Seems I have another problem with my GS, the sump plug will not come out  :x
The damn thing is completely siezed in there unless I am missing something stupid like the thread is opposite to normal??
Any one have any suggestions to remove this?
Suppose I could always try drain as much oil out the filter hole as possible??  Those nuts came loose ok.

In reference to my last post, I have ridden the bike some since I put it back together - is much smoother and has more power    
The knocking noise is I am 90% sure now the cam chain, so I will check the tensioner this weekend - the chain itself looked fine.
I will also check to see if that shim has "sunk" as suggested by Srinath.

There are a few other things that need doing, like carb cleaning and the bearings all need cleaning and re-packing, brakes need an overhall.........
The joys of buying a cheap bike, but I think it will be worth it as I really like the way it rides.

Oh yeah, anyone know a good source for GS spares in the UK?

You wont be able to drain all the oil out via the oil filter housing, you only loose about 1/2 to 1qt of oil out that. Righty tighty, lefty loosey on drain plug, try using a breaker bar on it and be sure to use a 6pt not a 12pt socket so you wont have the chance of rounding it off!

Why dont you just drop the oil pan.. that big bolt doesnt hold onto anything. Then you can put the pan in a vise or just forget taking it out in the first place, since the pan is dropped..

QuoteWhy dont you just drop the oil pan.. that big bolt doesnt hold onto anything. Then you can put the pan in a vise or just forget taking it out in the first place, since the pan is dropped..

Think I may have to do that, the damn thing will not shift   :x

I'm going to have a look at the cam chain / tensioner tomorrow to find out what this damn knocking sound when warm & idling is, does anyone know what the maximum link length (that can be measured between cam sprockets) is for the cam chain??

When I looked at it before the chain seemed fine with no slack, but best measure to be sure it is in spec.
I tried turning the tensioner clockwise and there was definitely spring resistance there, perhaps when hot the ratchet mechanism could be giving up (please don't be a streched chain) ??

The noise is sort of clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk...............clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk.........
only happens between 1k - 2.5k RPM when engine is fully warmed.  The only thing in the engine that could produce that kind of regular noise at that timing interval is the cam chain (pulling the clutch in does not affect it), as far as I can tell anyway.

When was the last time you drained the oil, and did you hoss the bolt back on?

QuoteWhen was the last time you drained the oil, and did you hoss the bolt back on?

I just got the bike, can't speak for the previous owner but I'd say the drain bolt has been abused, never known one quite that tight before.

Knew the bike needed some work when I got it, but I just want to get it sorted and back on the road so I can have some fun now.

edit

Ooops, just found the cam chain info on the "how to" pages, guess I should read them first huh?  

uh oh...

If you are lucky, he just cranked on it too hard and it has heat welded. Might come loose with a breaker bar.

If you aren't, then he stripped the threads at one point and used JBWeld or something to "glue" the bolt in place...

ref your "other" question, sourcing parts in UK. have a look at www.motorcle.co.uk and check the link for "Parts-modern" lots of people doing new and S/Hand and breakers to be found there.

update

Ok, I just measured the cam chain and it is well within limits and evenly dimensioned around its full length.
The tensioner sprang out and looks absolutely fine, works ok too.  I'm going to put it in the oven for an hour to see if anything happens to it when it gets warm.
Only thing I could see was the bit on the end of the plunger was a little loose, but no way it could come off or cause the noise I've been experiencing.

BTW, there is no danger with leaving the cam chain untensioned for a while is there??
I will not turn the engine over until the tensioner is back in.