Cam Chain Tensioner?

[davegs850]

The last couple years I have had what I thought was cam walk. After much reading I came to the conclusion that it was nothing to worry about. This year I am at 43,000 miles and the top end noise has become much worse. Again after much reading I am convinced that I need to take a good look at the tensioner. The bike is running great despite the noise. I guess what I would like to do is ride the rest of the summer and then take a look at it this winter. My question is (and I think I know the answer ) am I damaging the bike by continuing to ride if it is the tensioner? Your comments are appreciated.

[gsrick]

You may if the tensioner isn't doing it's job and you have a cam jump a tooth. Bad things can and will follow after that happens.

[Notz]

Here's The BEST tutorial on how to do it.

http://www.bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

He also includes links to source parts.
Just do it. Be done with it & ride on

[tom203]

"I guess what I would like to do is ride the rest of the summer and then take a look at it this winter."

And I would like to wait for winter to change my worn rear tire, but I ordered one yesterday.
Check your tensioner for correct operation and know - you don't want your camchain flapping around.

[GSXR7ED]

Good info on the cam chain tensioner.


Ed

[davegs850]

Thanks all, I guess I just have to suck it up and do it! These are exactly the kind of comments I was looking for. Mostly just looking for motivation I think, and even though I have another bike to ride I am missing mg GS!

[tom203]

Get to it. Take less time to know and be sure than me fiddling with my rear tire

[bwringer]

I put together that cam chain tensioner rebuild page many, many moons ago... nice to see it still getting some use!

One thing that's EXTREMELY common is that some thumbfingered idjit a few decades ago decided to tighten the setscrew all the way. This locks the pushrod in place, and the tensioner can't tension. I've found locked setscrews in half or more of the GS cam chain tensioners I encounter.

Once the tensioner is bolted to the engine, the setscrew MUST loosened about half a turn to release the pushrod, and then locked in that loosened position so that the pushrod remains free to move.

[davegs850]

Tensioner checked out today. All is well with that. My next plan is to revisit valves just to see what I can see and check wear in chain. Any other suggestions?