Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Stuck in Addis, need help - broken timing chain adjuster? Stuck in Addis, need help - broken timing chain adjuster?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Brad-Houghton, of Parque Nacional Eduardo Avaroa, Bolivia

Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!


Photo by Brad-Houghton,
The Stone Tree,
Reserva Nacional de
Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa
(Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna
National Reserve)
Bolivia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 26
Stuck in Addis, need help - broken timing chain adjuster?
Hi,

Just got stuck in Addis since there is a rattling sound coming from the engine. A (kind of) mechanic took a look/hear and thought it might be the tension chain or adjuster.

Anyone who can help me think of options? I'm nog a mechanic and there is no BMW expertise here. Do I just drive to Nairobi with it since there is Chris in Jungle Junction?

The sound is rattling when ideling. It goes away a bit when at 3000rpm.

Anyone got a clue what to do?

Cheers and thanks


Niek
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Bedfordshire UK
Posts: 54
I've just posted a link to your thread on the F650 forum and the UKGSers forum..............hopefully someone there will be able to offer some advice.
__________________
Kev
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Bedfordshire UK
Posts: 54
Someone has got back on the f650 forum (thanks Komatias) sounds like your mechanic guy was right .....
"its nothing major, only the cam chain tensioner. easy to replace but will cause alot of aluminium swarf if left untreated".

I'm waiting to hear back whether he thinks it will get from Addis to Nairobi
__________________
Kev
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: North Wales
Posts: 3
If I remember correctly the old type cam chain tensioner only relies on oil pressure.

It's an easy fix to remove and polish the piston.
Then find a small spring which fits inside the piston and cut it to around the right length. This will sort it.
Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Dec 2010
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,358
You don't say what model of BMW you're on. If it's an old airhead, there's nothing to worry about. Get a new cam chain tensioner (possibly a new chain too) sent to Nairobbery where a proficient mechanic can sort it easily.

On the airheads the chain is so short that it shouldn't come off the sprockets. It will rattle like hell, but there's more chance of being heard by the locals.

Here's mine mid-chain-change in Chile in 2001:




Also, just remembered, you'll need a special tool to get the alternator rotor off.

Good luck,
Chris
__________________

TBS.com
Last edited by chris; 29 Dec 2010 at 18:54. Reason: More stuff added
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stockholm - Sweden
Posts: 317
Quote:
Originally Posted by waztafel View Post
Hi,
Just got stuck in Addis since there is a rattling sound coming from the engine. A (kind of) mechanic took a look/hear and thought it might be the tension chain or adjuster.
Anyone who can help me think of options? I'm nog a mechanic and there is no BMW expertise here. Do I just drive to Nairobi with it since there is Chris in Jungle Junction?
The sound is rattling when ideling. It goes away a bit when at 3000rpm.
Anyone got a clue what to do?
Cheers and thanks
Niek
Checked your personal file and found this statement/info:
Bike Model:BMW F650 GS Dakar

Is that the bike that is causing you the worry ?

Drive Safely,
Albert
__________________
Drive Safely,
Albert
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 26
Quote:
Originally Posted by dc lindberg View Post
Checked your personal file and found this statement/info:
Bike Model:BMW F650 GS Dakar

Is that the bike that is causing you the worry ?

Drive Safely,
Albert

Yes it is. But we found it. It indeed was the cam shaft chain tensioner. I orderded the part from Holland and I guess it will be here in a day or 5.

Thanks all for your time and advice!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stockholm - Sweden
Posts: 317
Good to hear that the problem with your engine is about to be solved

Funny though... same problem with a BMW engine as was the cases with the Japanese bikes in the 70:ties and 80:ties (even newer?)... (cam-chain-rattling)

The cause for a rattling/slapping cam-chain on the Japanese bikes where two folds according to my mechanics:
- lengthening of the cam-chain
- wearing of the tensioner
Usually one needed to change the cam-chain when the tensioner could no longer stretch/tension the cam-chain...

If the F650 is anything like to older Japanese engines, like Yamaha XT-600, TT-600, Honda CB750, Kawasaki Z400-1100, Suzuki GS500-1100 etc checking the cam-chain for wear might be a very good idea.
__________________
Drive Safely,
Albert
Last edited by dc lindberg; 31 Dec 2010 at 16:32.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
I browsed over this thread completely. Should have mentioned the model in the heading. What year is it?
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cam timing chain adjustment... Bowfin Yamaha Tech 1 13 Apr 2009 23:13
Broken Timing chain? AlexD Yamaha Tech 2 16 Jul 2008 18:00
Chain adjuster Boxer Yamaha Tech 6 27 Sep 2006 01:31
timing chain gwel Yamaha Tech 3 28 Sep 2005 03:53
Timing chain replacement through top end chris Aus Yamaha Tech 7 2 Sep 2005 05:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:31.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top