cam chain tensioners

loudhvx wrote:

txturbo wrote:

The 550 tensioner is slightly different. It doesn't have the little side bolt like on the 750's.

Yeah, should have mentioned like Bill did, synchronizing the carbs will go a very long way to quieting down the cam chain rattle and the primary chain slap (louder clunking down low in the motor, usually loud when idling cold).

Primary chain slack is a nice thought as well. I changed a primary chain once on a 750, but that one was "slipping". When accelerating hard from relatively low revs you could hear it slipping over the sprockets. No one really believed the primary chain could be worn out, but eventually it turned out it was. I took it apart and the chain really was way too long for the sprockets. There could be a stage prior to that in which it rattles a lot in a cold engine...I shall make a ride this weekend I guess to see if it gets better with a warm engine.

81kz550b2, as you said you know your bike best... and I have never had a Cam Chain problem so I can't go there.

On my bike, I noticed a day-and-night difference between the Mechanical sync method and the Vacuum Gauge sync method... buts that's my bike...

Or maybe my Mechanical syncing sucks big lemons. :laugh:

Best of success.
Bill

PS
BTW, any chance you can add your year, model and location to your signature... it's considered real friendly and a member near you may be available for help.
Bill

I have an idea, why not adjust the cam chain AND sync the carbs.

81kz550b2 wrote:

PS
Got access to vacuum gauges?
Bill

got a set yes, but I don't believe this is the problem. I know this bike quite well and would be surprised if the carbs are way out of sync. Unless the bike is very sensitive to the slightest unsynchronisation I don't think this is it it. I will think about it though and get it checked, to make sure.

These bikes are quite sensitive to vacuum differences, especially from engine age (wear and tear/minor compression changes).

If you have vacuum gauges, its really easy to do and theres lots of info here in the filebase. Strongly recommended!

I have an idea, why not adjust the cam chain AND sync the carbs.

Fer damn sure homes.

Yeah and mechanical syncing does suck. Its just a prep for vacuum synching.

I approve this message.

bill_wilcox100 wrote:

PS
BTW, any chance you can add your year, model and location to your signature... it's considered real friendly and a member near you may be available for help.
Bill

I will pimp my profile See if I can get some pics on here as well.

Cheers!
Dirk

is there any info on how to properly adjust the manual cam chain pensioner? i just did a top en rebuild .lapped the valves and adjusted the timing. im pretty confident its all correct. even the timing. however i do have some engine noise while idleing. especially cold. once the bike is moving i dont hear it. could this be because its too loose or too tight? how do i know to tight to go?

If you know what brand your tensioner is, try searching that site for the instructions.
In general, you're supposed to turn in the tensioner by hand until hard to turn, then back it out ~1/4 turn or so, then tighten the locknut. I would probably loosen it first, then do the adjustment as per the instructions.

Just call that dude Rob that work's for Jay and get the shit you need..