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Installation for Honda VTR Superhawk/Firestorm

 

This instruction was borrowed from the VTR1000 Firestorm web site, written by Chris, with minor editing.  I was referred to it by the first rider to order a set of the VTR cam chain tensioners.  It didn’t make sense to “reinvent the wheel” here.

 

You should start with the rear cylinder, removing the cam cover to do the work.  The problem with not removing the cam covers (well one cover anyway) is you may be at TDC but not on the compression stroke, in which case the cam chain will jump over the cam sprockets and you will then have a lot bigger job on, than just changing the CCT's, as you will have to re-set the valve timing!

 

1)       Remove seat.

2)       Disconnect block connector on end of wiring from fuel tank (located under-seat in front of battery box).

3)       Unbolt fuel tank, turn fuel tap off with 8mm open end spanner and disconnect all hoses noting where each one goes first (use masking tape and write on it if you won't remember) then lift off tank (easier to do when tank is nearly empty).

4)       Remove air filter box lid and air filter, then remove the two air intake trumpets, (noting where each one goes as they are different lengths) cover the intake holes of each carb with a clean rag so nothing can fall in there, next remove the screws holding the air box to the carbs and disconnect the breather hoses then remove the air box itself.

5)       Remove the spark plugs and cover holes with clean rags

6)       Remove the two caps from the alternator housing (left-hand side of bike when sitting on it) be very careful removing the center one as it's made of very soft material.

7)       Using a socket and breaker bar in the center hole of the alternator cover turn the engine over counter-clockwise, until the timing mark 'RT' lines up with the mark on the alternator cover which can be seen in the 2nd hole of the alternator cover.

8)       Remove the rear cam cover (it's much easier than the front one) also note models with the pair system will have a metal locating dowel between cylinder head and cam cover, not applicable on UK models.

9)       Now looking at the camshafts, the lobes should be facing to-wards each other, if not turn the engine over one full turn (360 degrees) until the 'RT' mark is re-aligned, they should now be facing to-wards each other and the marks RI and RE on the camshaft sprockets should be level with the top part of the cylinder head and will be facing away from each other, you are now ready to remove the rear cam chain tensioner

10)    Unscrew the small bolt in the end of the rear cam chain tensioner and remove it along with the alloy sealing washer. Next turn the screw head inside the cam chain tensioner clockwise two full turns, lock it off in position using a locking key. The Haynes Workshop Manual shows you how to make a simple locking key. Tape the key in place once you've locked the tensioner off, as you don't want the key jumping out. Next undo and remove the cam chain tensioner. If you are using this guide to fit manual cam chain tensioners you can lock the tensioner in position without retracting it first (using a locking key), to give you a measurement that can be transfer to the manual cam chain tensioner before fitting it.

11)    Clean off mating surfaces, fit new gasket and new cam chain tensioner, turning the tensioner in finger tight by hand.  IMPORTANT: There are two different tensioner adjuster bolt lengths use the shorter one in the rear cylinder, the longer one in the front cylinder.

12)    Carefully turn the engine over counter-clockwise once to make sure the cam has not jumped time and a valve hit the piston.  STOP TURNING IF YOU MEET RESISTANCE, you do not want to damage any parts.  I’ve not had this happen before, but I have known of a KLX650 rider spinning the engine over with the starter before adjusting the tensioner and bending valves.

13)    Then continue turning while still finger tightening the cam chain tensioner to make sure all play is out, then back the thru bolt 1/8 turn and tighten lock nut.  (static setting)

14)   Now turn the engine over anti-clockwise 450 degrees (one and a quarter turns) until the 'FT' mark lines up with the mark on the alternator cover, you are now ready to remove the front cam chain tensioner using the same procedure as the rear, without the need to remove the front cam cover.  IMPORTANT: There are two different tensioner adjuster bolt lengths use the longer one in the front cylinder.

15)    Re-fit everything else in the reverse order of removal, I use a little thread lock on the screws that hold the base of the air box to the carbs.

16)    Once you have finished re-fitting the cam chain tensioner 's, before putting it all back together carefully turn over the engine counter-clockwise 3 or 4 complete turns using the socket and breaker bar just to make sure everything is turning freely before you start the engine  If you meet resistance other than compression, stop turning.  Cam timing has jumped.  Retime the cams.

TIPS:-

A.      I think it best if you try to see if you can undo the center cap in the alternator cover first before starting to strip the rest (remembering what I said about them being of a soft metal).

B.       Make sure you only turn the engine over by hand COUNTER-CLOCKWISE otherwise you will be putting extra load onto the cam chain tensioners which you really want to avoid and using the starter could cause bent valves if the cam timing has jumped.

C.       Also don't forget to turn the fuel tap back on when re-fitting the tank! The later 19ltr fuel tank models don't have a manual fuel tap.

 

 

 

Copyright © 2009 Krieger Cam Chain Tensioners
Last modified: 08/19/12