Timing chain question

[deanwill]

I have an 82 GS1100GK that has been in a mechanics shop for 18 months! This kid obviously is over his head but, he still knows more than I do. The last problem he told me he found was that the timing chain is stretched too much to get the correct timing. He wants to replace the chain which entails, I believe, pulling the motor. He tells me the timing tensioner is maxed out. So, will it hurt the bike to ride it if the timing is a little off? Does the motor need to be yanked and is that something I can do? Lastly, how hard is it to replace a timing chain?

[tkent02]

Replace the mechanic.

[Agemax]

if the bike has been there for 18 months i would take it back, without paying and either do it yourself or find another mechanic who knows what he is doing.
what was it put in the garage for in the first place?

[SqDancerLynn1]

Find another mechanic. How many miles on the bike ? Typically the chain will last 100K miles. The motor needs to have the cases split to replace the cam chain. The down and dirty way without splitting the cases is to use a master link

[blowerbike]

R&R cam chain is maximum labor...it is as far as you can go as far as engine disassembly.
i worked on an 8v. years ago that the chain was stretched beyond limit.
with a manual tensioner the chain still drooped between the cam sprockets.
**this is very uncommon to say the least**
from the top the guides seemed ok and the customer wouldn't give the ok to pull the top end to see if the rear guide was worn out.
sounds like its time for a new mechanic.

[Truth]

18 months is enough time for a restoration. You are indeed a patient guy. I would have taken it elsewhere 17 months ago.

[Guest]

put a manual tensioner on it and ride it.

[deanwill]

18 months is enough time for a restoration. You are indeed a patient guy. I would have taken it elsewhere 17 months ago.

I should have, but, as it turned out, he more or less was storing it for me. I have 3 other bikes to ride. The GS is for pleasure riding with the wife.

[deanwill]

Find another mechanic. How many miles on the bike ? Typically the chain will last 100K miles. The motor needs to have the cases split to replace the cam chain. The down and dirty way without splitting the cases is to use a master link

The bike is low mileage, just over 30,000. The worst part of this whole thing is I could never catch the guy. He didn't return calls, etc. He was working on it at home so I finally went to the Suzuki shop where he worked and confronted him. He's putting it back together, (fairing, etc.) and there is no charge. As if I would pay it anyway!!

[deanwill]

Carb rebuild. It wouldn't start once engine was warm.

[blowerbike]

where are you from dean?

[deanwill]

where are you from dean?

I live in Wasilla, Alaska

[blowerbike]

I live in Wasilla, Alaska

tell sarah palin i said hey
your location explains a lot i think as far as timely work.
if your chain needed replaced...as i said earlier..
its a HUGE job and most shops won't take these on during the busy part of the season.
the reason i asked your location was to offer to check it for you if you was close or semi close to me..well i guess thats out of the question.
good luck with your repairs.

[Nessism]

I seriously doubt the chain is stretched. The service manual has a spec where you can measure the chain and compare it to standard. We did this on Salty Monk's GS1000 with 80,000 miles and it still checked out fine.

Hard starting could be many issues, 99% not related to the cam chain. I suggest adjusting the valves, making sure the carbs and tank are spotless, and trying again.

[Big T]

Carb rebuild. It wouldn't start once engine was warm.

That should be pretty simple

Get the bike back, download a service manual from Basscliff, get a few tools and you're on your way to recovery!