Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner

[Hucubama]

Hey!

I would like to ask, how can I tell if my automatic cam chain tensioner works? So i f I remove it, how can I tell if it still tensions my chain?

Thanks! 🙏
Kevin,

[Bluesmudge]

If you take the valve cover off, the cam chain will be tight. Like, not quite fiddle string tight but pretty close. It shouldn't lift off the cam sprockets.

It has a screw to wind it up for removal. If you wind it up and then release the winding screw, you should hear it snap back into place. As far as I know there is no test to make sure it has the "correct" tension. If you are really paranoid, you could switch to a manual cam chain tensioner. One for a 1st gen hayabusa fits the GS500. But then you have to worry about setting the correct tension yourself.

[Hucubama]

So basically I have narrowed it down quite a bit.

The sound is a ticking noise coming from the top of the engine, under the tank directly.

It sounds like a constant ticking sound, but only pulling the throttle. And it is hearable on all speeds / RPM. Also it's really loud when I get about 100/110kmph. It's just the same ticking sound.

When I let go of the throttle and use engine braking the sound disappeares completely, when I pull the throttle again it appears.

Also it doesn't happen when the bike is in neutral and for instance I'm waiting at a red light.

Sometimes it audible in neutral when reving to 4-5-6k rpm, but very very faint and super quiet and it also doesn't happen every time only like 1/100 red lights it's hearable in neutral.


Thanks
Kevin,

[Bluesmudge]

Does the ticking speed change in relation to engine speed or road speed? Or is it always the same "clicks per minute." Everything I can think of that moves on the bike changes speed either with how fast you are going or how fast the engine is revving. It's weird if the ticking is always the same no matter your speed or revs.

[Hucubama]

Same speed ticking. No matter the revs / speed. Always the same, it's not too fast but not to slow.

If you open a online metronom, it's like 200bpm the speed of the ticks.