Cam Chain Guides/ Tensioner ?

[johnod]

How do you know when these need to be replaced?
I assume the faces that touch the chain are flat when new.
Mine have wear, or grooves, but other than that they seem fine to me.
I'm sure new ones would look the same in no time.
So when do they need to be replaced?

Also in the diagram below #5 seems to have arrow pointing to rear of engine, is that correct, mine seemed to be in opposite, which would seem to be the direction of rotation i believe.?

Thanks again.






https://www.partsoutlaw.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d402e7f8700230d8b4e94b/cam-chain

 

[fastbysuzuki]

I have not had a GS1000 but I think your assumption about the arrow pointing in the direction of travel to be correct unless. the suzuki workshop manual says differently

 

[Nessism]

Salty_Monk and I recently put together the top end on his 1100G and noticed the parts diagram seems to show the arrow backwards. This is reinforced if you look close at the diagram below from the factory manual (notice how the external rip is at the back). Regarding grooves, I believe the tensioners have some grooves from new. Main thing is that your old tensioners shouldn't have cracks that indicate they may fall apart.

 

[Guest]

if you are doing the top end, I would do them, if only for piece of mind.

 

[Gorminrider]

So when do they need to be replaced?

Hopefully, never. but if you ever plan a complete rebuild, and have extra $$ maybe it's a good idea to look for the parts now- they are getting rare I think ...
Yours sounds fine-the thing is actually a steel spring encased in a very tough plastic....Better read the shop manual carefully first before you get enthusiastic and only replace it if it is truly bad...chunks of black plastic in the sump etc...micro-cracks? I would cross my fingers and wait until I needed a full rebuild before doing it. Meanwhile ,pay close attention that your tensioner device is functioning correctly.

The front one might be easy but the rear one-the adjusting tensioning guide can be a big job....cases need splitting... . I had to flip the engine upside down and lift the crankshaft out to get the room required to pull one out....I do believe it's the first thing they put in my engine...and so it was intended to last a very long time...

 

[johnod]

Salty_Monk and I recently put together the top end on his 1100G and noticed the parts diagram seems to show the arrow backwards. This is reinforced if you look close at the diagram below from the factory manual (notice how the external rip is at the back). Regarding grooves, I believe the tensioners have some grooves from new. Main thing is that your old tensioners shouldn't have cracks that indicate they may fall apart.

View attachment 56759

So which direction did you install it?

 

[johnod]

Hopefully, never. but if you ever plan a complete rebuild, and have extra $$ maybe it's a good idea to look for the parts now- they are getting rare I think ...
Yours sounds fine-the thing is actually a steel spring encased in a very tough plastic....Better read the shop manual carefully first before you get enthusiastic and only replace it if it is truly bad...chunks of black plastic in the sump etc...micro-cracks? I would cross my fingers and wait until I needed a full rebuild before doing it. Meanwhile ,pay close attention that your tensioner device is functioning correctly.

The front one might be easy but the rear one-the adjusting tensioning guide can be a big job....cases need splitting... . I had to flip the engine upside down and lift the crankshaft out to get the room required to pull one out....I do believe it's the first thing they put in my engine...and so it was intended to last a very long time...

I just pulled the rear one, it's a single bolt.

 

[Gorminrider]

ah,well. Lucky you! I wish mine was too. I'd still be leery of replacing it unless it needs it....ie: the oem rplacement might be just as old as the one you have or an aftermarket one ,maybe not as good. Camchain guides don't pop up a lot as a problem.

 

[johnod]

Took them into dealer today had mechanic look at them, looked good to him, looked good to me, back in they go.

 

[johnod]

Anyone know the torque spec for the tensioner mounting bolt?
Not the adjuster .

 

[Nessism]

So which direction did you install it?

We installed it just like the image shows. Like mentioned previously, the external rib is at the back.