I've had my 89 GS500e since 1995 and had to replace the cam chain tensioner once - I recently started getting the same sounds, so I replaced it again, but still get some timing chain "slap".

Does anyone know the average life of the timing chain on these bikes?

I would think if my timing chain were stretched that badly the valve timing would be so affected that I'd notice a performace reduction - this bike still pulls just like it did 8 years ago though...

Quote from: squoibymoxDoes anyone know the average life of the timing chain on these bikes?

No, but I doubt your new chain is worn out.  The noise you're hearing is probably one of the following:

1) Your camchain tensioner may no longer be exerting enough pressure on the chain.  Some have been able to wind the spring in the tensioner a little tighter and reinstall.  I haven't done it yet myself, so I couldn't give you definitive steps.  Is there appreciable slack in the segment of cam chain between the two sprockets under your valve cover?

2) One (or both) of your cams could shifting back and forth slightly.  The last time I had my valve cover off I tried pushing each cam horizontally and sure enough - one of them shifted a little.  gsJack assures us that a little play here is common and harmless.

the way to test is to take the vavle cover off  with the tensioner left in and at the tension you last ran it at. Check and see if the chain has any play between the cams and between the intake cam and the tensioner shaft.  Then pop the rubber cap off the tensioner and try to tighten it up by hand. If the chain was loose you can get it to tighten alot then that tensioner may be bad. If the tensioner looks all the way out and you cant turn it any more, then yeah your chain may be stretched out of tolerance.

I take it that is 33,000 miles, not km? It is possible the chain is worn out. There is a spec in the Suzuki manual to measure the distance between a certain number of pins - I don't have the manual at work.

Side to side play in cam shaft is sorta required. Of course too much is bad. Dont ask why its needed.
Cool.
Srinath.