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Expected life of a cam chain?

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    Expected life of a cam chain?

    If you were in the process of rebuilding an engine with 38000 Kilometers, would you replace the timing chain? for $49 I think why not but I'd like some opinions. My tensioner isn't close to its extension limits and the chain isn't stretched beyond the spec in my service manual but I don't plan on tearing the engine down this much for a long while.

    thanks
    Last edited by Guest; 04-19-2010, 12:25 AM.

    #2
    KeithKrause got 100K miles out of his before his rebuild. It was probably still good. They last a long time.
    85 GS1150E May '06 BOM
    79 GS1000S Wes Cooley Beast





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      #3
      Cam chain guides, yes, as they are plastic and age

      Cam chain, no
      1978 GS 1000 (since new)
      1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
      1978 GS 1000 (parts)
      1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
      1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
      1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
      2007 DRz 400S
      1999 ATK 490ES
      1994 DR 350SES

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        #4
        It's a quality chain in a clean environment, bathed in oil.

        The GS 550 that I rode well over 100,000 miles didn't need or get a new chain.

        We rebuilt it due to leaks everywhere but the chain was fine.


        Life is too short to ride an L.

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          #5
          Here's the difference between a 40k chain and brand new.
          1983 GS 1100E w/ 1230 kit, .340 lift Web Cams, Ape heavy duty valve springs, 83 1100 head with 1.5mm oversized SS intake valves, 1150 crank, Vance and Hines 1150 SuperHub, Star Racing high volume oil pump gears, 36mm carebs Dynojet stage 3 jet kit, Posplayr's SSPB, Progressive rear shocks and fork springs, Dyna 2000, Dynatek green coils and Vance & Hines 4-1 exhaust.
          1985 GS1150ES stock with 85 Red E bodywork.

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            #6
            If I split the cases I change the cam chain. PERIOD! 50 bucks is NOTHING compared to what it will cost if the chain breaks. But I'm just an engine builder & I know other people think differently. Ray.

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              #7
              Its settled then

              Chain is on order.

              Looking into replacement guides.

              I do understand that they can last a long time but its the stretch that I'm concerned about.

              Thanks for the reply's

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