F4i CCT Swap - pictures/directions

[brichter]

Repeat after me: A L L E N

 

[fizzerlee]

^ if i had extra money i would.

 

[rritterson]

alan: dude who works on bikes

allen: dude who invented bolts that require hexagonal keys

 

[Stage12]

dont have a f4i but that was one of the best write-ups i've seen

 

[krash]

Re: Very important!

Before you start, you have to get the crank positioned to TDC on #1.

What is the purpose? its just a tensioner, why would it matter where the pistons are in the stroke in regards to the chain timing ? I realize there will be tight spots in the chain, but thats why you adjust it. Or am I forgetting something

 

[TBM311]

I just picked up a 02' F4i a few weeks ago and I'm pretty sure I have this problem. Would anybody local-near Fremont- and has done this before be willinging to help me out. If not, i guess i'll just take it to the shop.

PM or email

thanks

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Re: Re: Very important!

What is the purpose? its just a tensioner, why would it matter where the pistons are in the stroke in regards to the chain timing ? I realize there will be tight spots in the chain, but thats why you adjust it. Or am I forgetting something

If the crank or cams move when it's apart, your cam timing will be off. You should always verify proper cam timing before starting the motor.

 

[krash]

thanks Alan, you have a point, if the compression caused one of them to turn, you would be in major trouble, but wouldnt the chain have to be really sloppy for that to happen?

Not trying to be difficult, ...
but, help me work thru this in my mind, when cyl#1 is at TDC, isnt one of the other 3 cyldr's on a compression stroke somewhere, and it could just as easily turn the crank or cam from compression on cyl 2,3,4 couldnt it? I dont know the firing order, so I dont know what degree the pistons are at in relation to 1TDC, but it just doesnt make sense to me.

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Engine designers build in a spot where the crank can be positioned so the motor can be assembled and built. You have to verify that things are properly timed as it's put together. If you take off the CCT at just whatever position it was stopped at and there is any cam lobe ramping up under spring pressure, removing the tensioner can cause the cam(s) to move. It can be so subtle you may not even notice it. The timing is both sensitive and critical. Why risk bending valves on startup?

 

[krash]

OK, that does make sense, but I have been doing some research this afternoon, and I have yet to come across anyone else discussing this potential. I am not at all saying that it cant happen, but is this a common thing that you have seen before?

peolpe talk about changing out that cct on F4i's all the time, and i havent heard anyone (yet) that has had this happen. you got me all paranoid now, becuase I was going to change mine out soon.

this may sound like a stupid question, but, whats the easiest way to find TDC? I got the manual out in the garage, but Im laid up in my chair with a herniated disk, about 3 rum and cokes, and a couple of pain killers, that garage is way too far away at the moment.

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Remove the valve cover and you can see the timing marks on the cam sprockets. By watching the cam lobes while turning the crank, you can find TDC#1 compression easily.

but Im laid up in my chair with a herniated disk, about 3 rum and cokes, and a couple of pain killers, that garage is way too far away at the moment.


WWW is not recommended. (wrenching while wasted)

 

[davis8]

Edit....


Can a mod add this to:
HOW TO TIPS FROM THE PROS AND SERVICE MANUALS ONLINE

Thanks!

 

[AGONZALEZ]

oops

well i just finished putting CCT without checking the TDC.. but from the pics i was adjusting the tension bolt and revved it and the sound was gone, so i thought, i put everything back together and rode around the blck and when in second gear about 9000 the pinging came back, is the tension bolt too tight?

 

[Crash Gordon]

I'd like to thank the author of this zombie thread for writing it way back when.
I need to tighten my CCT, but am FAR too lazy right now to want to take the whole bike apart to figure out where it is (right, left, middle of the jugs, etc).

Thanks for saving me some time.

 

[EarlyApex]

bumping an oldie... Awesome write up OP

Question: Can I use gasket maker? Or is a paper gasket mandatory?

 

[Sharky]

If the crank or cams move when it's apart, your cam timing will be off. You should always verify proper cam timing before starting the motor.

Good advice from a professional.
I was going to give you a WTF for that comment too.

As an aside, I used to work with a guy that claimed he fixed airplanes for a living. He was the biggest pain in the ass when it came to fixing anything. No smart helpful stuff like Alan posts, we're talking pain the in ass, can't do anything unless the manual says so type of guy. He eneded up getting fired because he was too slow and couldn't figure out anything that didn't have a manual attached to it.
If you know what you are doing, like I assume the poster is, you can get away with some shortcuts. If I followed the Ninja 250 manual it would take me an hour to adjust valves. One or two shortcuts and I can do them all (and double check) in ten minutes. As a mechanic, if I was doing "book time" I'd be losing money for my shop.

 

[jimboFosho]

bumping an oldie... Awesome write up OP

Question: Can I use gasket maker? Or is a paper gasket mandatory?

Gasket maker will work fine, make sure to apply around bolt holes as well. The gasket isn't part of a critical dimension because the CCT is adjusted after being installed.

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Good advice from a professional.
I was going to give you a WTF for that comment too.

As an aside, I used to work with a guy that claimed he fixed airplanes for a living. He was the biggest pain in the ass when it came to fixing anything. No smart helpful stuff like Alan posts, we're talking pain the in ass, can't do anything unless the manual says so type of guy. He eneded up getting fired because he was too slow and couldn't figure out anything that didn't have a manual attached to it.
If you know what you are doing, like I assume the poster is, you can get away with some shortcuts. If I followed the Ninja 250 manual it would take me an hour to adjust valves. One or two shortcuts and I can do them all (and double check) in ten minutes. As a mechanic, if I was doing "book time" I'd be losing money for my shop.