Timing chain replacement-help needed

[Bob_Roller]

If you are not familiar with airhead bikes, they make some odd noises, if you're  coming off of Asian bikes .

Have you used a mechanics stethoscope and try to narrow down the area of the noise .

Honestly, until you get to the 80,000 plus miles, there usually aren't many issues with the timing chain .

[mrclubike]

Mine makes The same sound you are describing and goes away above 1000rpm
I just assumed that is why it is recommended to keep the idle above 900 rpm  
Honestly I am not worried about it
I have 53000 miles showing on the Odometer.
I get no metal on the filter when I change it every 5000 miles
I use 20W 50 Mobile One
Their is a reason they call them tractors
They are damn Tough and really aren't very refined.  
A lot like an old  Land Rover  
I thought their was something wrong with my transmission  and clutch until I took it apart and realized that is just the way they are and had to learn how to shift it.

[motoleo]

If you are not familiar with airhead bikes, they make some odd noises, if you're  coming off of Asian bikes .

Have you used a mechanics stethoscope and try to narrow down the area of the noise .

Honestly, until you get to the 80,000 plus miles, there usually aren't many issues with the timing chain .

We used a long screw driver to try and narrow down the area of the noise but it was still not conclusive enough for our ears.

I have a 74 R75/6 and my mechanic friend has 3 airheads, one he has owned since the late 70's, and neither one of us has ever heard this metallic noise.

[motoleo]

Mine makes The same sound you are describing and goes away above 1000rpm
I just assumed that is why it is recommended to keep the idle above 900 rpm  

I'll check the idle again but today it was colder out and the idle seemed to be higher than when I first got the bike. Originally the idle was around 900, today I'm thinking more like 1200 rpm and the noise was still there after the bike got fully warmed up. I'll have to note at what rpm it goes away.

[mrclubike]

If you are not familiar with airhead bikes, they make some odd noises, if you're  coming off of Asian bikes .

Have you used a mechanics stethoscope and try to narrow down the area of the noise .

Honestly, until you get to the 80,000 plus miles, there usually aren't many issues with the timing chain .

We used a long screw driver to try and narrow down the area of the noise but it was still not conclusive enough for our ears.

I have a 74 R75/6 and my mechanic friend has 3 airheads, one he has owned since the late 70's, and neither one of us has ever heard this metallic noise.

You got me a little worried now
Compared to a automobile it is pretty easy to take  the front off to check the timing chain.
I will probably do that before we go to the MOA rally in July

[montmil]

Regarding the timing chain replacement on my 1981 R65, The timing case noise was quite evident on  acceleration but diminished with throttle off and decelerating. After opening up the timing chest, the reason was quite obvious...

The nylon tensioner shoe had been worn down to the point that the chain was grinding on the base metal of the shoe's pivot arm. Everything else was pretty much copasetic. But since I was already in there...

If memory serves, the latest tensioner is fabricated as a complete nylon/plastic part.

[Bob_Roller]

With a bike of unknown mileage and an unusual sound to a rider accustomed to  airhead bikes, probably would be a good idea, just for peace of mind .

[mrclubike]

Pulled my timing cover off
Found that the chain has already been replaced but I think the gears are original and the tensioner  is  worn
I will get my parts tomorrow from MOTO Bins and should have it back together before Saturday
Will see if the slow Idle rattle is gone
I suspect my noise is the rocker arms rattling  between the stanchions
Hardest part so far has been getting the crank sprocket off

[Kookaburra]

 Having recently replaced the timing chain (at 110,000 km) I agree with Montmil assessment that this is a 3 spanner level of difficulty and I strongly commend to you his excellent photo series to guide you through it.

My humble assessment is that in the scheme of things another 5-600 miles on the timing chain and sprockets will make only a marginal difference to the wear and will not cause other damage issues to the bike.

[motoleo]

Thanks for your reply!

[motoleo]

I'm trying to get into the photo gallery but it will not allow me and says my emil is not valid?

How can I access? Would like to see the photo essay on the timing chain replacement.

[motoleo]

I'm trying to get into the photo gallery but it will not allow me and says my emil is not valid?

How can I access? Would like to see the photo essay on the timing chain replacement.

Just found the notice that I need to be set-up by Justin. sent him notification.

[montmil]

I'm trying to get into the photo gallery but it will not allow me and says my emil is not valid?

How can I access? Would like to see the photo essay on the timing chain replacement.

Just found the notice that I need to be set-up by Justin. sent him notification.

Try: User Name = motoleo

[mrclubike]

Pulled my timing cover off
Found that the chain has already been replaced but I think the gears are original and the tensioner  is  worn
I will get my parts tomorrow from MOTO Bins and should have it back together before Saturday
Will see if the slow Idle rattle is gone
I suspect my noise is the rocker arms rattling  between the stanchions
Hardest part so far has been getting the crank sprocket off

I had difficulty in  getting the crank sprocket to go all the way on.(with it heated up)
After 4 attempts I had to polish up the bore of the new sprocket
It must of had some burs on the edges  
 

[mrclubike]

All back together timed and running
Best $150 I have spent on it so far
Pulls better and the dead feeling  when cold at full throttle @ 4000rpm is much less .
The rattle at below normal  idle  (1000rpm) is gone.
It is to bad that the PO didn't replace the tensioner  and crank sprocket when they did the chain.
They also did not put the gasket spacer around the top 2 cover bolts either