Hi,

I've got a rattle in my '86 XJ400 and I'm quite sure it's the timing chain (or primary chain according to the mechanic). I was wondering if this is a major deal; should I be driving the bike? should I be paying a ton to replace it? Is it a complicated process.
I apologize if this has recently been discussed - i can't seem to get the search engine to work on the site...

thanks,

Greig

well i cant say for the bike as im new to the XJ family.

but if i was in a car, i wouldnt want any problems with my timing chains. its controlling the cams and valves. when it breaks a piston slams into a valve that is still open, and then you get something that can look like this

http://www.dvaroc.org/gallery/piston_valve1.jpg