timing chain wear?

[mavis cruet]

ive taken the timing cover off my 93 100gs and im looking at the timing chain etc. its been making a noise from down there so i suspect the chains worn. how do i tell by looking? (or prodding). is it advised to replace chain and sprockets together? also is there a way to look at the camshaft lobes without removing the camshaft? ta as always. karl.

 

[Steptoe]

Timing chain wear is usually a load rattle from the front case when the bike is idling.

The timing chain set up on an airhead is crap. The tensioner doesn't tension in the middle run of the chain. So you can't tell just by looking at the chain in place.

As an example, if you place a worn out chain full length alongside a new chain you'll find about 1/4 of an inch of stretch between the two

No need to change the sprockets. And unless you have the special tool you'll have hours of fun trying to pull off the crank sprocket.

Just renew the chain and tensioners.

 

[mavis cruet]

cheers, wil order the bits tomorrow.....