Cam Chain and Tensioner

[MillaMeter]

Hi,

My bike has done 40200km now and I was told that the Cam Chain/Tensioner usally go about this time. How can I actually tell when they've gone? Also, if the Tensionaer has gone and I buy a new 1, how do I reset it? I would take it out to check it, but not knowing what will happen if I take it out wrong or put it in wrong, I'm gonna leave it. Problem is, I need to know how because I can't afford a garage to do it and lets face it, there isn't any decent garages in the Hertfordshire area anyway. (cowboys and over priced)

1 last thing, the engine seems to be gathering oil on top of the gearbox, is this the cylinder base gasket gone?

Regards

Rich

[RedexRobB]

Youll know if the tensioner has gone because it will start to sound like a machine gun! As for the cam chain i think you need to measure the 20link length to tell weather it needs replacing or not.

Could be the base gasket thats gone, if theres oil seeping from there then yes its more than likely. If its further up then it may be the head gasket.

[MillaMeter]

Cheers Rob,

Would the bike sound like a machine gun in any gear at any rpm or....?

Just gotta pin point that oil leak now

Regards

RIch

[RedexRobB]

If it sounds like it on tickover and goes away when you rev it then thats usually a good indication that the tensioner is shot. I think you can also check it by looking at where you set the tension on the cam chain, because it automatic once its been set, it'll reach as far as it will go once its worn, but someone else here will know better than me on that tho.

Oh, and for the gasket, clean where the oil is and check in a few days.