So, I got a savage over the weekend. A 1996 with 13k miles. Such a great bike. I made sure before the deal was made to check for cam chain noises and I didn't hear a thing. So I rode it home (about 90 miles) and after two days I noticed the dreaded cam chain noise. So, I got out my tools to inspect everything and not only was the tensioner over extended, it had fallen apart. I know what the noise was now....
So my question is what do I need to do now? obviously, fix the cam chain tension. However, the spring that was supposed to be in the tensioner was chewed to bits (I got two very small pieces out) but the body and plunger seem to be in okay condition (with a modification or two). But what else do i need to do? I know with my honda twin when my cam chain went slack I needed to redo my timing. Do I need to do that with the savage as well?
So things I need clarification on:
1. What kind of spring do I need for the tensioner and can I pick one up locally? (I am either going to get a Verslavy mod or do something like it on my own)
2. Do I need to set/check the timing? and if so how do I do that?
3. When should I think about getting a new cam chain.
4. Is there anything else I should check out right now?
I do have some experience with working on motorcycles (also doing a engine rebuild right now on my cl350
) but I couldn't find any threads where someone has had their tensioner fall completely apart (but then again maybe I just didn't search the right things) Any help would be greatly appreciated.