Timing Chain

[MCForever]

Hello. I purchased an '83 Kat 1100 with unknown mileage. Compression is good and the owner reported it ran well before being stored. I have the engine out of the frame for restoration. Do I need to inspect the timing chain tensioner or is there any reason to expect wear in this area? I really don't know where the weaknesses are on these engines. Thank you.

[Kreylyn]

Hello. I purchased an '83 Kat 1100 with unknown mileage. Compression is good and the owner reported it ran well before being stored. I have the engine out of the frame for restoration. Do I need to inspect the timing chain tensioner or is there any reason to expect wear in this area? I really don't know where the weaknesses are on these engines. Thank you.

Most manuals list a check for the spring to ensure it's still with then spec. If it's out, then the tensioner would be weak. That is definitely something to inspect.


Krey

[Mojoe]

agreed ^^^

[steves]

If it were me, I'd just either replace the spring or install a manual CCT if you are doing any kind of work to it. Cheap insurance now for an expensive repair later.

[tone]

Springs are usually good on these no matter what the milage i'd be more concerned with it having been badly ajusted (common) if it was mine i'd check the cam chain for the specific length between pins & inspect the chain runners, if not in spec replace

[steves]

Tone, I'll have to disagree. Every timing spring I've seen that was over like 5 years old was/is worn out.

[tone]

No worries steves, my opinion is based on working on this particular model from new & not yet finding a spring out of spec, but opinions differ & i may have been lucky

[steves]

http://katriders.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1155837&postcount=3

[tone]

http://katriders.com/vb/showpost.php...37&postcount=3

Refers to a completely different cam chain tensioner so not relevant here steves try this http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm & search 83 katana as i said the spring rarely if ever goes out of spec