Checking the cam chain

[Hooli]

I know it's in the workshop manual somewhere, but I just can't find it. Anyone know the section for how to check the camchain for wear? I'm thinking mine is a bit worn as I can lift a single link about 1/2 way up a tooth on the cams, in the middle of the chain's run on the sprocket.

I suspect there is a measurement between a set number of links to check, but I just can't find it in the manual.

[mlivkovich]

I only found measurement between drive chain links but noting for cam chain

[gsxbarmy]

I can't find anything either @Hooli  but this article on camchain wear makes interesting reading - at your mileage it may be worth considering changing it as a matter of maintenance

https://www.diymotofix.com/blog/cam-chain-wear-and-replacement-tips1#

[Hooli]

Yeah that matches my thinking on it too.

I helped a mate do valve clearances on a 23k Kwak Z1000  today, all the exhausts had closed up under spec! I tried lifting a link off a sprocket and got a lot less movement than on my 14's chain.

There must be a link to link measurement for the chain, its finding out what it is that appears to be the difficulty.

[gsxbarmy]

Yeah that matches my thinking on it too.

I helped a mate do valve clearances on a 23k Kwak Z1000  today, all the exhausts had closed up under spec! I tried lifting a link off a sprocket and got a lot less movement than on my 14's chain.

There must be a link to link measurement for the chain, its finding out what it is that appears to be the difficulty.

I went right thru the workshop manual looking for that and nothing - only gives it for the final drive chain.

[T 24]

I have also tried to find that measurement, but with no result.
I'm interested in too, if somebody finds it.

[Hooli]

Thanks for looking chaps, proves I wasn't going mad at least.

[grog]

Hooli, i rem old post from Teufel. Can remove tensioner and push adjuster tighter with screwdriver. Just goes one or two clicks.

[Hooli]

Hooli, i rem old post from Teufel. Can remove tensioner and push adjuster tighter with screwdriver. Just goes one or two clicks.

Aye, I'm aware of that. But the adjuster only takes up the wear it doesn't fix it. The chain will still eventually wear to the point it fails which is what I don't want to happen.

I've been reading the manual again & it mentions changing the sprockets on the cams with the chain, but I don't think it mentioned the sprocket on the crank, if indeed that is a separate part.

[grog]

Would be big job to change bottom sprocket. Cam sprockets sounds good insurance. At your mileage, obviously concerns you,id be doing chain, sprockets n tensioner. Are there guides to replace also? Havent had a read on it in manual. From doing high k car chains, gears/sprockets look ok, chain and guides always rooted. Some motors, Ford mainly, the guides break, big prob. Ill have a read up on 14.

[Hooli]

Yes there are guides back & front as well.

I've been posting about it on the alt gathering FB page too. A comment on there reminded me of the obvious option - pop the cam chain tensioner out, if it's near the end of it's adjustment then the chain etc are worn enough to need replacing.

I wonder if these are interference engines or not? I rather suspect they are.

[Hooli]

I've emailed Suzuki customer service, I wonder if I'll get anything useful back?

[Hooli]

Suzuki's answer is 'ask your dealer', so no use at all really.

[gsxbarmy]

Suzuki's answer is 'ask your dealer', so no use at all really.

Well at least you got an answer Andy, even if it's about as much use as a chocolate teapot 

[Tally]

@Hooli , I spoke to my mate today who is a bike mechanic and has run his own business since I was a courier in the 90's said that if your cam chain tensioner is at full extension and you can still lift a link off the sprocket change it as soon as possible before it jumps off for you and causes all sorts of damage.