Top end rebuild new cam chain noise?

[Jimmbuzz]

Hey all,
I've been wrenching a lot on my 1982 gs750t during quarantine and completed a top end rebuild. Got it started and no leaks so far but there's a noise that becomes more noticeable at higher revs. To note the head is off a (1982?) gs1100/gs1000 (along with the master cylinder I discovered recently). The noise seems to not be on a specific side and seems to be central and I believe it to be the cam chain. I plan on reinstalling the cam-chain tensioner and maybe taking the head cover back off next week, but just wanted to gather thoughts. Included video:

Any input is appreciated!

[cowboyup3371]

Are you saying you are running the engine without the cam chain tensioner installed?

[Jimmbuzz]

No it’s installed but I think incorrectly

[Jimmbuzz]

Okay I took the cam cover off, reinstalled the cams and put it back together and it made the same sound. However when I turn the cam chain tensioner clockwise it goes away but if I let off it backs off enough to start making the sound again. I’m guessing the tensioner is at fault :/

[Jimmbuzz]

[Cipher]

Are you turning the knob on the tensioner while the motor is running?
I should think doing so is ill advised. The servicing information for the tensioner is in the manual.

[Jimmbuzz]

I was briefly and the noise seemed to stop. Posted a video of me doing that when it was idling.

[Gorminrider]

I'm no expert but turning the big knob a little doesn't hurt anything and does run a little quieter but I don't think "quieter" tells you anything about the engine itself. Loosening it would seem to have no effect on cam-timing and if it gets too loose it'll be jerking slack when you twerk the engine..that can't be good. It's similar to the drive chain- too loose and it jerks.

Just like the drive chain, you can measure the cam chain's length against the manual's specs and inspect the cam sprockets for wear. I'd think that's the place to start if you have a worry about the cam-chain.

[Jimmbuzz]

I'm no expert but turning the big knob a little doesn't hurt anything and does run a little quieter but I don't think "quieter" tells you anything about the engine itself. Loosening it would seem to have no effect on cam-timing and if it gets too loose it'll be jerking slack when you twerk the engine..that can't be good. It's similar to the drive chain- too loose and it jerks.

Just like the drive chain, you can measure the cam chain's length against the manual's specs and inspect the cam sprockets for wear. I'd think that's the place to start if you have a worry about the cam-chain.

Thank you, I will look into that. Had the cams out yesterday and the sprockets seemed healthy. Should I also look at the guides? I had to reinstall one when I rebuilt it, so I worry...

[Buffalo Bill]

I just adjusted my timing chain and cam sprockets Friday. My 1100G makes the same sound as yours, it only went away at over 4000 RPM.
I'm not going to tighten that outer spring because the Suzuki service manual said if it works, leave it alone. It's the inner spring that does the work of tightening the timing chain.
All bikes have a noisy valve train, just look at what all's going on under the cover.

[Jimmbuzz]

Update today:
I took the cam tensioner from my parts bike (1979 gs750) and took out the internals out and put it the shell of the gs750t tensioner.
One from the parts bike:

One from the original:


The sound went away with the one from the parts bike. From the looks of it, the original isn't keeping tension. Is it serviceable or should pick up a replacement on ebay?

[Gorminrider]

My 650 shop manual has a decent take-apart page on these. I'd take them apart and mixnmatch to build a good one.
..the shaft on the lowest pic looks bent? possible done removing carbs or ..?

[Buffalo Bill]

You can tighten the outer spring by taking off the nut, twisting the spring tighter by 1 or 2 revs, then put the bolt back on and tighten.

[GSXR7ED]

Intersting...you have a "T" with cam chain tensioner issues.

Here's a link that can help with some questions:

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

And post a pic of your "T" here:

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?228624-T-Nation-Thread-(My-2nd-Thread)-3rd-Overall-(I-think)&highlight=

Ed

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