Cam chain Slap - FSE 400

[lukemillar]

I have just bought a 2003 400FSE and the rattle/slap from the cam chain is nuts! I took the tensioner off last week, reset it and reinstalled it but it is just as bad as it was.

The engine has done approx. 300 enduro hours - Is it common/normal for these engines to have this or is this pointing to an overly stretched cam chain? I have nothing to benchmark it against.

Thanks
Luke

 

[cal_tony]

You could take the head cover off and physically check how tight the chain is. A worn chain or faulty ACCT may be the problem. You could also install a MCCT (manual cam chain tensioner). I used a DRZ one from ThumperTalk. If it's slapping as much as you say, it could slip a cog and cause you some real problems.

Tony

 

[lukemillar]

Does anyone know the service limit for stretch like other bikes? max. distance between X number of links?

I took the cover off when I removed the tensioner to ensure that when I removed it , it didn't slip. It seemed tight enough but without something to measure that's pretty subjective! It's just seems noisy when I'm on the bike. I bought an APE MCCT from a user on here but it doesn't fit.

Could you point me to a link for the one off Thumpertalk?

Thanks
Luke

 

[cal_tony]

http://shop.thumpertalk.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ENG_TT_MCCT1
Hope this helps. It's a nice product and they pay the freight on it.

Also, there is much info(posts) on the MCCT on the site(DRZ forum), I would advise reading some of it as well.

Tony

 

[lukemillar]

Thanks Tony

I will check out some threads. I already have a mcct setup on my 675, so know the process.

Just to confirm - The DRZ tensioner a straight fit? I'm in New Zealand you see, so ordering wrong parts is a bit of a hassle as I have already found out!

 

[GavGav]

I am going to ask a silly one... but thought I should...

You sure it is the cam chain and not just the drive chain?

Mine gets noisy when loose...

I even have it a little tight just to stop the noise.

 

[iancp5]

I even have it a little tight just to stop the noise.

Not sure that's a good idea. You'll be putting stress on the final drive shaft and bearings. I always find the recommended settings too tight already especially when wet.

 

[lukemillar]

I am going to ask a silly one... but thought I should...

You sure it is the cam chain and not just the drive chain?

Mine gets noisy when loose...

I even have it a little tight just to stop the noise.

Nope! It's definitely the cam chain as the noise is coming from the cam chain! Large screwdriver behind the ear and the end on the block is a good enough makeshift stethoscope! I have had bikes with rattley cam chains before. I'd expect a bit of noise, but this seemed excessive.

It has actually got better since I reset the tensioner, but I'm keeping an eye on it and will probably swap it out for a manual one when I get hold of one.

 

[nitroman]

I replaced the cam chain on my fse 400. They are prone to wear and aren't too impossible to change if you are mechanically minded. It would also be a good time to adjust your valve clearances while you have it apart.

 

[mike989]

[QUOTE=cal_tony;31611 You could also install a MCCT (manual cam chain tensioner). I used a DRZ one from ThumperTalk.

Tony,
You used a DRZ, TT MCCT on a GasGas 450? I'd like to try one on my 450 Quad.
Mike.

 

[cal_tony]

For those that asked, yes the DRZ Manual Cam chain tensioner from the ThumperTalk site store is a direct fit.

Something I have not done however is to install any of the other DRZ head parts that I also think will fit the GG 4 stroke. These would include the 400 piston, valves, cam chain,cams,guides,springs, head cover and gasakets. The next time I take the head off my DRZ I will check to see if it also will fit the GG 450. Some of the external holes are different (oil pressure hole and water intake hole) but it seems that all the internals are identical. When I looked at the Head drawings from the GG manual and the DRZ manual, it looked like GG just copied the pictures from the DRZ manual.

Tony

 

[lukemillar]

For those that asked, yes the DRZ Manual Cam chain tensioner from the ThumperTalk site store is a direct fit.

Something I have not done however is to install any of the other DRZ head parts that I also think will fit the GG 4 stroke. These would include the 400 piston, valves, cam chain,cams,guides,springs, head cover and gasakets. The next time I take the head off my DRZ I will check to see if it also will fit the GG 450. Some of the external holes are different (oil pressure hole and water intake hole) but it seems that all the internals are identical. When I looked at the Head drawings from the GG manual and the DRZ manual, it looked like GG just copied the pictures from the DRZ manual.

Tony

Hey Tony,

I followed the link but I have a couple of questions. I bought an APE tensioner off a forum member here that 'would' with a 400. However, when I took the old tensioner off, the barrel that fits into the head was way narrower on the APE tensioner than the stock one and the 2 holes for the bolts were also too close together by about 4mm. I emailed him about it and he said someone sold him it saying it was a direct fit - Same as a Hayabusa.

I'd buy one tomorrow if it fits, but the link on thumper talk shows a tensioner with a similar sized barrel to the APE one I already have and also says it fits a Hayabusa! So, I'm wondering if the one I already have is the same fit as the one on thumper talk or whether that picture isn't representative of the actual tensioner for sale?

Thanks
Luke