79 GS1000 Cam Chain Question

[Guest]

I'm about to pull the top end to check everything and at the minimum install new valve guide seals. It's been at least 50,000-60,000 miles since I rebuilt the entire engine, so I'm thinking to replace the cam chain and guides, and check the tensioner really well also.

But - spent some time digging around for a cam chain that's got a peen style master link, and I'm hardly finding anything but a few of the endless chains. I'd rather not pull the bottom end apart if I can avoid it, as there is nothing wrong there. Any advice for sourcing a cam chain these days?

[Fjbj40]

Have you measured it as per the factory manual? It gives you a measurement and if it falls under that maximum measurement why replace it?

If you need to replace you will have to cut it off and attach a string to it to pull in the new one or attach the new one to the old when you are pulling it out then master link it.

[tom203]

Yes, I'd measure the pin spacing in a couple of places- probably OK .I'm not a fan of a masterlink chain in this situation.

[Skowinski]

Thanks guys, I'll do the measurement when I have the cover off. But, it's not the original OEM Suzuki chain, it's a Tsubaki heavy duty chain as I recall (been years...). Would the pin measurements still be the same? I assume the answer is yes.

[Big Jay]

If you are going to change the chain, split the cases and use an endless one.