Cam Chain Tensioner causing bike not to start GS400

[Della]

Hey guys,

Ive got a 1980 GS400

When pulling the starter out I had to remove the Cam Tensioner. Now Bike hasnt been running the same ever since.
It Rode fine for 3 days. Then yesterday when I went to start it, it wouldnt idle properly. Kinda sounded like air was getting to the engine or something. Making a gasping sound.

Finally got it to idle by loosening the screw on the cam tensioner but now when I go to take off it looses all power and stalls.

Plugs were black, i have replaced them but still no love.

Any ideas?

[tkent02]

Any ideas?

Learn what the cam chain tensioner does and reset your cam timing before you ruin the engine.

[pete]

Hey Luke, glad to see you posting up!

Yep, plus one on what Tom said, sounds like the cam chain has skipped a tooth and got the cams out of time. Hopefully it's not bad, but that situation has the potential to bend valves...

Also, while you have the valve cover off sorting that out, give your valve clearances a check. Important to have that right as well, otherwise you'll be in for low compression and hard starting at least...

[Nessism]

In other words, get a manual and start reading before you pull parts off your engine without understanding the consequences.

At this point you need to pull the valve cover and check the cam timing. It may have jumped time when you messed with the tensioner.

And what does "loosen the screw on the cam chain tensioner" mean? I have no idea what screw you refer to, but pretty sure this is BAD.

BTW, when you pull the valve cover check the valve clearances and adjust them as needed.

Lastly, read the Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature. Might help before something serious goes wrong.

[Gorminrider]

It sounds like you forgot to "lock" the tensioner before removing it. Or, you forgot to unlock it when re-installing...

[Della]

Hey guys,

thanks for the feedback...I went and downloaded the manual straight after I realised what I had done.

Got a little carried away thinking I 'remembered' exactly how it went in.
Newby indeed.

Gorminrider - After looking through the manual last night. I think you are completely right. I didnt lock it when I re-installed.

Thanks again guys.

Luke

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. Della,

You'll find some tips on resetting the cam chain tensioner in the engine section of my little website. You'll have to read the manual to learn how to set cam timing. It's a little different for each model. The links below should get you started in the right direction. It's your "mega-welcome".

If you are here you probably have a 30 year old motorcycle that needs about 20 years worth of maintenance. In the links below you'll find maintenance lists, documentation, wiring diagrams, "how to" guides, vendor links, tips, tricks, and a whole lot of GS goodness. This is your "mega-welcome". Let's get started.

Let me dump a TON of information on you and share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. This is what NOT to do: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please Click Here For Your Mega-Welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

More links to helpful threads in the forum:
Help! Your Bike Won't Start
DON'T DO THESE THINGS
Help! Your Bike Won't Run Well
Oh God! Pods!


Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Della]

Thanks mate, TON's of great knowledge here.
Thanks for making me feel welcome.
Luke

Hi Mr. Della,

You'll find some tips on resetting the cam chain tensioner in the engine section of my little website. You'll have to read the manual to learn how to set cam timing. It's a little different for each model. The links below should get you started in the right direction. It's your "mega-welcome".

If you are here you probably have a 30 year old motorcycle that needs about 20 years worth of maintenance. In the links below you'll find maintenance lists, documentation, wiring diagrams, "how to" guides, vendor links, tips, tricks, and a whole lot of GS goodness. This is your "mega-welcome". Let's get started.

Let me dump a TON of information on you and share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. This is what NOT to do: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please Click Here For Your Mega-Welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

More links to helpful threads in the forum:
Help! Your Bike Won't Start
DON'T DO THESE THINGS
Help! Your Bike Won't Run Well
Oh God! Pods!


Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff