Cam Chain
General Discussion
Cam Chain
bassbum
07-22-2008, 7:52 PM
Is there any way to find out if my cam chain needs to be replace. I just seems to me that my engine is noisy and seems to be worse when it is up to full temperature. I am getting a little valve noise which I need to adjust and I just fixed the water pump seal. I understand that there are really only three main things that go wrong with this engine and that is the cam chain, W/P seal, and the stator. I have no problem doing the cam chain but I don't want to pull the engine to find out that is not my problem. And maybe I have nothng wrong. With nothing to compare it with, I have no way of knowing. Also would like to know if someone on this site with a good running GL is in my area so I could go and listen to. I am located in South Lyon, MI. My '82 GL500 has 15,000 miles on it.
1982 GL500 Interstate
Re: Cam Chain
Anonymous
07-22-2008, 8:01 PM
http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/47995/ShowPost.aspx
Re: Cam Chain
hakko808
07-24-2008, 4:48 PM
The items you listed are not the only thing that can go wrong with the motor, just the most common. Keep in mind despite how well it was originally made, it is still a piece of machinery that is 25+ years old. 15000 seems low for a cam chain, but age seems to be the enemy of the guides. If you plan on keeping the bike for awhile you may want to buy some spare parts while you stilll can since they are getting scarce. After cam chain adjustment overall slack can be gauged by peeking through the timing inspection hole with a flashlight and dental mirror. Search around here and at http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/ for lots of good information.
Re: Cam Chain
Ayal
07-24-2008, 5:35 PM
Which cam chain do you think you have? Do you have a covered hole over the adjustment view hole, or a screw head sticking out? Do you have the three dots punched in front of the VIN on the engine bottom-left? When my cam chain was loose, and it was, it sounded like SHSHSH when the chain was rubbing against the engine right exterior wall (from within) and indeed it was louder in higher revvs because the cetrifugal force makes it push against the engine. It sounded like a box with beads, almost. this noise comes from the bottom-right side as you ride. Under your right thigh.
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Re: Cam Chain
bassbum
07-24-2008, 8:20 PM
After listening to the clip of the bike with a bad cam chain, I don't think that is what I am hearing. Mine is lower pitched and seem to be coming more from the front of the engine. It sounds more like a rumble. It also tends to get louder as the engine warms up. I brought a mechanic's stethoscope home from work to get a better listen to it but I have not had a chance to try it yet. I have the manual adjusting chain and I think I tried to adjust it last year but I think I may have not done it correctly. I am going to adjust the valves and the cam chain this weekend. I am also going to check the timing inspection hole to get an idea of the conditon of the chain. Thanks for all the help.
1982 GL500 Interstate
Re: Cam Chain
jhovel
07-25-2008, 4:30 AM
Sadly, what you describe now is the sound of big-end bearings either worn out or rotated.... often a fatal condition, because of the lack of bearing shell replacements vailable. They are possible to find, but you need to be persistent...
Re: Cam Chain
Shep
07-25-2008, 4:31 AM
At idle on the stand does the sound change if you pull the clutch lever in?
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Re: Cam Chain
Ayal
07-25-2008, 7:30 AM
Is it possible that your cooling fan is causing the problem? Is it electrical on your bike? then you could disconnect it. If it's mechanical (On the engine itselt) then the frequency of whacks will increase with revvs but the rumble will still be low .
Strive to learn something new every day
Re: Cam Chain
bassbum
07-25-2008, 6:14 PM
I was wondering if it is the cooling fan. Mine is mechanical. How do I go about checking to see if it is the fan? Do I have to pull the radiator to check it?
1982 GL500 Interstate
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