454ltd / en450 lack of power - timing chain repalcement?

[rebeltaz]

Guys, I have an 86 Kawasaki EN450/454LTD that has lost power on the upper end. It still has get up and go, but I can only get 65-70 mph at full throttle in top gear on a flat straight away. I have rebuilt the carbs twice and replaced the spark plugs.

I do know that I had to replace the cam chain tensioner last year and when I did, I thought the cam chain felt a little loose. I am going to check the valves, the cam chain and timing this week, but I wanted to see - first, if anyone had any other ideas - and second, the entire crankcase has to be split to replace a timing chain on this bike, doesn't it? That is a very bad design, if you ask me, from a mechanics point of view.

Thanks.
____________________
Derek Tombrello
www.ShelbyCycle.com (for profit)
www.RobotsAndComputers.com (just for fun)

[yen_powell]

[rebeltaz]

Where would I find a split chain? All I can find is the factory original single piece. Thanks.
____________________
Derek Tombrello
www.ShelbyCycle.com (for profit)
www.RobotsAndComputers.com (just for fun)

[yen_powell]

[temeluchus]

before you take the drastic step of replacing the camchain,

check the diaphragms on the carbs, if they are split, the bike will run ok, but effectively it does not allow the throttle to open fully.
____________________
Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[rebeltaz]

[rebeltaz]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Official way to replace the cam chain is to split the crankcases (primary chain is also a pain to replace). But a rivet link cam chain should be available.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[temeluchus]

Another possibility-

Could also possibly be the ignition not advancing? Do you have a spare ignitor?
____________________
Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[rebeltaz]