Help installing YZ Exhaust Cam on my 04 450

[Mrmonk7663]

I have been working on my bike lately after it being down around a year. I have a YZ exhaust cam sitting in the garage that I want to install. I have searched this forum about this topic. I am trying to see if someone has a walkthrough or a guide on how to do this posted somewhere? Before you say "read your manual"...I already have. I'm looking for a dumbed down version that anyone can follow. I have read so many conflictiong stories on the cam install and the number of teeth between bla bla....I want to do this right the first time. Finally, with the cam install, what are the normal changes to jetting....up the main or simply adjust the fuel screw? Needle clip position change or no?

Thanks to anyone and everyone who helps me get the bike back on the road :-)

[Mutu]

How hard is it to follow the manual? Seriously?

dumbed down version?

pull tank off

pull cylinder head cover off

set to TDC

pull cam chain tensioner out

pull off cam shaft cover (dont drop clip down the engine)

pull cam out

Do the reverse to put it back together.

Jetting should stay the same. count pins before you remove cam. Should be 13 from memory. Put YZ cam back the same pins as the wr cam!!!

[Mutu]

http://motoman393.thumpertalk.com/tech/yztime.html

do this, but leave 13 pins between the marks.

[Mrmonk7663]

Yes a dumbed down version just like u gave me is what I wanted :-). Perhaps an overview is a better word. Thank you for the info so quickly.

Oh yah, do I need to buy a new valve cover gasket or is it reusable?

[T-Bone 426]

make sure your tdc and the punch holes ( I and E ) line up flush on the face of the cam cover base . and also check your clearances while your there .and yes the gasket is reusable

[Mrmonk7663]

Will do. One last thing for now...is it advisable to put on a new cam chain?

[Mutu]

I wouldn't bother. You have to pull the flywheel to change it.

[T-Bone 426]

Some say to do it some say don't bother i do my 02 when i freshen up the top end piston n rings. every few years

there is also a good link which i cant find with all the good info and photos it was a wr/yz 250f thump site

[CanadianWR450]

Your E-Start may, or may not...work after the YZ swap...lots of threads on here about that...

If thats still the original timing chain in the bike....change it.......

[Mrmonk7663]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I will hold off on the chain swap, but ONLY because there will be a piston swap in a few months, at which time I'll take care of the cam chain and replace seals and things for the water pump for general preventative maintenance.