How to adjust cam chain - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

AwwsChwA · 06-27-2004, 11:54 PM

I've narrowed the wierd clacky rattly noises the engine makes (81 GS450) to the cam chain, since they're very random, make different sounds at different times & engine loads, and don't occurr all the time.

Let me preface this by saying THE CLYMER SERVICE MANUAL PHUKKING SUCKS!!! There are so many things missing (like how to tension the cam chain, for example) that the book is basically useless for routine maintenance. For those of you who do not yet own a Clymer manual, don't waste your money. I finally found a shop that sells real Suzuki manuals, so I'm getting one of those in a couple weeks.

Anyway...how do I tension the chain? Anyone have a good step-by-step procedure I can use? I'd like to get it done while the bike is in non-operational status. Thanks!!

vjgsor750 · 07-08-2004, 12:49 AM

This is the procedure to adjust the cam chain tensioner.

1. Loosen the 10 mm locknut.
2. Tighten the lockscrew (should only move about 1/4 turn).
3. Remove the 2 10 mm mounting bolts.
4. Unscrew the lockscrew 1/4 turn until the plunger releases.
5. Push in the plunger while turning the large knurled knob counter
clockwise until the plunger stops.
6. Tighten the lockscrew.
7. Install the tensioner to the engine.
8. Loosen the lockscrew 1/4 turn. You will hear it release.
9. Tighten the locknut.
10. Thats all folks!

**87gsxrnut** · 07-08-2004, 11:13 AM

Look in the engine section. Many times, the Clymer will have that info there, not in the maintenance section. I thought these had auto tensioners?

Don't overtighten the chain. BIG rookie mistake. Take baby steps, turn it in slightly. Reassemble and run it. Do it again, or until the chain slap stops. If you have the valve cover off, you can gauge how much it needs. I had one old GSX-R that you could shake the cam chain it was so loose. Automatic tensioner spring was toast.

- Nut

michael mabry · 12-19-2006, 03:55 PM

I Am Should Not Tell You This But This Will Work! Warm It Up Put In Neutrel. And Bounce It Of The Rev Limiter. It Will Adjust Itself Really It Works!

06-27-2004, 11:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
AwwsChwA In Training Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 128	How to adjust cam chain I've narrowed the wierd clacky rattly noises the engine makes (81 GS450) to the cam chain, since they're very random, make different sounds at different times & engine loads, and don't occurr all the time. Let me preface this by saying THE CLYMER SERVICE MANUAL PHUKKING SUCKS!!! There are so many things missing (like how to tension the cam chain, for example) that the book is basically useless for routine maintenance. For those of you who do not yet own a Clymer manual, don't waste your money. I finally found a shop that sells real Suzuki manuals, so I'm getting one of those in a couple weeks. Anyway...how do I tension the chain? Anyone have a good step-by-step procedure I can use? I'd like to get it done while the bike is in non-operational status. Thanks!!

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07-08-2004, 12:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
vjgsor750 Newbie Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 2	This is the procedure to adjust the cam chain tensioner. 1. Loosen the 10 mm locknut. 2. Tighten the lockscrew (should only move about 1/4 turn). 3. Remove the 2 10 mm mounting bolts. 4. Unscrew the lockscrew 1/4 turn until the plunger releases. 5. Push in the plunger while turning the large knurled knob counter clockwise until the plunger stops. 6. Tighten the lockscrew. 7. Install the tensioner to the engine. 8. Loosen the lockscrew 1/4 turn. You will hear it release. 9. Tighten the locknut. 10. Thats all folks!

07-08-2004, 11:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
87gsxrnut Ho Dog Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 867-5309 Location: Terror Lake Posts: 4,224	Look in the engine section. Many times, the Clymer will have that info there, not in the maintenance section. I thought these had auto tensioners? Don't overtighten the chain. BIG rookie mistake. Take baby steps, turn it in slightly. Reassemble and run it. Do it again, or until the chain slap stops. If you have the valve cover off, you can gauge how much it needs. I had one old GSX-R that you could shake the cam chain it was so loose. Automatic tensioner spring was toast. - Nut

12-19-2006, 03:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
michael mabry Newbie Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: m109 Location: fla Posts: 19	I Am Should Not Tell You This But This Will Work! Warm It Up Put In Neutrel. And Bounce It Of The Rev Limiter. It Will Adjust Itself Really It Works!

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