85 250sx tapping noise

[tri again]

Not sure if I believe the sales pitch because the sx and es tensioners 'step' out and will only go back in if you twist the hidden screw with a driver.
At least this thing will be listed in a chain topic thread.

http://www.yanashiki.com/product_p/crut900.htm

Keywords would be : manual adjustable cam chain tensioner

I MIGHT trust it for diagnostic purposes if the chain is real stretched.
Sounds like we've determined that if the tensioner is all the way out and does not need to be 'rescrewed' and reset to get it back in flush with the case, it's at the limit anyway.

Too bad the manual doesn't mention any of this

[rooster67]

Thanks for all the info guys!

OK so have the gasket set, chain, and chain guides ordered. Ebay rocks. On another note, I was just curious since ill have the side case off and both manual clutch and cent. clutch pulled off, if I should replace/rebuild either one off them? Since i've had the bike I havent really noticed any slippage (at least not enough to concern me) but my main question is this...If you WERE to replace the clutch/discs due to slippage which of the two clutches would be the culprate? I am just not sure between the two and I would love to gain some knowledge on them. By the way, Yes I have played with the clutch adjustment beside the oil filter and that made a world of difference, I am just wondering as far as a pro-active approach if I should address either or both of the clutches once they are out. As always ANY and all information and very much appreciated!

Thanks,
Garrett

[dougspcs]

The general rule of the two clutches is: a worn primary will cause slippage from standing stop, a worn secondary will cause slippage under load in higher gears..

But if they aren't giving you grief I'd leave them alone..depending on the rider and proper maintenance, oil bathed clutches should last the life of the engine.

[rooster67]

OK guys so I have an update on this. Had a buddy of mine at a shop go ahead and replace the cam chain. Let me clarify with anyone who is curious as to the involvement of this task. In order to replace the cam chain the had cap has to come off, but the head itself can remain. By doing it this way you have access to the right-hand chain guide (the one that the tensioner pushes on) but in order to change the left-hand guide the head would have to be removed. He told me that the existing guides did not look bad, so since I had already purchased the guides anyway I had him go ahead and replace the right-hand guide and leave the old left-hand guide untouched. The machine DEFINITELY has improved and it is evident that the old chain was the culprit and stretched out. NO more clacking at all. I am going to pop the valve covers tonight adn tweak them a tad (they are a tiny bit chattery since the chain replacement and i'm...well....just anal about this damn bike for some reason. Doug, He looked through the clutches and said they both looked good so that makes me feel good about the previous use of the bike. Thanks for all the input fellas.

[tri again]

Thanks roost.
Great info to have..
I might be next.

[Larry T Moore]

I just did the same thing...replaced the chain....I replaced the right tensioner but not the left...also put in a new oil filter....I reused the copper washers and they work fine...but as I found out on my engine and looking at my parts one....that timing chain noise is where the chain is smacking off the inside of the head..thats why its coming and going with revs...pushing the tensioner farther in no longer helps...its not a hard process to do..took me a few hours..inspected the clutches and had to replace my neutral and reverse wiring...and I dont have access to air tool so I made a clutch holder out of a cooking pot...I remover 3/4's of the outer bowl..cut a hole in the middle for the socket and drilled 4 holes for the clutch basket...WORKED LIKE A CHARM!..adjusted the valves and its good to go..so pretty much if that chains rattling...change the dern thing..its gonna leave you stranded or do some damage...good luck on your bike!!