Camchain life?

[Magwych]

Does anyone know the expected life of the camchain and tensioners in the pre-DOHC engine?

I am approaching 60,000 miles and there has been a gradual increase in the amount of engine noise. It sounds like worn camchain/tensioners, but quietens pown when the clutch is pulled in, so not 100% certain they are the cause.

At what stage do BM2xU recommend chnaguing these components? I know the cause of the noise could be clutch, gearbox input shaft etc; so can we focus on the camshaft and tensioner question ...

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

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I am approaching 60,000 miles and there has been a gradual increase in the amount of engine noise. It sounds like worn camchain/tensioners, but quietens pown when the clutch is pulled in, so not 100% certain they are the cause.

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Sorry, I can't answer the question re chain life - would be interested to know myself............but...............pulling the clutch in loads the clutch thrust bearing and reduces the noise from that, it's the same on my Guzzi (also dry clutch). Pulling the clutch in won't quieten your cam chain.

Andres

 

[Magwych]

Thanks Andres,

I am guessing that the noise is related to clutch. Else I could have excessive end play on the crank ....


I would still like to know the design life of the camchain and tensioners, though ...

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

From my motor trade days camchains are something that just never seem to get changed ........... I'd be very surprised if BMW recommended replacing the chain/adjusters after a certain time/mileage like you do with cambelts

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

Probably isnt a service limit but unlike cars they definitely do need changed from time to time on motorbikes. About every 6000 miles if you have an old CB750 or 900 lol

 

[Rasher]

Probably isnt a service limit but unlike cars they definitely do need changed from time to time on motorbikes. About every 6000 miles if you have an old CB750 or 900 lol

Yeah but with them it was easy to tell when to change them as they just came out of the camchain tunnel and started waggling about in thin air.

 

[Blowzorn]

Cam Chain is not a replace part.
If it's getting noisier it's likely to be cam chain tensioner. Just had mine done at 100k.

 

[TeaPig]

There's no indication that the cam chains need replacing as a matter of course. I've done +100k on a GS without a problem. I understand your concern about an increase in noise, it does sound just like the tensioner isn't doing enough anymore, but check the rocker end float first and set it to the minimum (tight) end of the factory spec'. It can make a very significant to the noise levels and even the smoothness of the engine

 

[Greg Masters]

Else I could have excessive end play on the crank ....

Have you checked the end-float on the double overhead underhand reversing pinions? You can get a measure of this by connecting two oil-pressure gauges - one to the feed to each cylinder and measuring the differential. If it's out of tolerance, adjust the giggle pin. Doing this would up alter the bogle fork pressure and shoud quieten your noisy bike.

In the alternative, it could be worn case hardening of the clutch release bearing or perhaps a worn 1st, 2nd or 3rd motion shaft bearing. Drop the gearbox oil and see if any steel particles come out with the oil.

Finally, a cup of Ovaltine is said to promote a good night's sleep and will leave you refreshed for a great ride the following morning.



Greg

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Finally, a cup of Ovaltine is said to promote a good night's sleep and will leave you refreshed for a great ride the following morning.

Greg

That's what I said to the wife but she still wouldn't let me

 

[Magwych]

Have you checked the end-float on the double overhead underhand reversing pinions? You can get a measure of this by connecting two oil-pressure gauges - one to the feed to each cylinder and measuring the differential. If it's out of tolerance, adjust the giggle pin. Doing this would up alter the bogle fork pressure and shoud quieten your noisy bike.

In the alternative, it could be worn case hardening of the clutch release bearing or perhaps a worn 1st, 2nd or 3rd motion shaft bearing. Drop the gearbox oil and see if any steel particles come out with the oil.

Finally, a cup of Ovaltine is said to promote a good night's sleep and will leave you refreshed for a great ride the following morning.



Greg

Why are we ignoring the reverse-thrust flange pins, and the reciprocating micro divots? Come to that, perhaps it could be the transfer drive cross-hatching?

Think I'll go for the ovaltine option, then get some ear-plugs...

 

[Marco13]

Hi Magwych,

I was reading many post talking of clutch problems hoping to find any information on the problem I am facing and that seems to be the same as yours.
Actually I noticed the same as you did and noise reduces when the clutch lever is pulled. I am searching what could be the problem? Did you find any information?
I forgot to mention that my R1200GS is a 2005 model with 78000 km.

Marco

 

[TeaPig]

Is is not just backlash in the transmission? I'm assuming you're doing this in neutral with engine at tickover? If you pull the clutch in the gearbox shafts stop rotating.