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Sorry for the stupid question... what is this? Can't find in my manual.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
S617B1u.jpeg
 
That is the automatic Cam-Chain Tensioner. Do not touch it when the bike is running. If you suspect it's not doing it's job, there is a good rebuild tutorial on BikeCliff's website, along with a lot of other good stuff you need: Owner's manual, Factory Service Manual, wiring diagrams, tons of how-to's, for whatever Suzuki GS you have. Speaking of...... It's a good idea to create a signature (go to settings at the top right of this page, above the search box) that has your bike info in it. Then we'll never have to ask, and you'll never forget to tell.

Welcome to the site. Nessism's Top 10 Newbie mistakes thread is also a great place to start your journey into the Suzuki GS world. Top 10 and BikeCliff's website are both linked in my signature.

Since you already have an Imgur account, there's just a few more steps to posting pics in the forum. I have written instructions, also linked in my signature.

S617B1u.jpeg
 
Thanks! Really appreciate it.

Rich82GS750TZ said:
That is the automatic Cam-Chain Tensioner. Do not touch it when the bike is running. If you suspect it's not doing it's job, there is a good rebuild tutorial on BikeCliff's website, along with a lot of other good stuff you need: Owner's manual, Factory Service Manual, wiring diagrams, tons of how-to's, for whatever Suzuki GS you have. Speaking of...... It's a good idea to create a signature (go to settings at the top right of this page, above the search box) that has your bike info in it. Then we'll never have to ask, and you'll never forget to tell.

Welcome to the site. Nessism's Top 10 Newbie mistakes thread is also a great place to start your journey into the Suzuki GS world. Top 10 and BikeCliff's website are both linked in my signature.

Since you already have an Imgur account, there's just a few more steps to posting pics in the forum. I have written instructions, also linked in my signature.

S617B1u.jpeg
Click to expand...
 
I don't know how much of a functional difference there might be, but your tensioner is installed upside-down.
dunno.gif


.
 
Steve,

your job calls for attention to detail...I mean, serious attention to detail.

So, what you’re saying is...the spring side should be pointed to the right side of the bike?

Ed

****
 
Must admit, that was my first reaction as well but I checked a parts fiche that seems to show that the 450s are citogs ( southpaw, is that the expression?)
 
GSXR7ED said:
...the spring side should be pointed to the right side of the bike?

Ed

****
Click to expand...

Brendan W said:
Must admit, that was my first reaction as well but I checked a parts fiche that seems to show that the 450s are citogs ( southpaw, is that the expression?)
Click to expand...
It has been a long time since I worked on a 450. I looked in the two 450 manuals on BassCliff's site, but they cover the 250, 300, 400, 425 and 450. Both of the manuals had a picture with the spring on the right. One of them had a caption "Cam chain and tensioner - all models."

Then I looked at a parts fiche and saw the spring on the left.

The pictures of the tensioner in the Haynes and Clymer manuals are a bit dark, but I think I see three bolts holding the tensioner. That pretty much prevents turning it over. I did a bit more digging, found that the 400 and 425 have three-bolt tensioners with the spring on the right, but the 450 has a two-bolt tensioner with the spring on the left.

.
 
My rebuild tutorial:

https://www.bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

Yes, the tensioner in the pics is shaped a little different; yours works exactly the same, and the seal and o-rings are the same.

No, this procedure isn't in the manuals. No one knows why.

And yes, the seal and o-rings are missing from many specific model parts diagrams. Again, no one knows why...
 
Steve said:
I did a bit more digging, found that the 400 and 425 have three-bolt tensioners with the spring on the right, but the 450 has a two-bolt tensioner with the spring on the left..
Click to expand...

For what it's worth, my 1981 450e is two bolt and has the spring to the right. I suppose the previous owner could have installed it upside down at some point...
 
Brendan W said:
Must admit, that was my first reaction as well but I checked a parts fiche that seems to show that the 450s are citogs ( southpaw, is that the expression?)
Click to expand...

Having never seen one on the left, I doubt the factory installed them that way, parts fiche notwithstanding. I don't think it would function any better or worse mounted left or right. Rotating it every few years like a tire might equalize the gravitational effects on wear.

Or maybe the PO liked to twiddle the knob while riding for a flamenco cafe percussion effect.
 
John Park said:
Having never seen one on the left, I doubt the factory installed them that way, parts fiche notwithstanding. I don't think it would function any better or worse mounted left or right. Rotating it every few years like a tire might equalize the gravitational effects on wear.

Or maybe the PO liked to twiddle the knob while riding for a flamenco cafe percussion effect.
Click to expand...

Maybe the starter motor goes in and out easier with the spring on the left??
If I'm not mistaken the stroke on the 450 was shortened.
 
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