Need to replace Cam Chain and Tensioner

[Deserteagle]

I said how can one 'noob' check.. not a pro

I don't want to take it to a mechanic and they tell me I have to have it changed when I don't have to.

[Dmeanr]

before i found out that i had to replace them was that, you start to hear a constant tapping noise apart the one that the engine makes and it getting louder and louder as it wears out. Within a week mine sounded like a jack hammer even with me standing inside the house and the bike across the road.

[krusty]

I said how can one 'noob' check.. not a pro

I don't want to take it to a mechanic and they tell me I have to have it changed when I don't have to.

inspecting how far the piston on the tensioner can go in would be a bit of an indication otherwise there isn't really any other way without pulling the head cover and cams out.

[AJ]

I had my cam chain tensioner replaced by RB racing at taren point, cant remember the cost, was about 6months ago. They did a great job.

[Bandit Crow]

I've been meaning to replace my cam chain also, it looks like it's going to be an interesting job as the chain has no master link in it. Oh well. Having said that though, are you sure the tensioner was also gone? The chain might have been streched. Also, I've noticed that some Kawasaki chain tensionsers don't do the best of jobs (Ie an 86 GTR 1000, a 94 GTR 1000, a 90 ZZR 250 and a 96 ZZR 250) I found adding a basket to the tensioner to push it forward, or using a screwdrivier to push it to the next notch would eliminate the noise for a while.

Having said that, I don't recomend doing that, it just got me out of a fix. I take no responsibility if it fubars your bike.

If you can get the bike on a trailer, I recomend taking the bike apart as much as possible and have a chain and master link ready when you go to the mechinc, so they have as little as possible to do. (to keep labour cost down.)

If possible learn how to do your own services (I know this is easier said than done, I was lucky having someone to teach me, not everyone has this option.) It will save you money in the long run and provide you with more faith in your bike, as you have done the work yourself so you know it's done right.