Hi folks,
I keep thinking my camchain seems a bit noisy, but looking in the Haynes manual, I can't see how to adjust the chain tension.

Is the chain tensioner self-adjusting, and if so, how effective is it? could it be seized? Or is it just that my chain is due for replacement? Is it a big job to replace the chain?

Should I even be worried....Is a bit of chain rattle normal/acceptable?

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Cheers,
Steve

It is self-adjusting by spring tension. It cannot be adjusted, per se. Some chain rattle is normal as it is a simple single row, not a hi-vo chain, and the thin, plastic guides do wear along with the chain allowing it to slop about just a bit. But they have been known to go for many miles/kilometres without needing replacement. Is it a big job? There are some who cannot change their oil so it would be for them. there is heaps of information out there (and in here) about doing the job. I would say it's a coupla decent coldies of an afternoon in your own shed, or coupla hundred pounds at your local BMW workshop.

Thanks TWB, after a bit more Googling, it seems like the chain rarely gives any trouble, so I think I'll leave well alone for now.

Steve.

126,000 mi on my 85 K100RS and it had noisy camchain, esp in first 5 minutes and under 3000 RPM. Did many things then measured and found that 7 of 8 valves were tight, exhausts were .003 to .007 " when spec is .010 to .012". Yes, I'm not proud of this but getting them adjusted has made a huge improvement in many areas, a big one is that bad engine sounds in first 5 minutes of ride, below 3000 RPM are gone.