strange noise

Sounds like the chain is fine. If you can get the right bolt then do it, if not live with it. Maybe the PO did it so the plunger wouldn't back out.
Steve

kayodash wrote: I dont think the chain has stretched too much after messing with the tensioner, it was springy going back on the bike. Couple questions guys... My 550 has a tensioner very similar, but without the lock bolt. Can I replace my current tensioner with one like that? And two, I should probably order the correct adjuster bolt, right?

That style of tensioner is good. Just get the proper bolt.

so, I had the bolt ordered, put it on a couple days ago. the rattle comes and goes. ive synced the carbs again. the rattle is NOTHING like it was. but its not as quiet as it was the other day. i almost wonder if the tachometer is off, if possible? i dont see how it would be though, given the simplicity of it. hmm, i dont know ive got a pretty decent sounding idle around 1100-1200ish i would say. Ive been riding. and its been fun. shoot i got the bike for like 400 bucks (technically 8, but i "sold" the 550 to my girlfriend for 4, of course i cant get rid of my first bike) thats my update. actually, do you guys know if theres a tensioner with a longer plunger? mine isn't maxed out I dont think, I'm just curious.

It may be moving in and out. That would explain the longer bolt. If it's at the end of the adjustment, the guides must be replaced. I put in a longer one from a Honda 450. The result was a broken cam chain.
Steve

how would it be going back and forth? if the wedge is preventing it?

Weak spring, worn out bore or wedge, something.
Steve

hmm...i mean worse comes to worst.. i replace the chain... difficulty level? id imagine it require an entire teardown. ive watched youtube videos of rebuilds and honestly doesn't seem so difficult. (obviously there's the specifics I'd have questions on.) and by all means its not a loud noise. its just a slight rattle.. i think i even read somewhere on here, someone said that even a properly tuned engine will have a slight drive train sound.

nevermind, 750, (I thought 550).

kayodash wrote: When I put the valve cover on I made sure there was slack in the chain by pushing down on it from the top with the wedge off. Then covered it. Ten added the wedge.

That is correct.

loudhvx wrote:

swest wrote: So the bolt is not holding it?
Steve

550's don't use a holding bolt to hold back the tensioner.

this is on the 750.

Yeah I saw that and deleted my post.