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Message started by Seattle_Savage on 09/21/08 at 14:48:17

Title: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/21/08 at 14:48:17

I have 97 LS650 with 14,850 miles. The engine has tapping noise for a while. I went on here and there were suggestion that I should take a look at cam chain tensioner because it might be a problem.

I open the right crankshaft cover out today to look at the cam chain tensioner. However, I can not tell whether it is good or bad.

Following are the link of pictures I took for this cam chain tensioner.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj66/Crystal_RX/IMG_1902.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj66/Crystal_RX/IMG_1903.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj66/Crystal_RX/IMG_1904.jpg

Would you please help to guide me what the next step would be to see if it is good or bad?

Thank you!

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by verslagen1 on 09/21/08 at 14:58:50

Measure how far the round part of the plunger sticks out from the housing.

It should be less than 18mm or .71"

But from what I can see, the plunger is wobbling up and down and causing your tapping noise.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/21/08 at 15:49:19

I just went out and did the measurement. It is sticking out 20mm (see attached picture).

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj66/Crystal_RX/IMG_19081.jpg

So, would you please help to tell me which part of the tensioner I need to replace?

Thanks,

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Oldfeller on 09/21/08 at 16:40:32

Look in Rubber Side Down and the Tech pages for the cam chain tensioner modifications discussed on the site.

You can do it yourself or get one pre-done by Verslagen (this is a time-saver making the changes quick and easy to get done on a weekend).

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1180206459

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/21/08 at 17:00:43

Thanks Oldfeller. I emailed Verslagen just now.

Do I need to replace the cam chain guide as well?

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by verslagen1 on 09/21/08 at 19:39:43

407672407265727476130 wrote:

Do I need to replace the cam chain guide as well?

You need to take a look at it. But it's hard to replace w/o taking the head cover off.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/23/08 at 20:02:18

I fix the cam chain extensioner adjuster (see attached picture) and the tapping noise is still there.

What else should I look for to eliminate this tapping noise?

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/23/08 at 20:04:10

Here is the link for the adjuster that I fix.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj66/Crystal_RX/camchainextensioner.jpg

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by BurnPgh on 09/23/08 at 20:44:34

a slight clicking/tapping is normal. It's valve clatter. If it's really loud you may just need to adjust your valves which is a pretty simple operation as long as you take your time.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/23/08 at 21:35:38

It is a really loud tapping. I did adjust the valves and it did not help, that why someone suggested me to check the cam chain tensioner. I now fix the cam chain tensioner and it is still tapping.

The bike run fine but it sounds very scary.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by verslagen1 on 09/23/08 at 21:52:43

Do you know there are 2 TDC's and did you adjust the valves at the right one? (sorry got to ask)

If you can't figure it out, and the noise is really scaring you, take it to a mechanic.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/23/08 at 21:56:13

Thanks for the info. i thought there is only 1 TDC which when the piston goes all the way up to top. this is where I adjusted the valves.

Where is another TDC?

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by verslagen1 on 09/23/08 at 22:10:25

Yep, the crank revolved twice for every power cycle.

You want to adjust the valves on the beginning of the compression cycle. Turn the crank over CCW, the same way the wheels rotate. Have both valve covers off and watch as you rotate. Go ahead do it a couple of times, suck, squeeze, bang, blow. Have the sparkplug out, you'll hear it suck and blow. When you see the intake valve move down, it's sucking. When it moves back up is the time to pay attention. Use a plastic straw (safest), stick or screwdriver in the sparkplug hole find TDC, also there's a mark on the crank and case. Once these marks are lined up, adjust your valves.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/23/08 at 22:24:47

Yeah, this is what I did. Using screw driver to stick into the plug hole and when it goes all the way up, I adjusted my valves. I used the feeler gauge which I bought from Schuck Auto parts to adjust the gap.

did I do any thing wrong?

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by verslagen1 on 09/23/08 at 22:41:44

Did you adjust anything more than a half turn?

If you did, there's a good chance that is what the noise is from.

I'd check it again, review the procedure in the tech section.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/24/08 at 06:07:48

At TDC compression all 4 valves are closed. At TDC Exhaust, the cam is surely still holding some bind on the valves. Tho, it is time to close them & get the intake going. I dont know the cam timing, so maybe theres some Overlap here. Some guys know this engine inside & out.

Heres what I do now. I kleave the plug in, saves a step. Slow rotation & it wont roll off TDC. I work the valves at TDC & feel for slack. When both sides feel the same, I figure Im there. Hasnt done me wrong yet. If you cant make the exhaust side move any, its gotta go around again.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Seattle_Savage on 09/24/08 at 07:12:48

Thanks Justin. I think I will take this into Suzuki dealer for them to find out what the issue and what the cost. Base on that, I will know what the issue is.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by MeLikeBike on 09/09/11 at 19:46:23

Hi SS,

Did you ever solve this problem? I just bought an 03 Savage, my first bike, and it's tapping as well. Sometimes I don't pay attention, and other times it drives me nuts!

The previous owner said he got his checked out by a mechanic and they said it is okay, but he *was* trying to sell me the bike at the time.

Title: Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Post by Oldfeller on 09/09/11 at 20:23:56

Unless you want to give the dealer $350 - $600 of your hard earned money to have him put in a lot of unnecessary parts, I'd suggest you research a Verslavy extender (find that in the Marketplace) and work on it yourself.

Dealers don't understand these bikes AT ALL, and they don't have access to our custom parts (like the Verslavy) but you do.

Your source for how to do a cam chain tensioner install guide is here:

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1191167029