Cam chain - how bad is it?

[Morgaine]

Hey all,

My ZXR is rattly as hell when it's cold, it's done 22K so from reading around I guess it needs a new cam chain. (Trying to kid myself that adjusting/replacing the tensioner might fix the problem but that's being overly optimistic I'm sure you will tell me)

So, lacking a Haynes manual - has anyone got a dodo's guide to doing this? We're fairly competent with brakes and carbs but this is a little further than we usually go into the mechanics side - I've read on here that it's a split the engine job?

[masterofinsanity]

you can download the manuals here http://www.zxrworld.co.uk/zxr400/manual.html

if its an L model you will need both manuals, splitting the engine is a debatable topic on this forum, some do some don't, personally myself i would.

[Morgaine]

Cheers for that, will have a look - I couldn't even find the cam chain tensioner

[RedexRobB]

You can get away with splitting the ending if you grind away the bit of ally that stops you taking it out at the bottom.

[diesel]

id grind the bottom. saves all that splitting malarkey

[muffinman]

my L9 has done 23000 miles and i havent had cam chain/tensioner done yet.

getting my stainless downpipes, and getting carbs balanced and valve clearances checked, and while theyre at it gunna get em to check wear on the cam chain/ tensioner