Tapping noise in lower part of engine when under load

[steve porter]

I`d be looking at the cam chain tensioner

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Gearbox to me then. 2nd gear sprocket can have issues.
Worn shift forks
Gear damage (missing tooth?)

[KiwiCol]

Head scratcher alright. might be head off time n have a look.

[2wheeler]

Did another screw driver test today.
I've honed in at the cam chain tensioner being the culprit.
It's got a real noticable tap tap tap.
Is this a thing that has happened to anyone else's bike?
Can it be replaced without removing the head etc?
I did read a thread where someone just unbolted it and carefully replaced it.

[steve porter]

Did another screw driver test today.
I've honed in at the cam chain tensioner being the culprit.
It's got a real noticable tap tap tap.
Is this a thing that has happened to anyone else's bike?
Can it be replaced without removing the head etc?
I did read a thread where someone just unbolted it and carefully replaced it.

Don't risk starting it anymore, if it is, it could jump a tooth and get messy

[Hooli]

Did another screw driver test today.
I've honed in at the cam chain tensioner being the culprit.
It's got a real noticable tap tap tap.
Is this a thing that has happened to anyone else's bike?
Can it be replaced without removing the head etc?
I did read a thread where someone just unbolted it and carefully replaced it.

I'm sure it can just be replaced. I think I've seen threads where you can take it out 'reset' it & put it back to sort it as sometimes the auto adjust gets stuck.

It'll be in the workshop manual somewhere.

[mlivkovich]

I removed chain tensioner and put it back this winter after valve clearance check with no problems. But did it while cam and ignition covers were off just to be sure that markings are ok.

[grog]

2 wheeler, just google gsx1400 cam chain tensioner. A few articles on 14/bandit tensioners getting stuck, tapping noise. Seems you can just take it out, free it up or replace. $60 Aust for a newie. Very simple item so pull it apart and check it out. Maybe spring displaced or oil feed has crap in it. Used to happen a bit on old jap motors, xs650 etc. oil wasnt as good then, theyd gum up. Clean up, refit, all good. Worth a try IMO. 😎

[Andre]

The cam chain tensioner can be taken out and put in without undoing anything else. However, even if you get the audible ratcheting sound indicating that the tensioner works, it may not have worked (ratchet) all the way to give you the needed chain tightness.

Only way to be sure is to take the cylinder head covering off which allows you visual and tactile confirmation that the chain is tight. This still does not allow you to test the chain for wear. For that you have to take out one (at least) of the cam shafts and test for play in the chain length - there shouldn't be any.

How far you go with this is up to you. I highly recommend you replace the tensioner's gasket and copper thingy. And don't loose that ball inside the tensioner

[Hooli]

If you try to lift the cam chain off the cam sprockets in the middle of the chain run on them you can also feel wear. A worn chain will lift a link slightly due to play in the links. This also works on drive chains at the back of the rear sprocket etc.