1976 XS500 Valve Adjustment

[corlon]

i think the bike runs fine. its just the noise of something more then likely being wrong. lets just say its the cam chain tensioner. what can happen if i keep driving the bike the way it is?

[JimR]

Originally Posted by corlon

i think the bike runs fine. its just the noise of something more then likely being wrong. lets just say its the cam chain tensioner. what can happen if i keep driving the bike the way it is?

If that dam shite tensioner plays up (the chain ran slack) The cam(s) could jump a tooth - result = bent valves/broken valve guides I would look to the balancer chain adjustment if that gets slack the motor rattles & vibrates a lot ... I think I would be inclined to do the full lot ... drain the oil, remove the geni cover, adjust the balancer chain and as the cover is off throw a new oil filter on.
XS500 oil filters were always a dodgy subject back in the day there were loads of mods done to improve the oil flow .. but I guess today 30 years on Prograde oil could supply you with a better than oem filter ... XS500's were always 'hard work'

[corlon]

plan on pulling the cover this weekend. already changed / upgraded filter and mount.

whats the procedure for adjusting the balancer chain?

[JimR]

Originally Posted by corlon

plan on pulling the cover this weekend. already changed / upgraded filter and mount.

whats the procedure for adjusting the balancer chain?

remove the geni cover & field coils
you will see the chain running to the back of the case you will see also the adjuster . just use a screw driver and make sure the chain has 1 mm deflection .. if you need a walk thro just post up

[stonehenge]

Hello - I just found this forum. I've been tinkering with a 1976 XS500 for a few months. I purchased the bike from a guy on craigslist with a second engine and some parts for $250.

I got it running and have purchased, tires, exhaust, K&N air filters, some clubman bars, grips, bar end mirrors, and am making progress on it:

[Only registered can see links. ]

However... it is only running on 1 cylinder (the right one). The left one pops about every 5 seconds with a plume of smoke. It's idling nicely on one, but i'm getting stumped.

I pulled the carbs, cleaned them and made sure the float valve was moving, and they were all clean.

When I push the kick down - it seems there is good compression in both cylinders.

I'm wondering if it could be a stuck valve or something - anyone have any suggestions?

[JimR]

Originally Posted by stonehenge

Hello - I just found this forum. I've been tinkering with a 1976 XS500 for a few months. I purchased the bike from a guy on craigslist with a second engine and some parts for $250.

I got it running and have purchased, tires, exhaust, K&N air filters, some clubman bars, grips, bar end mirrors, and am making progress on it:

[Only registered can see links. ]

However... it is only running on 1 cylinder (the right one). The left one pops about every 5 seconds with a plume of smoke. It's idling nicely on one, but i'm getting stumped.

I pulled the carbs, cleaned them and made sure the float valve was moving, and they were all clean.

When I push the kick down - it seems there is good compression in both cylinders.

I'm wondering if it could be a stuck valve or something - anyone have any suggestions?

Ok does the oil pressure light come on after the motor warms up ? if not you may need to set up the valve clearence, dwell etc so ask on what you need to know

[stonehenge]

I don't believe the oil light comes on...no. I was wondering if I might need a valve adjustment. How tough is that to do? Besides pulling the valve cover off - what tools will I need?

[JimR]

Originally Posted by stonehenge

I don't believe the oil light comes on...no. I was wondering if I might need a valve adjustment. How tough is that to do? Besides pulling the valve cover off - what tools will I need?

A set of metric spanners
A set of metric Allen keys
A set of Metric feeler gauges
loads of time !

[SrgtBear]

Sounds like you guys are having loads of fun on this website. I am mainly jumping in this conversation because im sure im going to have loads of fun when im ready to tune my xs500 cafe racer which is currently in progress.

Here are some pics if your interested: Had the engine chromed. Tank and seat still need work but all the electrical is hooked up.




JimR, you definitely sound like you know this bike pretty well so I hope you don't mind if I ever bud in for help if I get to that point.

Thanks, Ted

[JimR]

Originally Posted by SrgtBear

Sounds like you guys are having loads of fun on this website. I am mainly jumping in this conversation because im sure im going to have loads of fun when im ready to tune my xs500 cafe racer which is currently in progress.

Here are some pics if your interested: Had the engine chromed. Tank and seat still need work but all the electrical is hooked up.




JimR, you definitely sound like you know this bike pretty well so I hope you don't mind if I ever bud in for help if I get to that point.

Thanks, Ted

Hi Ted
Not a problem ,,, just ask away