proper cam chain tension?

[gearhead13]

I had the valve cover off my bike to do a lash adjustment. I pushed down on the cam chain between the cam sprockets and I found i could move it up and down more than an inch How much is normal or acceptable? I didnt measure the chain for stretch but I should have. Seems like a lot, is that normal or should i take my tensioner off and recheck it?
Bike has 61,000 kms on it

[rapidray]

That IS too much movement! Measure the chain stretch limits listed in your shop manual & replace the chain if required. If the chain measures ok, look at both of the cam chain guides. If THEY are ok, call APE & order a manual cam chain tensioner for a GS1100. Yes, that is the one you need. Good luck, Ray.

[Guest]

lock your automatic tensioner rod and take the assembly off the engine
if the rod is in the max outward position, your chain is too stretched and/or the chain guides are worn out

but more likely you have a tensioner that wasnt properly adjusted and/or is stuck / locked in place

[gearhead13]

I guess I will take off the tensioner tomorrow and check it. The loose chain must one of the sources of noise i hear. I had the tensioner off to reset it a while ago, but I didnt check for proper operation. I heard the chains are good for 100,000 miles so I will assume its the tensioner or guides.

[Guest]

One inch

[rapidray]

Either way, throw that stock Suzuki tensioner in the garbage & order an APE tensioner! Trust me, it is the right way to go & they are only about 60 bucks. BigJay here is the owner of APE & he will hook you up. Ray.

[gearhead13]

Ya, I would like to get the APE tensioner, but money is a bit tight now, too many new parts for my new toy already!
I pulled the tensioner out and played around with the action and it was getting stuck 1/2 way out so I cleaned and re-installed it.
Started the bike up and WOW! soooo much quieter, before it sounded like a can of marbles YEEHA sweet.
Thanks for your help and insight guys! You ROCK