rattles

[wach7256]

hi, i've developed a rattle on my bike that started about a month ago...i need help! its coming from somewhere around the engine. a guy at work said its probably the cam chain tensioner needing replacing...does anyone know where i can get one?! i've been searching online for ages and cant seem to find one. you can get the actual chain no problem but the tensioner just doesnt seem to exist! if anyone can help a damsel in distress i'd be very grateful! thanks! rach x  x

[DoD#i]

Walk into any Suzuki dealer parts counter and ask for one - they'll probably have to order it.

BikeBandit has it ($63.03), but lots of folks dislike bikebandit, and it's often cheaper to buy from the local dealer and not pay shipping, unless the local dealer is one with absurd mark-up.

However, you might want to start with checking that that actually is your rattle. Lots of things can rattle.

[cboling]

Having worked on machinery with my job, one little trick I picked up for diagnosing squeaks and rattles was to place the tip of a LONG screw driver against the base of a part that you think is making noise and place your ear near the handle end of the screw driver to identify if the part you "think" is making the noise actually is. It's definitely much more difficult to do on an internal part but let's say for instance you believe the tensioner is ratlling, place the tip against the body of the tensioner (back side of the block just under the carbs) and listen against the handle of the screwdriver. If you do not hear the rattle loud and clear at that point, chances are, it isn't the tensioner. Next move the screwdriver up to touch the valve cover. If it is louder, you problem lies underneath that cover.

Either way, you will eventually have to take the parts off and inspect them. It is good to learn how they are supposed to work before you take it apart to know what you should look for. (That's sometimes the hardest part.)

[gsJack]

A camchain noise can be confusing to those not familiar with it and it could be something else.  Pull the valve cover and check camchain freeplay to see if tensioner is working properly before buying expensive tensioner.

[joker79507]

My bike was rattling one time and it turned out to be that the chain was to loose. and it did it again and it was the clutch wasnt fully engaging because someone (more than likely me) messed with the adjustment. Maybe check your chain and see if thats it first.  Its probably not the clutch but I thought I would add that in.

[dgyver]

Cam chain tensioners rarely ever go out on these bikes. Best to figure out what the problem is instead of taking advice from someone who has not heard the problem.
Cam shaft side play, valve adjustment, worn bearings, are just a few of the areas to check.

[5thAve]

+1 to GSJack and Dgyver.  Cam chain tension is very easy to check by just popping off the cam cover. Start there to rule out a bad tensioner (very rare failure, as Dgyver points out).

[wach7256]

ok, thanks for all your help, in gonna get my dad down this weekend n get seachin for the rattle! i'll let you know how it goes!