2002 Fazer FZS 1000 cam chain rattle?

FirebladeRuss · Spanner Monkey Joined: 27 Apr 2011 Karma :

I think my cam chain is a bit noisy (18k miles), as it seems to occassionally rattle slightly when decelerating through 3500-2000 rpm, but I can't decide if (a) they're all like that Sir! (b) it's because the bike's just had a fresh oil change (c) the cam chain adjuster is stuck (d) chain is stretched - not sure how likely that is given the mileage?

The thing is, i don't recall hearing it before I changed the oil - and spent the weekend frigging about with the EXUP valve - so maybe it's always been like it and I'm just being paranoid. I've tried the thrashing the arse off it trick too, made no difference.

It's not major rattles all the time, nor is it especially loud - no issues with the bikes performance either.

I'm just a bit confused, as everything i've read suggests the cam chains rattle when the bike's cold. Whereas mine seems to rattle only when it's been ridden for 30 mins or so and is nice and hot.

I am thinking of popping the adjsut out and checking it over. Do they have a gasket, as I didn't need a gasket when I took the one out on my bandit and put it back in again?

I must admit, the price of new adjusters is ridiculous. I swear new bits for my Bandit never used to be as stupidly priced.....

Any thoughts appreciated.
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andym · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Nov 2010 Karma :

From personal experience (although not saying this is the case with your bike), but the Cam Chain will rattle no matter what speed the engine is running at rather than a particular rev range (again I could be wrong, but that's how it worked with me).

If you have an automatic adjuster then you could try taking the end cap off, remove the spring then put it back in again... this readjusts the tension if it has stuck or something (so I was told a while back)

Ja7 · Crazy Courier Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Karma :

Mine used to make a horrid noise like it was slipping gears, not all the time, I changed it before it completely failed, it went at 20 thou miles, although it was a differnt bike.
You could take it out and see if you can depress it in your hands, only two bolts, then find a way of winding it up before you replace, small flat heat screwdriver will do it.
And they do have a gasket