Hitchcocks Forum

I have read the relevant manual that I purchased from Hitchcocks. It's difficult to determine how tight to adjust the chain when some sections are taut and other sections are not . Do I have to align the timing marks? The quadrant and eccentric spindle are positioned correctly ( by the book) and movement of the quadrant to the left tightens the chain.

The first instruction in the book says " Before adjusting the tension..., turn the engine until the chain is in its tightest position, checking the chain between all sprockets." When I do that I get all but one section tight and one section loose. That section changes as I rotate the engine. Do I tighten the tight chain section to 1/4'' movement?

The bike under acceleration had been making what sounded like a loose chain noise in the timing chest.

Any suggestions???

Hi Peter, it doesn't matter where the tightest or slackest runs of the timing chain appear, they will move around, depending on what the camshafts are doing. You could always back the tappet adjusters off while checking and adjusting the timing chain. When a cylinder is at or near TDC with one valve opening and the other closing, for instance, tension will increase on the top run of the timing chain as the cams oppose each other and any slack will shift to another area. Just make sure you identify the real tightest spot in the chain and adjust accordingly. If the engine makes a whining noise from the timing chest after adjustment, your timing chain is too tight and should be put right straight away!
Hope this helps!

Hello Bullet Whisperer,
Thanks for the advice. When you say identify the real tightest spot in the chain and adjust accordingly, do mean slacken off that area to 1/4"movement or tighten up the loosest spot in the chain?
In my forum question near the end I meant to say do I tighten the loose chain section, not the tight chain section.

Hi Peter, always adjust the chain at its tightest point, never the slackest, or damage will occur.