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Found a new reason for a GS to make funny noises...

tkent02

tkent02

Forum LongTimer
Past Site Supporter
Got this dead 550L for parts in a trade for an 850G, with some wiring caused electrical problems. Hotwired it to test the engine, there's a loud cam chain noise. I twisted the knob on the cam chain tensioner as it idled, it felt wrong, it turned too easily. Shut the engine off, looked closer, the big spring on the outside of the tensioner was wound the wrong way, wrapped clockwise so it pushed the knob counter clockwise, instead of pulling it clockwise. Backwards, it was pushing the end inside away from the pushrod, not towards it, so only the inner spring alone was trying to tension the chain. Fixed the spring, not even a wrench required, just pulled it out of it's hole, twisted it the right direction, put it back in. Now it purrs like a kitten, I have a solid engine for my new 550...
 
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tkent02 said:
I twisted the knob on the cam chain tensioner as it idled, ...
Click to expand...
I thought EVERYBODY knew you are not supposed to do this while the engine is running. :eek:

Great find, though. :clap:

Oh, that spring on the side does not add any tension, it only keeps the other one from backing up.

.
 
Steve said:
I thought EVERYBODY knew you are not supposed to do this while the engine is running. :eek:

Great find, though. :clap:

Oh, that spring on the side does not add any tension, it only keeps the other one from backing up.

.
Click to expand...

You are right, it is only keeping the pushrod from backing out. I have always done this as a test, if it gets louder and goes away when you let go, you know the tensioner is working, and you know in fact the noise in question is the cam chain. I have been doing it since these GSes were new, it hasn't hurt anything yet. Just go far enough to hear the change in the sound, no further. I do a lot of stuff you are not supposed to, I'm just cool like that.
 
tkent02 said:
You are right, it is only keeping the pushrod from backing out. I have always done this as a test, if it gets louder and goes away when you let go, you know the tensioner is working, and you know in fact the noise in question is the cam chain. I have been doing it since these GSes were new, it hasn't hurt anything yet. Just go far enough to hear the change in the sound, no further. I do a lot of stuff you are not supposed to, I'm just cool like that.
Click to expand...

great tip, cool............
 
tkent02 said:
How is that 450 coming along?
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I don't mean to hi jack but it's coming along. An igniter should be here today which came off of a garage stored since 1984, 2,000 mile bike. I'm confident that it will work. I just need to charge the battery. I don't have a charger though :(.
 
Flaming Chainsaws said:
I don't mean to hi jack but it's coming along. An igniter should be here today which came off of a garage stored since 1984, 2,000 mile bike. I'm confident that it will work. I just need to charge the battery. I don't have a charger though :(.
Click to expand...
The Zedder cross referance dosen't list the 84 as a direct replacement. But the one I posted a link to yesterday does. And buy the way it is not mine just found it and remembered seeing that someone had been looking for one so I posted it.
 
Also, I have found POs that had tightened the adjuster screw right tight against the pushrod..thus eliminating the self adjustment of the pushrod. Should just touch off the pushrod then back out about 1/8 to 1/4 turn, then lock down the nut.
 
Flaming Chainsaws said:
I don't mean to hi jack but it's coming along. An igniter should be here today which came off of a garage stored since 1984, 2,000 mile bike. I'm confident that it will work. I just need to charge the battery. I don't have a charger though :(.
Click to expand...

Any auto parts store will charge it for free for you Alan. Or even a motorcycle shop.
 
cowboyup3371 said:
Any auto parts store will charge it for free for you Alan. Or even a motorcycle shop.
Click to expand...
My local auto parts store will only charge a car battery, not motorcycle. I don't know why.

My local motorcycle shop has charged my battery 5 times now. I really don't want to ask them again. Kind of embarrassing :oops:. It's a Harley shop haha!
 
you can get a charger that dose 2amp-10amp-55amp for about $50 to $60
charge at 2amp for about 5-6 hours
 
chuck hahn said:
Also, I have found POs that had tightened the adjuster screw right tight against the pushrod..thus eliminating the self adjustment of the pushrod. Should just touch off the pushrod then back out about 1/8 to 1/4 turn, then lock down the nut.
Click to expand...

I've found this several times as well. About half of the tensioners I monkey with are locked down. :confused:
 
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