link you were provided, right?
 
JJ said:
Yes. You did download (and refer to) the factory service manual for your bike from the link you were provided, right?
Click to expand...


Johnny. My man. You're killing me.

I could have spent half an hour going through the manual (since you can't ctrl+F search words in an image based pdf or a physical book) trying to see if the timing cover was referred to by name anywhere (it's not) or whether there are instructions for its removal (there aren't).

Or I could have just asked someone on here.

I'm not being lazy, I'm being efficient.

Everything someone might need isn't in the manual. For example, page 60 "removal of the tension adjuster is necessitated by engine disassmbly [sic] and also by removal of camshafts." Nothing about tension adjuster removal being necessitated by removal of the starter motor. There are also no instructions for removing the starter motor, thus far, which would have been a tremendous help and probably let me avoid being in this situation.


Chill with the 'did you check the manual' bit
 
johnnykakes said:
Johnny. My man. You're killing me.

I could have spent half an hour going through the manual (since you can't ctrl+F search words in an image based pdf or a physical book) trying to see if the timing cover was referred to by name anywhere (it's not) or whether there are instructions for its removal (there aren't).

Or I could have just asked someone on here.

I'm not being lazy, I'm being efficient.

Everything someone might need isn't in the manual. For example, page 60 "removal of the tension adjuster is necessitated by engine disassmbly [sic] and also by removal of camshafts." Nothing about tension adjuster removal being necessitated by removal of the starter motor. There are also no instructions for removing the starter motor, thus far, which would have been a tremendous help and probably let me avoid being in this situation.


Chill with the 'did you check the manual' bit
Click to expand...

The only way you are going to be "efficient" about doing maintenance on your bike is to use the manual when you make the do it yourself. Some things are common sense, and aren't needed in the manual.

Chill with questions that you already have the answers (the service manual) for. :)

As I heard many NCOs tell soldiers in the Army, "RTFM, soldier". It's still good advice...
 
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They aren't Phillips. They are a thing called JIS. JIS tools can be hard to find. Timing cover screws have probably been off a few times and would be likely loose. On a tight screw a Phillips tool chews up the head. Most replace the originals with socket head cap screws on the side covers.
 
Brendan W said:
They aren't Phillips. They are a thing called JIS. JIS tools can be hard to find. Timing cover screws have probably been off a few times and would be likely loose. On a tight screw a Phillips tool chews up the head. Most replace the originals with socket head cap screws on the side covers.
Click to expand...


Right, I learned this lesson stripping a few screw heads changing my clutch cable. I ordered a jis impact screwdriver from Amazon so hopefully that solves it - thanks
 
If you do decide to replace them down the line make sure the replacements are the same lengths as the originals. Double check on a parts fiche. Most side covers have two or three different lengths. If you put a long one in the wrong place it might bottom out by not enough to notice but enough to allow a mystery oil leak.
 
Reinstalled tensioner properly, when I turn the crank by hand resistance feels consistent throughout the turn.. Should I still take my cam head off and check the chain?


edit: the valve cover is stuck there's no way it's coming off. I'm just gonna give it a shot
 
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Got everything sorted out! The revs were because of the throttle cable. Adjusted that, then the idle screw and she's purring like a tiger again... So stoked everything's settled. Thanks so much for all the help everyone, even JJ
 
johnnykakes said:
Got everything sorted out! The revs were because of the throttle cable. Adjusted that, then the idle screw and she's purring like a tiger again... So stoked everything's settled. Thanks so much for all the help everyone, even JJ
Click to expand...

LOL.. You're welcome. From one Johnny to another, just remember four letters.

RTFM.

Glad you got it going.
 
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