URGENT cam chain tensioner GS700E

[Anonymous]

I just went out to fire out my '85 GS700E and the engine made less than one revolution and then just stopped with a thud. I didn't like the sound but tried again a few min later and it started right up. It ran alright seeing as it is the first time it has been started in about 3-4 weeks and sitting outside - just had a little miss that went away after it got off choke. I then heard a very louding grinding sound whenever i would rev it. To my knowledge, the cam chain tensioner is the spring loaded piece under the carbs, right? This thing is vibrating like mad and when I touch it I can definately tell this is where the problem is. How do I adjust this piece? What would have caused this? gas in the oil causing hydrolock leading to the tensioner slipping? I did a valve adjustment less than 1500 miles ago and the chain was tight.

Thanks, Trevor

[Anonymous]

I had this happen last year and it was because the springs were worn out on the tensioner. If you can get your hands on another tensioner you'll find that the knob will snap back very quickly turned by hand. Definately don't ride the bike until you get it sorted out and re-time the cams. You can buy the parts very inexpensively at Bikebandit.com If you see a part that doesn't have a number look up the newest 1150 fiche and buy the part off of there. As far as I know the tensioners were all the same except for the paint and material the knob is made of.

Steve

[Billy Ricks]

With the tensioner removed from the cylinder block loosen the lock nut on the left side of the tensioner and back the slotted bolt out ? turn. Turn the knob on the right side of the tensioner, which in the Suzuki service manual is called a lock shaft handle, counterclock-wise. As you are turning the knob counterclock-wise push the pushrod all the way back. Keep turning the knob until it refuses to turn any further.

With the pushrod still pushed in as far as it will go tighten the slotted bolt so that the pushrod will not plunge out.

Remount the tensioner to the cylinder block. If the tensioner is not going in turn the crankshaft clockwise slowly to get slack in the cam chain on the intake side of the block.

Loosen the slotted bolt ? turn allowing the pushrod to advance towards the cam chain. Tighten the lock nut but leave the slotted bolt loose by that ? turn.

While turning the knob counterclock-wise, slowly rotate the crankshaft in reverse direction, counterclock-wise. This causes the chain to push the pushrod back.

Release the knob and slowly turn the crankshaft in the normal direction, clockwise. You should see the knob rotate as the chain becomes progressively slackened. If it does the pushrod is obviously moving forward under spring pressure signifying the tensioner is in good operable condition. If it moves sluggishly or not at all that means the pushrod or the slotted bolt is sticking. If so remove the tensioner from the block again and inspect the pushrod. It could need cleaning or could be bent or galled. Further crank rotation will take the slack out of the cam chain.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Check the tensioner as Billy says. If your chain tensioner acts sluggish, it may be the external spring has lost some tension. Pull one end of the spring out of its hole and wind it back one full turn and re-insert the spring end. This worked for me. I had mine completely apart and found nothing wrong until I realized the spring was weak.
On my bike, using the end of the spring where it inserts into the turn knob as a reference, my tensioners full range of movement was 7:00 to 5:00. After doing the test holding the tensioner in my hand, I could see my tensioner stopped advancing at about 1:00. Of course your problem may be internal, but I thought I would share my experience. If you loosen the lock/set screw you may have to replace the o-ring as they sometimes leak when disturbed. There also is another o-ring and seal inside the tensioner body that should be replaced if you take it apart. I have the part #s if you need them.

[Anonymous]

thanks for the help. I went to the local shop to get a new gasket and took the part with me. I asked the machanic if it was still good and he said it is. Now all I need is a warm enough day to put it back together. I am not about to go turn wrenches in 15*F weather

Trevor