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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Bluesmudge on June 25, 2021, 04:07:28 PM

Title: How tight is the cam chain when using the OEM cam chain tensioner?
Post by: Bluesmudge on June 25, 2021, 04:07:28 PM
Hey all,
Has anyone had their valve cover off recently and can give a general sense of how tight the cam chain is when using the OEM cam chain tensioner?
I have a manual CCT and recently snugged it up a little tighter because I was getting more valve train noise than I was used to. My last few rides have returned lower than average MPG and after reading some threads online I'm wondering if I over-tightened it.
I adjusted the chain until it was tight but not fiddle string tight. Similar or slightly tighter than the freeplay seen in this video:

https://vimeo.com/87472258 (https://vimeo.com/87472258)

I could still easily turn the engine over by hand by spinning the back wheel in 6th gear. Did I go too tight? Am I damaging anything?
Title: Re: How tight is the cam chain when using the OEM cam chain tensioner?
Post by: Joolstacho on June 25, 2021, 05:42:18 PM
Personally I would delete the manual tensioner, and fit a new standard Suzuki one.
The standard tensioner has worked perfectly for many many years, why imagine you can 'out-think' the Suzuki engineers.
I've seen the mess a loose camchain can make to the inside of the engine... bent valves, damaged pistons etc. Don't risk it!
Title: Re: How tight is the cam chain when using the OEM cam chain tensioner?
Post by: The Buddha on June 27, 2021, 09:20:46 AM
When you hand crank the motor there should be no point in the cycle when the chain sags between the 2 sprockets.
Cool.
Buddha.