GS1000 cam chain adjuster

[Guest]

I have a small oil leak from the cam chain adjuster. Thought I'd fix it while I have the carbs and boots off. Is removing and reinstalling the tensioner as easy as it says in the manual I downloaded? Any tips or tricks? Got the OEM gasket. Planning to check the valve clearances after that. Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

[Nessism]

Well, you have to pull the carbs to get the tensioner off so not exactly an easy job. Might be a good time to refresh the carb O-rings, intake boot O-rings, and seals in the tensioner. This link might help..l http://www.bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

[7981GS]

If you are using pod filters on your carbs...
it is a piece of cake to repair the leak.

Daniel

[Agemax]

yeah i can get mine off easy without removing carbs

[FLHGSRay]

Carbs and intake boots are already off. No problem getting to it, just didn't want to run into any surprises. Sounds pretty straight forward. Wasn't planning on actually rebuilding the tensioner, but it makes sense while I have it off. Back to the dealer!

[sharpy]

And DONT turn the engine at all while the tensioner is out.

[tom203]

And DONT turn the engine at all while the tensioner is out.

And remember to use the lock screw to hold tensioner shaft fixed when you pull it off- and remember to unlock it after reinstalling it!

[metalman]

And DONT turn the engine at all while the tensioner is out.

What happens if you do?

[sharpy]

What happens if you do?

Well go for a ride with you back wheel adjusted fully forward and tell me how long it takes for the chain to jump a sprocket. Get the idea? It wont be pretty when you start the bike up.

[hampshirehog]

What happens if you do?

The bogeyman will get you. And this isn't the pretend bogeyman who threatens when you fiddle with your carb adjustment screws but the real nasty one. This bogeyman makes your cam timing go all to shot as the cam chain skips a tooth or 10 and your valves start giving the pistons a Glasgow kiss.

[metalman]

How right you are! Also don't forget to use lock tight on the nut that holds spring tension on tensioner or suffer dire consequences. Also if anyone helps you work on your bike ALWAYS double check all work done!

[sedelen]

I recently replaced a auto cam chain tensioner on my GS1100E with the carbs on. I know it can be done, but it wasn't easy and it wasn't fun.
Can't wait not to do it again! Easier done with the carbs off!

[sedelen]

I thought I ought to mention this. Make sure you rachet back the push rod as far in as you can while turning the adjuster back. Once you get it in as far as it will go, tighten that screw to hold it in place. If you don't it won't completely fit into the hole, will stick out about 1/4 inch.

[FLHGSRay]

Disassembled the tensioner completely and cleaned it up. Hope the seal and o-rings are available! If I can get them locally, should have the tensioner back in Sat. Intake boots with new SS screws and o-rings are cleaned up and ready to go on. Then to tackle the carbs. Already have o-ring kits for the carbs.

[sedelen]

These cam chain tensioners are pretty common items, the same one is used on many of the GS series bikes, very common on e-bay for not too much, and the O rings and seals are still available from Suzuki.

I ususally get my parts at Boulevard Suzuki,

http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com

They usually have their parts at fairly decent (below retail) prices.