Need help with 79 xr500 cam chain

[cbrianroll]

I'm trying to figure out why my cam chain tensioner won't adjust while following the manuals steps. I tried 4 times. I got it to adjust while cold and on my bench. Can I run it now that it's adjusted cold? Thanks

[Muzz67]

'79 should have the non-wedge type, but sometimes the newer sort get fitted,, like this one,https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/plusw/290721951.jpg

   Which one is yours?

     If original, all you should need to do is loosen both 10mm nuts/bolts and re-tighten.

[cbrianroll]

Honestly not sure...i only pulled the head ( very top portion with no gasket) loosened the bolt and nut, gave a light tap and it took the slack out. I did this while running and it did nothing. I'm more of a replacer than a trouble shooter. It's got tons of torque, just sounded like a violent sewing machine and figured the chain was loose. With head off everythi g seemed to look good, no grooves on seats and such. I'm just concerned that since it reset while cold that I may damage something as it reaches normal temp, and if I should pull the jug and"reset" the tensioner.  I think I had a previous thread about this and could not find it.... it's been a while.thanls for the reply. I've got the motor together again, should I run it and warm up and try to readjust? Is this a quirk with the adjuster? Thanks man I appreciate your help!

[S.O.A.N.Z]

you should only have to loosen these 2 and it will tension itself hot or cold

is the spring still attached ?

how are you tappet / valve clearances ?

[cbrianroll]

Ugg....i guess I'll have to pull the jug to find out. I figured it was kosher since it tensioner. I 'll be taking the jug off this weekend and will post accordingly. Unless you think it's ok since it worked cold.

[S.O.A.N.Z]

you only need to take the cylinder head cover off to check if the tensioner is working or not

[Muzz67]

Basically,with the engine idling,  loosening both bolts would work on either tensioner,, although the newer type should not need it.

    If it still sounds bad meybe time for a new chain......

[cbrianroll]

 

Sorry, got busy last night.....valves are adjust at manual specs. Yep...should have worked... loosened the bolt and the nut when warmed up, it didn't adjust, tapped lightly still nothing. That's why I pulled the head to check the chain and gear, loosened nut and bolt and tapped lightly and it took the slack off chain. I've read about chains not to buy and xl parts are somewhat compatable.....can anyone point me in the right direction for parts? Thanks

[Muzz67]

Any Japanese chain is good,, jury still out on Chinese.......

   Almost all XL500 parts are identical, and most FT500 fit too.

RFVC parts dont fit, so  look for 1979 to '82 XR/XL bits and '82-'83 FT500

[cbrianroll]

That's good news! Many thanks! Now I gotta start ordering parts

[bimbamboom]

That's good news! Many thanks! Now I gotta start ordering parts

Tsubaki cam chains have best reputation for aftermarket cam chain for the 500 from what I understand.

[El Extremo]

Good post!!!!

[Shawn_Mc]

How's the 40 year old spring on the tensioner?