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Message started by triumphleroy on 12/31/12 at 21:04:30

Title: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 12/31/12 at 21:04:30

New here; read a lot about cam chain tension. Just wondering if there are some replacement cam chains that are less prone to stretch than others are is there just one manufacturer of the chain?
Just brought home a 1998 Savage 10 K miles seems quiet to me, but want to be ahead of any problem?

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by wambr on 01/01/13 at 02:59:42

well at least timing chain produce many firms . I have somewhere wrote about how acquired a chain of poor quality. signs of stretching the already appeared in about 10000[ch1082][ch1084]. firm-manufacturer-K&L . about other firms have nothing to say... if you're worth the original circuit and mileage only 10K miles, then I think there is no special sense to think and replacing timing chain around 10-15K miles....

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by verslagen1 on 01/01/13 at 08:21:08

For the most part, we've only used the OEM chain.
We've just recently learned of other bikes that use the same chain...
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1336598605
no feedback on who makes them and how long they last.

We (ss.com) source the chain as a group a few years ago and upgrade it with nitriding for a superchain, but no feedback yet on the life. Unfortunately, we can't get the chain anymore.

Typically, we've found that those that take a lot of short trips blow out the chain quickly and those that take mostly long trips have extended life. My commute it 25 miles twice daily, I get about 20 to 25 kmiles out of a chain.

You might consider one of these to double the chain life...
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1180206459

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/01/13 at 10:35:10

& if youre into experimental mechanics, after much thot, Ive come to think that some of the problem could be remedied by eliminating some of the teeth on the tensioner. Id have to spend some time with one in the shop playing with it to see,

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/01/13 at 11:34:09

Have been lurking around and saw the VerSlavy Tensioner mod.
Do live in East Taxes also and wondering if anyone near me?
Got one response from Russia one from Carolinas and one Guy says he is Between Dallas and Louisiana?

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by verslagen1 on 01/01/13 at 11:52:59

I was once in texas too. :-?

If you don't count all the times I changed planes there.

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/01/13 at 15:50:19

I was out in your neck of the woods a few times myself. Don't think I will be up to riding a Savage that far though nowadays!
I just picked up this little Savage in good shape seems like but this Cam Chain thing is a challenge, will not be riding it much till I check out a few things just to be sure. It seems awfully quiet have felt the covers etc while running and feel no unusual noise or vibrations etc. I am nearly deaf these days and wondering what the life expectance is on the chain. Seems as though 15, to 20 k miles from what I read on here. That seems like awful short time but then who knows. I looked at the savage when it first arrived but had other things that came first back then, so finally got one to try out! I can no longer kick start my old bikes due to hip and knee problems so the electric button is what I was after. Will look into the optional Kawasaki, etc. chain also. Do you have an verslavy upgrade in house now?

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/01/13 at 15:55:20

What part O East Texas you in? Im just North of Longview about 10 minutes.

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/01/13 at 15:59:28

Guess I am in your Back yard? I am in between Hallsville Tx and Longview. You in Gilmer, Ore city, Diana? Hit me with e-mail we will discuss location, I cant private message you yet? my email is here on forum!

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/01/13 at 16:04:31

I have a Gilmer address. Im north of 1844 about 3 miles, North Fuller off 1844 North bound gets ya headed this way. Thats East of 300 about 1.5 miles. Youd head in on 80 & go N on 259 to 1844 & go west about 5 or 6 miles ( just guessin, Ive never checked it), N on North Fuller & Id meet ya there. Keep posting, the Pms will open up I guess..

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/01/13 at 16:08:27

I know where you are talking about! Fellow has an automotive restoration shop out on far end of North Fuller, R and R Restorations? I am out by the Alpine Golf Course toward Jefferson.

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/01/13 at 16:10:05

I am ( formerly) a body man. Never seen or heard of R&R but Id like to see it.
Is that out past where the "Dead End" sign is?

WE really enjoy trips to Jefferson. We go a few times a year,, beautiful ride if ya go out 259 & cross the spillway. HOuses out that way are just great to look at & the properties are so fine..

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/01/13 at 16:15:00

It is right there at that sign I think? There is a road that turns back to left going out north just before road ends, and the shop is on that corner! His house sits right behind shop!
Did you work body shop in Longview or? I am retired from IBM into old Cars and Motorcycles for about 65 years now?

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/01/13 at 16:25:54

N. Fuller meanders around. FRom 1844 ya go about 1/4 mile, swing left, another 1/4 or so, swing right, go pretty straight for 1/2 mile or so, easy bend to the right, coupla houses on the left & then a property on the right with a barn & an oil well & down on the rite, a small brown metal house, Walnut is the Left turn available, nothin but trailer houses down that stretch, then it swings rite & meanders thru the country to my place,,kindasortaish,,If its on N Fuller, either Ive just missed it or its on past that Left on Walnut,,&, Im thinkin it is on down there, Ive been down there twice & IIRC, I did see something that got my attention.

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/01/13 at 16:32:44

It is definitely on down past your turn off near the dead end. There is another road down there that turns back left just before fuller ends! R and R Restorations Is Bob Lorenz and his son. Been out there for quiet awhile. I have been down Walnut too but been quiet awhile.
Guess we better get together for coffee or something to discuss Savages etc.......

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/01/13 at 16:39:55

It jjust so happens I am the proud owner of a Mr. Coffee & 2 coffee cups!
I also have good water & organic coffee. & that coffee is sitting on the Mini Fridge out in the shop. I am disabled & dont have a 9 to 5 Jay Oh Bee, so, holler any time,Ill be out there all day tomorrow, just like today,,aint got hoot done, but,, puttin that 4 wheeler together is wearin on me, so, Im just coasting today,piddlin, cleanin up..

& we could run up & see R&R!

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/01/13 at 16:46:30

Give me a quick call My cell is 903-932-2396....Still can't pm.........But working on that!
Try to come by tommorrow, Jesse

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by triumphleroy on 01/02/13 at 06:33:42

You have me wondering about these "TEETH" on the tensioner? Where exactly are these "TEETH" ? Are there any photos on here or?

Title: Re: Cam Chain Question
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/02/13 at 10:31:22

Ya gots an Inner Tube & a Outer tube, see? & the outer tube has a ratchet pawl like gizmo on it, see? & as the spring drives the inner tube OUT ( which is applying sidewardsish pressure on the cam chain), that pawl grabs in the teeth what is machined into the bottom side of the inner tube, therby making it impossible for the tension on the cam chain to drive the tensioner back into itself..&, IMO, there is too little slack availabe for the cam chain. I cant see letting the tensioner soak up a little free play in the cam chain as being such a big deal, as long as there is never enough slack to allow the chain to hop tooth to tooth on the gear.