Z900 A4 Camchain replacement

[Gray17]

Afternoon Guys, if you've read my previous posts you will know i had a lot of probs with poor running issues, thats all now been sorted by Rob Z1015 who did a fantastic job.
However whilst the bikes running 100% better now he did say theres a couple of things that would improve matters further.
No. 1 is the Camchain replacement - now looked into this and read several posts on subject, but the correct endless is a massive job, involving engine out and cases split, firstly not sure i could do that again, not least as me and my friend tried to wrestle engine out and couldn't, so ended up fully stripping frame then tipping engine on its side on blanket and lifting frame off. Then reversing when re fitting, thing was it was all goung to be stripped for rebuild so not an issue, but now its fully rebuilt so massive job!
So to the question, anyone fitted a split camchain and successfully peened over the DID rivetts themselves? I have seen a DID tool online thats supposed to do it for you but never done 1 myself. Nor can I vouch for its validity.
Obv dont want camchain to snap, so its def prudent to replace it, but if i strip engine I'm also concerned about getting everything back as it should be again, my track record so far has been far from great! And despite numerous checks still got it wrong! DID make both the endless and Split so would like to think the quality the same, it just comes down to the rivetting. And the split ones a hell of a lot easier to fit. Cost is a lot less too not in the item itself but in the other components needed for a full strip.
Thoughts please? THANKS

[Bill P]

I have used cam chains needing riveting a few time's which worked out ok .
the only advice i would offer is don't buy the cheapest Tool on offer to do it.
Good Luck

[kev edwards]

I have never opened up a motor to replace a cam chain, i have always used a soft link and never had a problem, i also have never purchased a tool for the job, my dad showed me how to pein the rivets and have never had a tight one, i guess you could ask Rob to pein one for you.

[Gray17]

Thanks for the replies Guys, i have seen several tools that state they remove both drive chains and cam chains and have individual attachments, either a pin which guess pushes link out and some curved attachment of varying sizes which assume crushes the link over correctly. Theres also diff makes, Seeley, Draper, American Pro, the one i thought looked better was the DID version but whether its genuine or a copy?
Kev, Yes I've seen the ball pein method described but not sure i could do it myself, prob with my luck it would fall apart. Hence tool.
Luckily dont do much mileage a few trips up the coast etc hoping i can get it done after summer once ive ridden it a bit, after all the work done so far, before putting it away for winter.
Yes sure Rob could have done it but he did what was needed to get it up and running correctly, this was a vast improvement to what i'd been able to achieve myself. He had it a week and has his own.projects ongoing too, its a time consuming job stripping an engine fully, not to mention the space needed to strip it all down. I was just grateful he got it running as well as it does now.
The chain was recomended to be done at my earliest opportunity.
Thanks

[DeadZedDave]

Gray17, an endless chain fitted with a full engine strip is the proper solution. Sure there are plenty of examples of riveted split chains out there but if you want it done right then another full engine strip is the answer.
That said, how bad is it ? I've seen Zed engines where the cam chain has run so slack its cutting tram lines inside the cam cover and still been running ! The new chain guides etc. you mention putting in will no doubt help but presumably at some earlier point there was a judgement made whereby you decided to leave the original cam chain. I'm assuming its not rattling !
You mention you don't do many miles, with probably just a few runs to the coast - I'm going to assume you're not going to be doing any street racing along the way. Why not just leave it as it is and run it this year as you say - see how you get on ! With all of the work and countless lines written on this forum you might take the chance to enjoy riding the old Zed !

[Gray17]

Hi Dave, thanks for reply, yes engine has had all new guides and cam rollers. It isnt yet at the point where its cutting cam chain tram lines as yet, and not now rattling, but its pretty bad according to Rob and trust his judgement.
Yes i wont be doing any street racing anytime soon, in fact these days it will barely break a sweat, its enjoying the nostalgia that i enjoy takes me back to happier times!
Yes looking back now made some bad decisions, thought chain seemed ok, but clearly not, speedo said 21k but could have been replaced and then the cost of all the other bits i needed meant i had 0 funds left, silly thing was i maxed credit card buying brand new 4 into 4 but wasnt needed until nearly completed, with hindsight should have waited for exhaust and bought camchain but at that time i honestly thought it was ok!, also wanted engine back together asap as was moving home soon, didnt want bits getting mislaid.
But now when i think of the work involved (i would have and should have) how many times have we been there! But too late now the decision was made, the consequences now are a lot of work again.
Be nice to get some rides in before winter then got till spring to sort.
Hopefully