2018 Sidewinder chaincase issues sigh!

[Gman25]

Hi Guys

Just bought a used 2018 ltx le with 9500kms Sled was clean and well maintained.
Decided to open it up starting with chaincase and lucky I did.
1 of the two tapered screws in roller had fallen out and I presumed got ground to dust.
Is there a updated tensioner or just order a new one and weld screws? Whay a crappy design for a high horsepower sled. Always owned Yamaha and so far I cant say im too impressed with the yamacat.
Anyways any help would be great, I am also considering changing drive shaft brgs and jackshaft bearings as I figure its good preventive maintenance. What brand bearings you guys prefer for this job

thx Geoff

 

[74Nitro]

Hi Guys

Just bought a used 2018 ltx le with 9500kms Sled was clean and well maintained.
Decided to open it up starting with chaincase and lucky I did.
1 of the two tapered screws in roller had fallen out and I presumed got ground to dust.
Is there a updated tensioner or just order a new one and weld screws? Whay a crappy design for a high horsepower sled. Always owned Yamaha and so far I cant say im too impressed with the yamacat.
Anyways any help would be great, I am also considering changing drive shaft brgs and jackshaft bearings as I figure its good preventive maintenance. What brand bearings you guys prefer for this job

thx Geoff

Just get a new screw and weld the head a little. Also inspect the top gear bushing, it should still have the coating on it. Don't run the chain to tight and put 16 oz of oil in it.

 

[Gman25]

Just get a new screw and weld the head a little. Also inspect the top gear bushing, it should still have the coating on it. Don't run the chain to tight and put 16 oz of oil in it.

Ok is that what you guys are running 16 oz? My dealer told me 8.5 glad I asked/posted on here

 

[74Nitro]

Ok is that what you guys are running 16 oz? My dealer told me 8.5 glad I asked/posted on here

Yes, 8.5 oz is for Apex, etc. The Cat/Winder chaincase takes 12 stock, but some of us have bumped it up to 16.

 

[PowderFalcon]

Yes, 8.5 oz is for Apex, etc. The Cat/Winder chaincase takes 12 stock, but some of us have bumped it up to 16.

Well said. Tack weld the set screws, run chain loose, and 16oz oil. I’m on my second bushing. Interested to see how it holds up.

 

[74Nitro]

I just pulled apart an 18(stock) that had never been apart and the top bushing was worn quite a bit and had to be replaced.
I also just pulled apart a 13 1100 Turbo(stock) that to my knowledge had never been apart(9000kms) and the bushing looked like new. This is the old style tensioner and I did notice the chain was on the slacker side.
I am convinced the main cause of these bushing failures is too tight of chain, like Clutchmaster had suggested(not that I want to toot his horn) lol.

 

[sabrecat]

The chain adjuster is to be set at 1.5 turns out from finger tight. IMPORTANT

 

[Turboflash]

The chain adjuster is to be set at 1.5 turns out from finger tight. IMPORTANT

Ditto!

 

[uofm]

Replace the bearings. 1200 miles and mine fell apart. Getting them replaced right now.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

Replace the bearings. 1200 miles and mine fell apart. Getting them replaced right now.

Hi, sorry to hear, hopefully Yamaha sorts these issues out for AC
I see you are in Tawas, I have a place in Oscoda on VanEtten lake.
Any rideable snow in the area?

 

[ClutchMaster]

I just pulled apart an 18(stock) that had never been apart and the top bushing was worn quite a bit and had to be replaced.
I also just pulled apart a 13 1100 Turbo(stock) that to my knowledge had never been apart(9000kms) and the bushing looked like new. This is the old style tensioner and I did notice the chain was on the slacker side.
I am convinced the main cause of these bushing failures is too tight of chain, like Clutchmaster had suggested(not that I want to toot his horn) lol.

Yer the best Nitro!

Toot Toot

 

[Motorhead]

Just give it a couple of weekends and it will be much looser then that on it’s own!

17 RTX with new chain last season. Adjuster found at about 2.5 - 3 turns out during pre season maintenance.
Thank god for his 22T whereas his chaincase nub damage was a bit less then mine back when I was using the stock 21T. Then again, (my LTX-LE) now it seems that with that nub piece (quess 3/16”)out of the way and with my 22T my loose chain does not cause anymore wear to that nub. His may be worn in also now... I just cannot believe more are not reporting the same issue. You do need to take all out of that chain case, to see that damage though.

I guess only in Maine!

 

[yamamarc]

congratulations on your new sled!!!
There are a few common issues every brand has them!!
Take some time and read through Rockerdan's build thread and you will be all caught up

https://ty4stroke.com/threads/my-rtx-le-50th-build-thread-let-the-mods-begin.149801

 

[Gman25]

Thanks a lot guys great advice I msg rockerdan for some advice and also read his build thread very amazing thank you.
I have replaced every brg in skid as well as jackshaft and drive. My only good news is jackshaft brgs and my drive axle brgs were all in decent shape but I replaced them all anyways with ntn and skf in skid. So at least I know every thing is new. Piece of mind.
I am now going to search the forum for shock set up on the qs3. I am 205lbs and would like to get a starting point.

thx All

 

[eightpilot]

What’s the advantage of 16oz of fluid vs the 12oz needed? Is there a plus to an extra 4oz?