Hot cams Install

[capecod400ex]

Is this somthing I can do my self what tools do I need? I have done some engine work on small block chevys but no ATVs or small motors.

thanks :devil:

[400exMO]

depends, just pull the head and put the drop in cam in. Just take wrenches, and a torque wrench. Isn't to hard, if you know alittle you should be able to do.

[tater_kamik]

its very easy, you dont have to take the engine out if you dont want to. will you be doing valve springs as well?

[RiderTRX400ex]

its a pretty easy job, take plastic and gas tank off and and the rocker covert off.. not many tools. and drop the cam in..

[capecod400ex]

what tools do i need to check valves clearnces ??

[JDiablo]

valve shims :devil:

[h400exrydr]

when u r takin out the cam make sure that the motor is at top dead center. to do the valves all u need is a 10 mm wrench and a flat head screw driver....and a thing to check the clearances. really easy thing to do

[capecod400ex]

did you guys replace the rocker arms when you installed yours or not? I dont really feel like buying them. And are the gaskets the rubber and reusable ones or is it them crappy paper things that tare all to hell when you pull em off?

I'm trying to do this tonight if i can.

[Chino886]

Originally posted by capecod400ex
did you guys replace the rocker arms when you installed yours or not? I dont really feel like buying them. And are the gaskets the rubber and reusable ones or is it them crappy paper things that tare all to hell when you pull em off?

I'm trying to do this tonight if i can.

hardened rockers with a hotcam is a big NO, NO

they are paper gaskets, yeah, the crappy ones...

[capecod400ex]

ok.. so keep the ones that are in it in or get new ones

[2004exrider]

its a steel gasket thats under the rocker cover.

Jimmy

[capecod400ex]

ok.. but do i need to get new rockers? Before i go and take the bike apart tonight i was wondering?

[zeppelin]

here http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=182582&highlight=camshaft+install

[2004exrider]

no, when i put mine in i replaced nothing, its a direct drop in cam.

Jimmy

[DAVE14]

hot cams are the same hardness as youre rockers so changing the rockers or any kind of hardening isnt needed you really shouldnt take this apart without a Clymers manual anyway but if you must once the gas tank & top end stuff is out of the way so you can access it turn it over manually on the left side of the engine remove inspection hole bolt (little one ) & centerbolt cover to manually turn it over & hit tdc & make sure the little hole timing mark is lined up remove rocker cover then put a zip tie around cam gear & chain remove cam bolts & note position of the cam (should be pointing down)&removal of the decompression plunger is usually neceessary & the spring thats under it ,pop the cam in the same position (should be pointing down) & put the cover back on if theres any resistance you may half to release the tension on the cam tensioner on the side of the block by removing the philips screw & on the inside turn the small slotted screw & youll feel it retract which will loosen the chain & allow the cover to go back on easy youll need a feeler gauge to adjust the rockers but if you follow the articles section on this forum theres a tech section for that follow it exactly its very easy & if youre rockers are in good shape there shouldnt be a tick or anything& should run fine good luck!

[DAVE14]

hot cams are the same hardness as youre rockers so changing the rockers or any kind of hardening isnt needed you really shouldnt take this apart without a Clymers manual anyway but if you must once the gas tank & top end stuff is out of the way so you can access it turn it over manually on the left side of the engine remove inspection hole bolt (little one ) & centerbolt cover to manually turn it over & hit tdc & make sure the little hole timing mark is lined up remove rocker cover then put a zip tie around cam gear & chain remove cam bolts & note position of the cam (should be pointing down)&removal of the decompression plunger is usually neceessary & the spring thats under it ,pop the cam in the same position (should be pointing down) & put the cover back on if theres any resistance you may half to release the tension on the cam tensioner on the side of the block by removing the philips screw & on the inside turn the small slotted screw & youll feel it retract which will loosen the chain & allow the cover to go back on easy youll need a feeler gauge to adjust the rockers but if you follow the articles section on this forum theres a tech section for that follow it exactly its very easy & if youre rockers are in good shape there shouldnt be a tick or anything& should run fine good luck!

[400exrider707]

Originally posted by DAVE14
hot cams are the same hardness as youre rockers so changing the rockers or any kind of hardening isnt needed you really shouldnt take this apart without a Clymers manual anyway but if you must once the gas tank & top end stuff is out of the way so you can access it turn it over manually on the left side of the engine remove inspection hole bolt (little one ) & centerbolt cover to manually turn it over & hit tdc & make sure the little hole timing mark is lined up remove rocker cover then put a zip tie around cam gear & chain remove cam bolts & note position of the cam (should be pointing down)&removal of the decompression plunger is usually neceessary & the spring thats under it ,pop the cam in the same position (should be pointing down) & put the cover back on if theres any resistance you may half to release the tension on the cam tensioner on the side of the block by removing the philips screw & on the inside turn the small slotted screw & youll feel it retract which will loosen the chain & allow the cover to go back on easy youll need a feeler gauge to adjust the rockers but if you follow the articles section on this forum theres a tech section for that follow it exactly its very easy & if youre rockers are in good shape there shouldnt be a tick or anything& should run fine good luck!


There should be tension on the cam chain, if there's not then the cam chain is toast and you need a new one. I would recommend the 02 CRF 450 cam chain as a heavy duty replacement and extra security, as its only $30 or so. Also the only way to tell if you need new rockers or not is to take the vavle cover off and look. You will see the rocker faces. If the chrome plating is starting to come off you should be OK, but it is recommended to replace them. If there is an actual groove in them then definitely replace them or they will chew your cam up.

[DAVE14]

I have a new 45 0 chain in mine & the tensioner is fine I was simply saying that to pop the new cam back onto the cam gear without binding or any b.s. its a little easier to release a little tension to drop that cam back into position Im not saying there shouldnt be tension after its all together or then he should get a chain & make sure his tensioner is alright

[capecod400ex]

well its in and it runs fine no ticks i dident replace the rockers so w/e hopefully its fine they appeard to be in good shape as far as i could tell. Just breakin it in now so well see how its runs after that.:devil: