Cam chain replacement

[Guest]

Hi All,

Is it really so that you have to take the entire engine apart, in order to change the cam chain?

As far as I can see, there are no removable link in the chain. Neither in the one currently in use, or the replacement that I have bought.

I am doing a complete engine rebuild now, so this time it is not a big issue, but I am guessing that you would change the cam chain more often, that you would dismantle everything.

What am I missing?

Best regards,

Michael

[chuck hahn]

Yup...split the cases so you can slide the new one over the crankshaft

[hannibal]

As Chuck said, you must split the cases. I recently achieved this rank thanks to the good folks on this forum. Read twice, wrench once. In my case, I read 18 times before I was confident enough to touch the motor but all is well that ends well.

[Rijko]

Cam chains are sold "endless" or open.

you can "break" the old chain, connect a new chain,
pull the new chain through the engine, and connect the open ends.
No need to take the whole engine apart for a cam chain replacement.

[chuck hahn]

Please post up an open one. Ive never seen anything except the endless chains without a break point. I know that some old Yamahaulers had master linked cam chains

[Rijko]

like this one, for a GSX1300.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Suzuki-GSX1300-BK-B-King-K9-2009-Cam-Timing-Chain-With-Open-Rivet-8522691-/181902709625

these vids give an idea of how to use the tools and how to change the chain with the engine intact.
It's how i do it for the GS1000, even using an endless chain because it's so simple to do this way.

[chuck hahn]

But where do you get a master link for a GS engine??? Thats how the Yammys do it and I have the peening tool for the pins.

[chuck hahn]

Just viewed the link....so show us one for an actual GS 750. 450, 850, 1000...anything. The 1300 Bking may use them but I assure you i have never seen an open chain for the bike he is talking about.

[Nessism]

Cam chains can be bought in raw lengths (non joined). These chains require the pin be peened over to join the chain together; there is no master link (typically). Doing so is a bit controversial. Some people refuse to do such joining for fear of it coming apart and other people report success. Sort of like the subject of going tubeless on a GS wheel. Opinions vary.

[Who Dat?]

My question is "what is forcing the replacement of the cam chain?"

Unless something catastrophic happens, they are usually good for well over 100,000 miles.

[chuck hahn]

Yes Ed..maybe my choice of "master" link wasnt politically correct but I think we know what i meant

[Rijko]

new pins can be bought with several manufacturers,
i bought a handful years ago.

[Rijko]

Just viewed the link....so show us one for an actual GS 750. 450, 850, 1000...anything. The 1300 Bking may use them but I assure you i have never seen an open chain for the bike he is talking about.

here you go : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cam-Chain-...-/362058234412

Cam Chain Open Inc Link DID 120 Links Suzuki GS 1000 S Sport 1979

This is a Listing for a DID Open Timing/Cam Chain.
This Chain comes with a Link

[Rijko]

My question is "what is forcing the replacement of the cam chain?"

Unless something catastrophic happens, they are usually good for well over 100,000 miles.

not the case with a GS i'm afraid ... though they may not break, i have never seen a cam chain on a GS that was still within the wear limit after 70K ... (that's kilometers so not even 50,000 miles)

What is forcing the replacement is a worn chain makes it impossible to adjust the engine properly. Valves open and close off-timing and the engine will not run really nice anymore.

[DKGS850]

Ok. So there is the chain breaker option, if you dont want to take everything apart.

As I am allready taking everything apart, it s not a problem for me to change the cam chain the "right" way. I had just hoped that there where a 3rd option, that I hadnt thought of.

Thank you for all your input and help. Much apprieciated.

Best Regards

Michael