Often asked: What Is A Cam Chain On A Motorcycle?

How do I know if my cam chain is worn?

Worn Timing Chain Symptoms

1. Rough Idle. When a timing chain is worn, it develops slack and becomes loose.
2. No Ignition. If a worn timing chain becomes so loose that it no longer sits correctly on the gears and doesn’t turn properly when the crankshaft is engaged, the engine will not turn on.
3. Poor Function.
4. Noise.

When should a motorcycle timing chain be replaced?

The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.

Is a cam chain better than a Cambelt?

Timing belts are also less complicated ( chains require an oil bath). Chains are generally stronger, so vehicles with timing chains often drive more than just the cam with the timing chain. The amount of damage caused by a belt breaking vs a chain breaking entirely depends on the type of engine.

How long does a motorcycle cam chain last?

Cam chains stretch. After 49 years you’re gonna need a new one. An abused poorly maintained motor will need one sooner than something that has proper regular maintenance done. Your 82 Suzuki will probably need a cam chain in another 15 years as well.

Can a timing chain be tightened?

Can You Tighten A Timing Chain? Timing chains can be adjusted to either loosen or tighten the timing chain so that it runs smoothly along with the timing chain tensioner.

What happens if timing chain is off by one tooth?

Usually, off by one tooth is not all that critical, and you should not bend valves. You may have a bit more low rpm or a bit more high rpm responsiveness, depending on whether it’s advanced one tooth or retarded one tooth.

What are the signs of a timing chain going bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Chain

• Engine misfires or runs poorly.
• Metal shavings found in the oil.
• Engine won’t start or fails.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Engine rattles while idling.

What a bad timing chain sounds like?

Listen for a metallic sound that resembles a rattling or scrapping noise. Such a noise will reveal a loose timing chain hitting the inside of the timing chain cover every time it rotates. You might also hear a metallic slapping noise.

Are timing chains lifetime?

Normally the timing chain will be designed to last a car’s lifetime, and will not need to be replaced at a recommended service interval. In some cases, despite not needing regular maintenance, a timing chain can wear to the point that it has to be replaced.

Why do they use timing belts instead of chains?

Auto manufacturers started using timing belts because they are much less expensive to manufacture and they run more quietly. Timing belts usually have rubber “teeth”: Most normal car users (not hotrod racers or performance car people) tend to prefer quieter cars. Timing belts run much more smoothly than a timing chain.

What’s better a timing chain or belt?

Most automakers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. Timing chains are heavier and more complex than timing belts, but they also last much longer. Like timing chains, timing gears are strong, accurate and last a long time.

How does a motorcycle cam chain tensioner work?

The plunger itself has an internal screw gear cut into it, and is keyed to the housing so that it cannot rotate along its length. A torsion coil spring is anchored to the housing and drives a shaft cut with a worm gear the threads into the plunger. This is the part that you turn to release tension when servicing.

How much does it cost to replace a cam chain tensioner?

The average cost for timing chain tensioner replacement is between $906 and $1,108. Labor costs are estimated between $764 and $964 while parts are priced between $141 and $144.

What is the average cost to replace a timing chain?

Replacing the timing chain is a complicated job, and the labor costs can be quite high. For most cars, a timing chain replacement costs between $413 and $1040, or you can order the parts themselves for $88 and $245.