SuzukiSavage.com - Parts list for cam chain replacement

RocketScienceSmurf Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 268 Sweden Gender:	Parts list for cam chain replacement 02/29/20 at 13:05:28 I will replace my cam chain soon and I need to figure out what parts I should order besides the actual chain. Should I replace the plastic guide thingies as well? How can one tell of they are worn? Can I use the old cam chain tensioner?
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norm92de Serious Thumper Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 1180 El Paso TX Gender:	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #1 - 02/29/20 at 14:18:24 Hi, While you have it apart I would change the guides as well, cheap insurance. The old cam chain tensioner should be just fine but maybe put Versys mod on it, more insurance.
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verslagen1 YaBB Moderator ModSquad Offline Where there's a will, I want to be in it. Posts: 28890 L.A. California Gender:	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #2 - 02/29/20 at 15:28:10 The guides will look worn, grooves and not shinney. Replace if they have age cracks in them.
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Armen Serious Thumper Offline Half-Witted Wrench-Jockey from Jersey Posts: 1452	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #3 - 02/29/20 at 15:29:58 Kamel, Rear guide can be done when the cam is out and the head is still on. Front guide is captive, and the head must be removed. I lucked out on mine, the back one was toast, the front not so bad.
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RocketScienceSmurf

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Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement
Reply #4 - 03/03/20 at 00:49:14

I realize I should get a new cam chain, both guide rails and a new adjuster/tensioner.

When it comes to the actual chain they are available as open and endless. Is there advantages of choosing the endless except that you don't need a tool to close it?

I will inspect the rocker arms and replace those too if needed. I found a youtube-clip from a guy whos rocker arms were extremely worn so I expect the worst.

Are there any other surprises I should be aware of?

My engine is very oily and dirty. Do you have any suggestion on how to clean it?

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RocketScienceSmurf Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 268 Sweden Gender:	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #5 - 03/23/20 at 02:40:47 Still looking for recommendations on whether I should go with open or endless chain. Also, do you have any tips for how to lock the sprockets so I don't accidentally change the timing?
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Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement
Reply #6 - 03/23/20 at 04:19:01

I prefer the endless chain. No chance of that throwing a link.

I purchased an open chain to do some tests. I thought the master link would have hollow tips for setting the rivets. No such luck. The tips are solid. Setting those, even with the special tool, will be sketchy. There really is no advantage (that I can see) to the open chain. All risk, no reward.

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RocketScienceSmurf Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 268 Sweden Gender:	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #7 - 03/23/20 at 05:03:03 Thank you Mike. That was my thought too. I don't have the tools or know-how to properly close an open chain. I hope there is some wiggle room so I can attach the new chain without disturbing the timing.
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Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement
Reply #8 - 03/24/20 at 01:23:57

You can change timing without removing the chain. At least on a worn chain with the head open you can slowly move the chain over one tooth/link at a time. I would highly suggest springing for a versy though. I moved my timing over and my tensioner ended up coming apart. I do not know if that's correlation or causation though so ymmv.

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RocketScienceSmurf Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 268 Sweden Gender:	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #9 - 03/24/20 at 01:34:16 Since I live in Sweden the versy tensioner will take too long to get and I will also have to pay customs charges and VAT so I will buy an original part this time. Perhaps I will install a versy in the future.
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ZSteele Senior Member Offline I'll finish it tomorrow Posts: 253	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #10 - 03/24/20 at 03:32:28 Its really not a massive modification, maybe a local shop could look at some of versys pics and fab something up? The biggest advantage for me is the peace of mind of the through pin.
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Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement
Reply #11 - 03/24/20 at 20:10:24

Kamelryttarn, you have to remove the cam and cam sprocket in order to change out the chain, so you will have to reset the timing. That's simply a matter of lining up the timing mark on the alternator rotor and the marks on the cam. It's straight forward. Piston at TDC, cam marks line up with head surface. Just review your service manual for the details.

Always turn your engine through by hand at least two complete revolutions before attempting to start. If something feels funny, double & triple check your cam timing.

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RocketScienceSmurf Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 268 Sweden Gender:	Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement Reply #12 - 03/25/20 at 02:36:50 Thank you all. Have just ordered the parts. Around $600. I will try and take a lot of pictures. Hopefully it can help others.
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Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement
Reply #13 - 04/13/20 at 12:12:38

I managed to remove the top valve plate/cover the other day. Apart from the outside of the engine being horribly dirty I think it looks quite ok.

What would be the next step? I have found quite a few threads about replacing the timing chain but none that a total n00b like me understand. Also, I tried to film when I removed the valve inspection plates and the entire top valve cover but I learned that I should not have the radio on in the background if I want to be able to upload the clip to youtube.

One other thing that hit me was that since I now have the top part of the engine exposed it is possible for me to put in a DR650 cam instead of the original. For me who just used to cruise at 50 mph, is there any point in changing the cam shaft?

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Re: Parts list for cam chain replacement
Reply #14 - 04/13/20 at 13:17:26

RocketScienceSmurf wrote on 04/13/20 at 12:12:38:

One other thing that hit me was that since I now have the top part of the engine exposed it is possible for me to put in a DR650 cam instead of the original. For me who just used to cruise at 50 mph, is there any point in changing the cam shaft?

I wouldn't unless you want a performance engine.

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