timing chain tensioner

[Skidmarx]

just a quick queery, as i was rounding up a zx14r i started to notice what sounds like a timing chain rattle, bike has just clocked over 22'000k's and was serviced 4000k's ago, but after reading around on the net most cct problems happen when bike is cold, mine is more noticeable while hot, and starts to rattle around 3500rpm, i do ride it hard, and it does see rev limiter on the odd occasion most trips, im investigating acquiring a manual tensioner as we speak and will be doing another oil change before the next ride, just starting to get a bit scared lol

any help greatly appreciated :) ash

[Madmax]

Hi ASh, the only problem I found with a manual Ape cam chain tensioner I had on my '96 GSXR11 was knowing the correct tension to put on the chain. Too much and you'll damage the bearings, too little and your rattle will be right back.


Max

[Maj]

Yep i agree Max, the std tensioner is a good thing once you get beyond the first couple of recalls in the 99-00 models , and at 22k i would be surprised if there were troubles
But the rattle at 3500 is a good indicator, my 750 had a tensioner going out and it sounded like a diesel at 3500

[Skidmarx]

im a big fan of hydraulics, for ease of use and lack of maintenance, but as im passing 11'000rpm in 3rd and i hear a noise like that start, i just about filled my pants, i did think about ordering a new genuine one, but i do have plans to modify the engine anyway, in which case the manual tensioner is probly the better bet anyway

[Maj]

I have manual tensioners on my 750s as there is no other option but only use the hydraulic on the busa , seen the manual cause more probs with incorrect adjustment than the hyd ever gives

[Skidmarx]

well i got the brocks manual tensioner, and this is were it gets interesting, would a slack timing chain have caused any power loss? after instslling the new tensioner, the bike is going a heap better, even other riders commented yesterday on how hard it was pulling and even sounded more crisp, night and day difference, whats your thoughts on this?

[pete]

well i got the brocks manual tensioner, and this is were it gets interesting, would a slack timing chain have caused any power loss? after instslling the new tensioner, the bike is going a heap better, even other riders commented yesterday on how hard it was pulling and even sounded more crisp, night and day difference, whats your thoughts on this?

yep, its possible, a slack chain can alter valve timing,
did u remove the valve cover and check the chains tension,
so u dont have it to tight?

[Skidmarx]

no i didnt, im an automotive mechanic and have alot to do with car timing chains and belts, i done it up to roughly were the factory tensioner was, started the bike and it was still noisy, pretty much wound it in till the slap stopped, have a funny feeling the top end will be coming off shortly anyway for a heavy duty chain, new guides, 13:1 comp pistons and a pair of cams and gears, as much as its going a shiteload better now, i still need more :P

[Maj]

A good guide to tension is doing it up with your fingers while turning the motor over in its usuall direction , impossible to over tension this way and does take up all the slack in the chain.

[Axe]

Mite be a good idea to check the timing chain guids are still intact...
22,000 I would expect the tensioner to be fine still, but if the chain guid has broken, then the tensioner cant put the right pressure on the chain.


-check guides, tensioner

[RaZ]

As you did, I was going to say rip out that junk auto adjuster and put a manual one in there, and if you ride your own like I ever did mine then maybe time to shim the valves as well :-)

And yes, getting that can chain right along with shimming and she will have more power :-). well I found that on my Gen 1 anyway.

Well back to stock power anyway lol

Also I just read you saying you see the rev limiter a bit, if you get a dyno TUNE you will see power start to drop off from about 9,600rpm.... there is no need to get to the limiter and you will go faster shifting at about 9,500 then taking it to the limiter!