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Cam Chain tensioner (Read 294 times)
Seattle_Savage
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Cam Chain tensioner
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!
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verslagen1
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #1 - 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.
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Seattle_Savage
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #2 - 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,
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #3 - 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

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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #4 - 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?
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #5 - 09/21/08 at 19:39:43
 
Seattle_Savage wrote on 09/21/08 at 17:00:43:
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.
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #6 - 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?
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #7 - 09/23/08 at 20:04:10
 
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #8 - 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.
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #9 - 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.
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #10 - 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.
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #11 - 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?
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #12 - 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.
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #13 - 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?
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Re: Cam Chain tensioner
Reply #14 - 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.
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