Rattly camchain?

[52blackshadow]

Hi All,
my 2004 1200GS has just under 75k miles on the clock, and recently there has been a noise from the engine on the overrun which sounds like a rattly camchain.

1. How long would you expect a camchain to last in the 1200 engine?

2. Were there any issues with the tensioners on this engine?

3. Is it a big job to replace the camchains on a 1200GS?

Thanks in advance for any advice or help.

Regards,
Keith.

 

[TeaPig]

1. forever, well over 100k miles
2. no design faults, but can't rule out random problems.
3. I would think it's an engine strip unless the chain can be split

the tensioners are hydraulic, there's a possibility one may stick. is it worse when hot?

excessive end float on the rockers can cause a tappety rattly noise, may be worth checking that out as a possibility too

 

[52blackshadow]

Thanks.....................

Thanks Tea Pig, the noise seems to come and go, which might point to a sticking tensioner. It is certainly more likely to happen when the engine is hot (oil thinner so not activating the tensioners as well as colder oil?).

I don't have time for a full engine strip at the moment so worth having a look at the tensioners and perhaps an oil flush and fresh oil.

Ride safe,
Keith.

 

[TeaPig]

Do checkout those rocker endfloat clearances first, set them to the low end of the spec'. There's a how-to posted on here somewhere.

 

[Jonnie Boy]

Mine used to sound a bit rattly on occasion, mainly on the righthand side ever since I first got it (16k) never really bad, but noticable. Used to worry about it a bit but it had 73k on it when I traded it in last Oct. No worries.

Not really helpful I know.... how long have you had the bike?
Is the rattle a recent thing?

Wondered on the longevity of the cam chains/tensioners myself. However have never seen on this forum or others any threads relating to specific probs with cam chain/tensioners so figured they're generally quite robust.

 

[52blackshadow]

Finally.................

Finally got round to adjusting the end float at the weekend. Made the world of difference!

Thanks for the advice, no longer worrying about the cam chain every ride.

Shad.