Chain tension

[FlyingSteve]

'80 550E

I was looking through the service manual and not finding much... Can anyone tell me what the drive chain tension should be? I don't have the special tool to check the tension either, so in layman's terms would be nice

Thanks

[Agemax]

about an inch up and down play, on the lower chain run with you sat on the bike, off the stands

[FlyingSteve]

Cool, thanks!

[FlyingSteve]

Oh, also is it normal to hear a little bit of noise around the output shaft of the transmission? Like when the bike is off and I am just walking it, I can hear a light clacking kinda sound coming from the chain from inside the engine cover... Know what I mean? Not sure if this is normal as I haven't heard it on other bikes (granted they newer bikes...) Does it mean my chain needs to be lubed up or maybe I have the chain set to tight?

[Agemax]

Oh, also is it normal to hear a little bit of noise around the output shaft of the transmission? Like when the bike is off and I am just walking it, I can hear a light clacking kinda sound coming from the chain from inside the engine cover... Know what I mean? Not sure if this is normal as I haven't heard it on other bikes (granted they newer bikes...) Does it mean my chain needs to be lubed up or maybe I have the chain set to tight?

you will hear that noise if the chain is too tight/too loose/ too dry or the chain and sprockets are shot. it should sound fairly silent

[FlyingSteve]

Ok, the chain doesn't look dry and when I touch it I get grease all over my fingers. I am betting it is too tight then.

[Agemax]

Ok, the chain doesn't look dry and when I touch it I get grease all over my fingers. I am betting it is too tight then.

you need to sit on the bike and get someone else to check the tension, 1 inch. or get someone the same weight as you to sit on it and check it your self. a chain that is too tight causes all sorts of damage and wear

[FlyingSteve]

Well, I've only put like 5 or 6 miles on it like this, so I doubt any damage has been done.. I had a feeling it was too tight and I'm going to adjust it before I ride it again.

** Ok, so the chain was just too tight. I loosened it up and that noise went away. Thanks Agemax!
I'm thinking about using a mild degreaser on the chain and then using some fresh chain lube on it too... Looks like there is a lot of old crap on it.