GS850 Cam chain tensioner conversion

[Anonymous]

I have a 1979 GS850G with the automatic cam chain tensioner. It is noisy (as they all are) and leaks oil around the shaft connected to the knurled wheel and spring. The seal for the shaft is not available according to the parts fiche at my local dealer. I believe that some GS models in the 750/850/1000 series used a mechanical tensioner. Honda went through a similar problem with the early CB 350 models, and you could replace the automatic tensioner with a manual model. Does anyone know if this is possible on the 850? If there is a part number(s) that will work for the conversion I would like to know. If not, I would like to know if anyone can tell me where to get the seal. The seal measures about 16x10mm, O.D. and I.D., and is about 3mm thick.

The early 350 Hondas were very noisy (like a GS) until we did the cam chain conversion, which made a tremendous difference in engine noise, and was very reliable.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[lhanscom]

I'm not sure, but I think this would fit on the 850 as well. Don't take my word on it, but it at least gives you a place to look.
APE Manual Cam Chain Tensioner

[SqDancerLynn1]

The seals are available if you have the # Some of the fisch do not list the part these are the #'s I had written down
09280-06005
09280-21013
09280-10006

[Anonymous]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=35595&item=7903887060&rd=1

is selling a variety of ape's cam chain tensioner. I've already bought one, and i'm hoping that will take care of the noise from my motor. The guy at the suzi shop said that i had to break the engine to replace the cam chain, and i ask him about adjusting the cam tension and he said it was hydralic. once again thegsresources to the rescue !

eh, if i have to replace the cam chain so be it. But at least i will have thrown away the old tensioner.

well, good luck and good miles.

Mark "Q" Tanner

[Don Lobacz]

No GS models have manual adjusters. My GS1000 has 100,000+ miles and still has the original cam chain and adjuster. The noise is due to the fact that the GS does not use roller gears on the cam chain. There is also a clutch chatter that sounds very similar. You can decrease the noise slightly by overtightening a manual adjuster, but you will decrease the cam chain life. The ramps in the automatic tensioner can become stuck in their guides, and they can also become pitted, so it is a good practice to remove and rebuild the tensioner from time to time. There are "How-to" guides in the garage, or we can be more specific here if you need. You can also easily use your automatic tensioner as a manual tensioner if that is what you are set on to see if it makes a difference.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

The seals are available if you have the # Some of the fisch do not list the part these are the #'s I had written down
09280-06005
09280-21013
09280-10006

Those are the correct numbers. The Suzuki dealer has them. I just bought some recently.

[Scud]

Yes, they are the parts, I received mine and installed...no more leaks, the seal for the shaft on the tensioner was leaking on mine but I decided to replace the o-rings while I had it apart...the cost was under $10.00 for all three


Scud