cam chain tensioners

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.

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.

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

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