Cam Chain Tensioner?

[Guest]

Im sort of new to bikes and I accidentally turned the cam chain tensioner counterclockwise and it being spring loaded, spun back into place. Now my bike does not start. That would obviously mess with the timing which then would lead to the bike not starting correct? How would I go about fixing this? Sorry if this is an easy fix, still trying to learn everything. I have a 1981 gs550t by the way.

[tom203]

Was the engine running when you turned the knob ccw?

[Dogma]

Was the engine running when you turned the knob ccw?

If the engine was not running, then nothing was hurt and there is some other coincidental reason the bike won't start. Usually dangerously tight valves or gummed up carbs.

If the engine was running when you loosened the tensioner, you need to check the timing to see if it skipped. You'll need a service manual of some kind to give you the specs. This is also a good opportunity to check and adjust valves if you haven't yet.

[tkent02]

It could skip, but cam timing is one of the things to always check when you buy a new GS, pos love to set it wrong. I have found a bunch of them a tooth or two off.

[palkorezucha12]

Was the engine running when you turned the knob ccw?

Yea the engine was running, it was running rough and lean, but running. I noticed when I bought the bike a couple weeks ago the intake boots were somewhat cracked so that may be the culprit. or just gunked up carbs, I guess Ill just have to wait until these new intake boots and O rings come in the mail.

[palkorezucha12]

I actually have the clymer's manual for the 550 so I will look into that later. I just wanted to know if accidentally turning that knob would have led to the bike not running. thank you

[tom203]

Have you seen this link about common issues?

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/GSR_Greeting.html

if engine was just idling, i doubt that the cam chain would skip with knob fiddling- but who knows what a PO did. When you check/adjust valve clearances, check cam to crank timing to be sure.

[palkorezucha12]

It could skip, but cam timing is one of the things to always check when you buy a new GS, pos love to set it wrong. I have found a bunch of them a tooth or two off.

How do I check to see if the cam chain is off a tooth or two? How would I go about resetting the cam chain if it was a off?

[tom203]

How do I check to see if the cam chain is off a tooth or two? How would I go about resetting the cam chain if it was a off?

Go here get a service manual......

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Basically,there are numbers on camshafts that are oriented to crankshaft TDC mark. Do some reading and update your signature to reflect your bike/model/year so we don't have to remember it!