550 problems after oil change and cam chain adjustment

So my 550 Maxim has about 5700 miles on it. I got it with 4600 or so. The other day I changed the oil and the filter and o-rings. I used Valvoline Premium Conventional 20W-50 oil.

I also adjusted the cam chain. I did as the manual says and lined the "C" on the timing plate up with the pointer. Loosened the lock nut and the stopper bolt. I then tightened it all back up and slapped the timing plate cover back on.

Now first gear chugs a little before it goes. It also seems like it is much harder to get from first to second gear without slipping into neutral. I used to do it every once in a while, but now its happening to me all the time.

Could the clutch problem be from the oil?

Could the chugging in first be from the cam chain adjustment?

I will tell you that I have yet to adjust the valve clearance. I know that I need to, but tires where more important and I could not afford the valve cover gasket just yet.

Also. How reusable are the valve cover gaskets. I can see that mine is cracked and know it would be useless if I removed it. I need to check my clearances but would have to send off for the shims. Can I order just one gasket and assume I will be able to use it again after my shims come in the mail?

 

You will be safe ordering one gasket. I would say that it is probably the oil you used that is giving you the problem. Automotive oil with all of its additives cause the clutch to slip in a lot of our bikes. Best to use a quality oil that is specific to motorcycles.

 

+1. You should have used motorcycle oil. You still should; go find some Castrol 4T or other motorcycle specific 20W50 and change just the oil, you can leave the filter.

I doubt adjusting the camchain caused any problem at all. There is another possibility in regard to the "chugging:"

Make sure you didn't overfill it. An oil change w/filter on a 550 takes about 2.4L (motorcycle oil comes in liter bottles.) The oil level window should still have a small "bubble" at the top with the bike on the centerstand and off for at least 10 minutes.

Once you replace your valve cover gasket and the "donuts" on the bolts, it can be used over and over. I've had the cover off my '81 at least 3 times since I replaced the gasket and it's fine.

Be sure you replace the "donuts" though. They are what actually press the cover down, because the bolts have stop collars on them. If you don't replace those, even a new gasket may leak.