Can chain tensioner question.

[wings1]

I recently bought my first bike, a 1983 GS650L. What could happen if the tensioner knob is turned ccw while the engine is at idle?

[TheCafeKid]

The tensioner rod would retract, and the cam chain COULD go slack enough to skip a tooth or two..or three...Lets just say, DONT DO IT...hows that??

[tkent02]

I recently bought my first bike, a 1983 GS650L. What could happen if the tensioner knob is turned ccw while the engine is at idle?

It could make a funny noise until you let go.

[zathros]

Your finger tips will also get very hot. Cam Tension is automatic. The assembly is there for assembly/disassembly of the motor. Unlike old Honda's where you had to loosen the tensioner to get tension.

[bwringer]

Yup, don't mess with it.

I have no idea why Suzuki made these things with that big, inviting knurled knob on them. It's like it's taunting you -- "C'mon, just give me a twist -- you don't know what I do, but you can't resist my sheer amazing twistability..."

[Billy Ricks]

Some people test them by slowly twisting the knob until you hear some rattling. I wouldn't do it myself, but some do.

[hikermikem]

I have no idea why Suzuki made these things with that big, inviting knurled knob on them. It's like it's taunting you -- "C'mon, just give me a twist -- you don't know what I do, but you can't resist my sheer amazing twistability..."

Quite right - I remember doing just that on my first GS. Then asking here if I screwed anything up "after" I twisted that big knob. Can't resist!

[chef1366]

You've got a knob to touch just don't touch that one.

[redsoxvw]

You've got a knob to touch just don't touch that one.

[hikermikem]

You've got a knob to touch just don't touch that one.

More like a lever...

[zathros]

Former Honda owners. On early Honda Fours you had to loosen the nut to let the spring tighten the cam chain tensioner. Then of course, not knowing what the nut exactly did, you would over tighten and break the bolt. Even if you loosened the bolt and tightened it correctly it was not guarantee that you had proper cam chain tension. Then you would have to loosen the bolt and the cap nut over the rod and push it in till the cam chained tightened, which lead to the premature death of many Honda's. I too was tempted but then read about not touching it. One more reason I love Suzuki's.

[tkent02]

The you would have to loosen the bolt and the cap nut over the rod and push it in till the cam chained tightened, which leqad to the premature death of many Honda's.

Bummer................