Timing chain tensioner replacement?

[MattW]

I've started to notice a bit of chain slap noise from the main timing chain (the one behind the front engine cover) on my 1100, so I'm going to have a look at replacing the tensioner (the cam chains are fine and I have the updated left hand tensioner fitted).

If anyone has done this and has any pointers, advice would be much appreciated!

Cheers
Matt

 

[jaak]

Just finished the same job last month and hopefully will get rid of the same rattling noise.
You might want to renew the tensioner spring and the chain while your at it.

 

[Tsiklonaut]

Are you guys sure it's the timing chain?

It can be a "tired" plastic camchain guide even if you've replaced the tensioner (I'd assume the new design fancy "hydraulic" tensioner NOT the old spring design?) - the whole angine casing acts like an acoustic guitar so it's hard to locate the sound unless you use a doctor's stethoscope or something

Also worn TB butterfly shafts make annoying rattle, but those are usually distinguishable by putting your finger on the roller - then the sound stops. I had to replace mine since they made very annoying rattle, especially when cold.

I'd imagine a tired timing chain rattle would have to come straight from the engine.

Anyways I'm eager to hear if replacing the whole timing chain or just a tensioner made any difference and how much this bloody thing costs brand new?

 

[MattW]

I'm pretty sure that it's the main timing chain - the noise is a kind of slap which happens just off tickover and it's definitely from the front of the engine. It's not a constant rattle - just an occasional 'slap' as the throttle is blipped (almost like a loud squeak). Only happens when the engine is cold and the tickover is slightly lumpy.

Definitely not the throttle bodies (I had them rebushed last year - nice and quiet) or the camchains (updated left hand tensioner fitted).

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Smug]

Have a listen with a long screwdriver held against where you think the noise comes from on engine and your ear on the handle end. Acts like a stephescope.

 

[MattW]

Have a listen with a long screwdriver held against where you think the noise comes from on engine and your ear on the handle end. Acts like a stephescope.

Done that

 

[Vern]

Get better ear plugs.Mine perfect you know

 

[Trullion]

Just a thought, but are you sure it's not the alternator belt? I only ask because I've had a bit of trouble lately with mine. It only happens from cold and makes a kind of clattery noise as well as a squeal if the engine is revved from cold. It only does it when the weather is very cold, on the first start. I wouldn't have thought that the main timing chain would need attention until a high mileage has been covered, then again, what do I know?

 

[MattW]

Good point re the alternator belt (and the earplugs Vern ) - I'll check it

 

[street_moto]

From your description of the sound and conditions it happens under I'd agree with alternator belt also.