Is the cam chain tensioner on a Suzuki GS?

Is the cam chain tensioner on a Suzuki GS?

Several years ago, someone on the GSR forum finally solved the mystery of the cam chain tensioner seals and found the correct Suzuki part numbers on some dusty, forgotten fiche for another model. Soon after that, brave GSR forum members discovered that the same seal and o-rings were used in every GS model.

Where is the locknut on a Suzuki GS?

The locknut normally holds the setscrew about 1/4 to 1/2 turn away from the pushrod, which allows it to move enough to maintain tension on the cam chain, which is the whole point of having a spring loaded cam chain tensioner in the first place. Notice grungy oil and grotty red sealer. Bleagh. Remove the tensioner mounting bolts.

Where is the gasket on a Suzuki gs850?

Gasket between tensioner and block. For a GS850, this is Suzuki Part No. 12837-45000-H17. Your part number may be different — PLEASE look it up if you’re working on a different model! I replaced the tensioner pushrod spring just because it was there. It turned out the old one was still fine, but it was less than $2.

Do you need gorilla torque on Suzuki GS?

Just sorta tight is fine — no need for gorilla torque. The locknut normally holds the setscrew about 1/4 to 1/2 turn away from the pushrod, which allows it to move enough to maintain tension on the cam chain, which is the whole point of having a spring loaded cam chain tensioner in the first place. Notice grungy oil and grotty red sealer. Bleagh.

Several years ago, someone on the GSR forum finally solved the mystery of the cam chain tensioner seals and found the correct Suzuki part numbers on some dusty, forgotten fiche for another model. Soon after that, brave GSR forum members discovered that the same seal and o-rings were used in every GS model.

How do you tighten a cam chain adjuster?

You usually have to set the engine to some kind of mark on the flywheel. This moves all the Cam Chain slack to where the adjuster is. Then loosen the pinch bolt on the adjuster. If it’s well worn you will hear a muffled bang or pop as the adjuster takes up the slack in the Cam Chain. Tighten the pinch bolt and all is well.

What should I do if I can’t replace my cam chain?

If you can’t replace the Cam Chain, you can try to add a little more tension to the Cam Cahin adjuster by installing a stronger tensioner spring or by pushing on the tensioner rod and locking it in position with the tensioner rod lock bolt and nut. Try to put just enough pressure to stop the noise.

Can a worn cam chain cause an oil leak?

If you don’t deal with the worn Cam Chain it can rattle around in there and do nasty stuff. It can jump a tooth, throwing the valves out of time, allowing them to hit the piston or it can saw it’s way through the side of the engine and start an oil leak, not to mention putting all kinds of metal filings into your engine oil.

Why is my cam chain tensioner running loose?

You guys realizes that if you set the tensioner by the ‘rattle method’ then the cam chain may be running looser than desirable. A factory mechanical automatic tensioner is generally designed to remove all slack from the chain.

If you can’t replace the Cam Chain, you can try to add a little more tension to the Cam Cahin adjuster by installing a stronger tensioner spring or by pushing on the tensioner rod and locking it in position with the tensioner rod lock bolt and nut. Try to put just enough pressure to stop the noise.

If you don’t deal with the worn Cam Chain it can rattle around in there and do nasty stuff. It can jump a tooth, throwing the valves out of time, allowing them to hit the piston or it can saw it’s way through the side of the engine and start an oil leak, not to mention putting all kinds of metal filings into your engine oil.

You usually have to set the engine to some kind of mark on the flywheel. This moves all the Cam Chain slack to where the adjuster is. Then loosen the pinch bolt on the adjuster. If it’s well worn you will hear a muffled bang or pop as the adjuster takes up the slack in the Cam Chain. Tighten the pinch bolt and all is well.