Replacing 250ES Timing Chain

[3wheelsinPA]

After talking to a few people about the noise in my '85 250ES motor it looks like I need to replace the timing chain. I've never had to do this before, but it doesn't look too difficult.
Looking at the manual, I'm going to have to pull the centrifugal clutch. The manual says to use a "clamping 2 jaw puller" to remove the clutch- can you rent something like this from Autozone or an auto parts store?
Has anyone replaced the timing chain before, any pointers or potential pitfalls? Anything else I should check while I have it apart? I imagine I should also pick up a gasket kit? Since I keep the bike at my brother's place I need to start and finish it the same weekend so I don't tie up his garage.
Thanks in advance.

[tri again]

hi

I was freaked out a little when I got my newest 87 250es and figured even IF it needed a chain, it would still be worth it.

I used the search function on here and got tons more info faster than a straight post.

turns out, the rattle was...
someone adjusted the valves with the crank in the wrong position and used a broken shovel for a feeler gauge.

I simply canNOT believe all that deathrattle noise was from the valves.

some say the chain can be done with theengine in the frame some say not.

some also say its best to do the chain guide rails anyway if you're going in that deep..

then it's done and it will run forever again

[TheRealFatShady]

Thanks for the info on the valves! My SX makes some bad noise I had thought was the crank bearings, but it still runs. So I figured timing chain/tensioner/valves. Hopefully mine is also a simple fix.

[tri again]

Thanks for the info on the valves! My SX makes some bad noise I had thought was the crank bearings, but it still runs. So I figured timing chain/tensioner/valves. Hopefully mine is also a simple fix.

yupp

after spending 25 plus years working on every type of engine and gearbox, I still canNOT believe all that 'chainnoise' rattletrap deathsong was from a mentalmeltdown valve adjustment.

I would've bet that trike and half my precious tools that it was something else and then fell over backwards in shock when i started it after the simple valve adjustment.

was alittle easier to adjust the valves with a little piece of small diameter fuelline on the square adjuster to kinda hold it while tightening the locknut.

someone also mentioned that a bent over squaredrive deck screw fits.

hmmmmmm...

[3 or die]

be sure to check those valves first. They can make allot of noise if thet are lose.

[Dirtcrasher]

Some people don't understand that a thumper has 2 Top dead centers.........


Yes, it can be done in the frame unless your book says otherwise. A simple puller gets off the centrifugal clutch, sometime a little pry bar and a plastic hammer take it off. It may have a LH thread so please read the book.

I never start any repair without getting the engine at TDC on the compression stroke, makes for far less aggravation in the end.

It's pretty easy to see which TDC your at as long as you read up on it and ask questions, then you can start by adjusting the valves first................

EDIT - If the chain is gone then the 2 guides are gone too but IDK whats available now. Oddly enough, the sprockets usually show very little wear.

[ailll1]

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Honda-ATC-TRX-250-ATC250-TRX250-ATC250SX-Cam-Chain-Set-/370426197621?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories

I heard to never put an used cam chain in there, so dont bother about getting this.
Some people will have to explain me why thought.

[Dirtcrasher]

Unless it was from a crate motor and run for 2 months, why take the chance??

Chain and sprockets WEAR and if they're from a 25 YO motor, I'd never run them...........

Thats just me :D

[3wheelsinPA]

I'll have to check the valves first, a lot cheaper than a $75 timing chain. I really hope that's it.