Top End Rattle 88`Tenere
 

Can anybody offer some advice on the following problem: I,m currently traveling in Northern Chile on my 88`Tenere. The bike was completely rebuilt before I started the trip 10,000 KM ago. When idling at tickover it has a loud rattle (coming from the top end?) but as the revs are increased to 2500 it goes. It sometimes makes the same rattle if running at low revs but as soon as the throttle is cracked open or shut off it goes. It is a very mechanical noise and therefore can`t see it being linked to the carburators!. I`d appreciate any advice.

I would say it is the timing chain; spanner is not able any more to take up the slack.
Check: loosen spring on timing chain spanner (big nut on spanner). Remove the two allen bolts holding the spanner to the cilinder. Take off spanner. Count number of notches that the spanner rod has extended. Count total number of notches on the rod (the rod can be extracted easily by holding back the retainer). If the first number of notches is, let's say, 80% of the total number, the time chain is due for replacement.
Replacement is easy, rebuilding the engine after the timing chain has broken is not.

Good luck!
Auke

Generally speaking how long do timing chains last??

Thanx

about 60000 kms.
regards
klaus

hi,

I am in the same area on a 1987 1VJ Tenere at the moment in La Paz Bolivia. Yes as you discribed the noise, it is the timing chain.

OK, in Iquique you will find in the free zone a Yamaha importer. He can order the chain for you from Santiago.

Here in La Paz is a Yamaha Importer as well, as the police has XT600E Model 2000 and I am sure he can get you a chain from Japan.

Last option, I carry a used (3000km) timing chain - and of course would be happy to give it to you if yours is really bad.

Klaus, yes my timing chain has now 60.000kms it is not too bad yet - maybe another 20.000kms. Because the first one was good for 100.000km and didn´t make any troube. But you are right after 60.000kms it should be replaced. Thanks again for the hub - I have got now four bearings in to make it stronger and hopefully last for the rest of my trip.

Mika Kuhn from La Paz Bolivia



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