86 gs 550ef question about cam chain..

[Tnutz]

do i have to split the cases to change this one??? i was told by cycle salvage in my city that you have to with this year and up.

[earlfor]

I am not aware of any GS model or year that a new camchain cannot be installed by being pulled through with the old one and a rivet link installed.
I have to say no, you do not have to split the cases.

EF would be a 16 valve 1985, same design and layout as my 1150EF. Sure dont need to split the cases to replace the cam chain on it.

Earl

do i have to split the cases to change this one??? i was told by cycle salvage in my city that you have to with this year and up.

[txironhead]

I've always been told that you can do it with a master link, but I'm not sure. I'd get a second opinion (which is what you're doing here, so you're on the right track.)

[Tnutz]

anyone else??? it needs one...and i would rather sell it than split the cases...well it needs carb work too, but the cam chain is the big one

[txironhead]

I'd look up some of the online parts houses that sell cam chains and call/email them and ask if the chain comes with a master link, or maybe they would know for sure how to install it. I know some people are just "afraid" of master links and won't use them. There's a list of recommended sites in the main forums.

The likely thing is that the salvage company just wants you to sell them your bike and/or buy a bike from them. I've talked to a friend who has worked on/rebuilt several GS models and he said he has NEVER had to split the case to replace the cam chain.

[Tnutz]

alrighty! thanks alot

[Tnutz]

So what do you mean by this? Engine is "16 valve 1985" like no change after 1985...cause the bike is an 86..

[earlfor]

All 4 cylinder E models starting with and beyond 1980 were 16 valve engines.
"F" is the letter designation for the 1985 year. I dont believe any changes were made between the 85 and 86 years though.
You probably have an 85 manufactured that was sold in the 86 market year.

Earl

So what do you mean by this? Engine is "16 valve 1985" like no change after 1985...cause the bike is an 86..

[Tnutz]

okay, makes sense. but this is still bugging me. I am almost considering changing the cam chain, (or hoping it's the tensioner). if i knoiw forsure i can split it.

[earlfor]

okay, makes sense. but this is still bugging me. I am almost considering changing the cam chain, (or hoping it's the tensioner). if i knoiw forsure i can split it.

Since the cam chain runs in a constant oil bath, unless the bike has an extreme amount of milage or has been run without oil, its a rarity for a cam chain to need replacement. I would expect the cam chain tensioner to be more likely the cause of any problems. What makes you believe the chain is worn out?

Earl

[Tnutz]

It rattles like a mofo...not sure how many km's it has on it...odo says 14,000 (yeh right) but the front rotors have quite a bit of wear on them...how hard is the tensioner to replace?? at what kind of mileage do these chains need to be replaced?

[Tnutz]

It rattles like a mofo...not sure how many km's it has on it...odo says 14,000 (yeh right) but the front rotors have quite a bit of wear on them...how hard is the tensioner to replace?? at what kind of mileage do these chains need to be replaced? i can turn the knowb on the tensioner to make it get louder (loosen it more), but when it's maxed...it is still noisy.