TX500 camchain removal

two-smoker

I reject your reality, and substitute my own!
I know there are a bunch of other guys on the forum with the same bike as me... I need to know the proper way to remove/install a camchain in this motor, so I can swap my new cylinder head on. My manual doesn't specify anything other than "it uses a special link" and "yamaha special tool" to break the chain apart. Can't I just use a regular cam chain tool? If I need to break it at this "special link", do I just doin the motor over til I see it? Is it easy to spot?
Thanks....
 
yea, crank the motor over until you see the one link that looks different than the others. its not too hard to spot. I used a grinder to get it off carefully. I was too cheap to buy the tool, so i made an elaborate setup to get a solid metal backing behind it when putting it back together, and just did it very carefully with a cold chisel and a hammer. i would recommend using the tool, but if you are very careful it can be done without it.

what are you doing as far as the cyl head swap? going to the single piece unit?
 
I've got a low-mileage head off another 73 that doesn't have a broken exhaust stud, and isn't cracked, so I figured it'd be a good idea. I can't get the exhaust stud out to save my life, so this is the easiest solution.
 
I have done it with a re-used one, and the old guys swear by it, but i'd recommend getting a new one for peace of mind.

and the manual says you must... but thats just the manual :D
 
Still working on this problem... Where is the bolt to loosen the cam chain tensioner on these bikes? The manual doesn't specify, and the parts diagram isn't really specific where things are located.
 
I'm aware of the difficulty finding parts... I already found the master link on E bay, albeit for 55 bucks. I have no choice, the head needs to be replaced. Thanks, though!
 
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