Suzuki GS 550, strange sound

[Guest]

I start it up this morning and it get some strange sound when running. What do You think what could it be?

https://youtu.be/YhtehyBewao

[steve murdoch]

Sounds to me like a bit of cam "walk".

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?235995-GS750-engine-knock-Cam-chain-loose-*Video*&highlight=cam+and+walk

[Guest]

Thanks for quick answer! So, if I understand correctly that noise happens because the thrust bearing surface(s) on at least one of the cams is worn a bit, allowing the cam to "walk" a bit sideways. Is there any reason to be concerned about it or it is normal for this type od engine?

[Guest]

I suppose it would be good to check the valve clearance also even though I did cheched it about 5000 km ago. Whether there is a possibility that one or more screws (bolts) on the camshaft are loosed and make that noise??

[steve murdoch]

Correct on the worn surfaces allowing a bit of movement.
Shouldn't need adjusting after 5000kms.
If a cam-cap was loose you would have a LOT more noise.
This thread has some suggestions for dealing with the noise.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?240997-Cam-walk-options&highlight=cam+and+walk

[Guest]

Thanks, I'll look!

[Kara25]

Depends on what rpm this sound occurs.. When I got my gs550e I heard that sound at around 1000rpms and I was going nuts. Turns out it?s something that all GS engines do at low rpm and yes it?s caused by the cam chain moving around a little bit which after an extensive search everyone says to just ignore it. Hope it helped.!

[Admiral Beez]

Depends on what rpm this sound occurs.. When I got my gs550e I heard that sound at around 1000rpms and I was going nuts. Turns out it’s something that all GS engines do at low rpm and yes it’s caused by the cam chain moving around a little bit which after an extensive search everyone says to just ignore it. Hope it helped.!

Mine does it too. Here’s in idle. This was after a full valve clearance and cam chain tension adjustment at the local shop. They told me just to ignore the noise.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9uSHhBYxd20

It’s worse on centre stand, idling in high gear until you pull in the clutch.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A85RFKFrhMc

[Steve]

What I heard in the video (and in the ones from Admiral Beez) is the infamous cam walk. To confirm the suspicion, slowly increase the idle speed. Cam walk noise usually goes away by 1500-2000 RPM.

Yes, you can pretty much ignore it. My wife's bike had it when we got the bike back in 2005, with about 40,000 miles on it. It now has over 65,000 miles on it. Noise hasn't gotten any worse, I don't feel it's worth the effort eliminate it.

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