xj550 drives very ruff cant find the problem

I have an '82 xj550 that has been running great for a while. The engine starts up nice and will rev up just fine. The problem is that when I drive the chain is running really ruff. I aligned it and everything and it ran great for about 5 minutes. Than it was doing the same thing. Now I cant seem to align it. I'm not sure what to do.

 

By align I meant set the chain tensioner.

 

Just had that problem with my '81.

New sprockets, studs, nuts, O-ring chain and everythings just dandy now....except the weather

 

??? Are we talking "chain tensioner" as in CAM chain or REAR drive chain? And Paul, do I get to say I told you so?

 

I replaced the sprockets and chain. What studs and nuts should I be replacing?

And I am talking about the drive chain.

 

With my sprockets, I also bought new studs and bolts for the rear one, and new bolts and retaining plate for the front one.
I figure with a 27 yr old bike, as long as you're going to replace stuff, replace the hardware that's holding it together as long as you've got it apart


Edit..Yes Brian, you get to say 'I told you so' 8)

 

OK, now that the chain and sprockets HAVE been replaced, "alignment" (I know it's prominent in the book) is not so critical at this point as proper chain adjustment is. Properly adjusting the chain SHOULD produce acceptable chain-to-sprocket alignment. With the machine on the centerstand, rotate the rear wheel a few times and check the chain slack at various points until you find the TIGHTEST spot in the chain. Mark it with chalk or even a quick shot of spray paint. Loosen the axle, snug it back up, and slightly loosen again. Using the adjusters, adjust the chain so it has between 35MM-40MM (1 3/8"-1 9/16") slack measured at the afore-marked tightest point. NOTE that the swingarm has "index marks" and there is a mark on both of the adjusters. Be sure the mark on the aduster on the right (the non-chain side) aligns with the index marks on the swingarm in exactly the same way they align on the left. Once the index marks on the adjusters on both sides align in the same relationship with the marks on both sides of the swingarm, your rear wheel will be in reasonably good alignment (as will the chain.) Make sure the "aligning" didn't throw off the chain slack adjustment, if it did, back everything off and repeat. Properly LUBRICATE your new chain with a good-quality chain lube (I personally prefer PJ1 blue label) every 300 miles or so, or immediately after drying out if you get caught in the rain. Check adjustment periodically and you should be good.

 

So I redid the Chain Tension again. I noticed the sprocket seems to be grabbing the chain. I dont know why. They are both practically brand new.

 

Sounds like the chain is "stiff," or the rear wheel isn't aligned. Did you check the alignment marks against the ones on the swingarm, and lube the chain?

 

Wow who would have thought lubing a chain would go so far. Problem Solved. Thanks guys.