GS 1100 Timing chain free play

[Guest]

New timing chain
how much free play should i put in it.

[tom203]

Are you using a manual adjuster or the stock auto adjust one?

[Steve]

New timing chain
how much free play should i put in it.

Virtually NONE.

Just be sure you set the cam timing correctly.

Your stock auto-adjust tensioner will take care of the tension as it wears.

[Street Fighter]

APE manual Adjuster

[tom203]

Member rapidray posted this for someone recently

http://www.aperaceparts.com/tech/tensioners.html

[gsgeezer]

I recently installed an APE tensioner on my GS, but it probably wasn't needed.
Just gives me something else to play with! They are easy to adjust, at least.

[tkent02]

I used one on a Concours, they had crappy stock adjusters.

Had to use a stethoscope to get the tension right, too tight and you could hear the chain dragging on the guides, too loose and you could hear it rattleing around in there. There was a very small window where it was silent, like 1/16 turn or less.

[gsgeezer]

I used one on a Concours, they had crappy stock adjusters.

I put them on a couple Kawasakis, including my Eliminator 900, since the stock one crapped out and left me having to replace the chain and guides.

My most recent ZX has one, but I guess the GS's stock tensioners are ok?

[chef1366]

I've always made sure I have 2-3 mm of free play at the chains tightest point. That link is great if you do not have your valve cover off.
I've seen chains so tight they turned into band saws on the guides.

[posplayr]

I've always made sure I have 2-3 mm of free play at the chains tightest point. That link is great if you do not have your valve cover off.
I've seen chains so tight they turned into band saws on the guides.

I've seen chains so tight it broke an aftermarket chain guide

[trippivot]

when it is right - and you open up the top - push down between the cam sprockets to get all the slack there -- it appears way too loose but it is not.

I have a "feel" approach - just like a drive chain there is always a short spot , so I turn the crank over and feel for the tight spot, then set the tensioner there. 5 or so crank degrees is enough wiggle - get familiar and you won't be intimidated.

just remember - it is easy to over tighten a manual tensioner using regular common sense

[tkent02]

I put them on a couple Kawasakis, including my Eliminator 900, since the stock one crapped out and left me having to replace the chain and guides.

My most recent ZX has one, but I guess the GS's stock tensioners are ok?

They work fine, last a really long time. After a while they tend to leak but it's easy to fix.. A lot of the high performance engine guys and racers use the APE ones. I think the stock ones tend to fail with enough high RPM use.

Never seen one fail but I've only had about 50 GSes.