What happens when cam chain extenders are not enough?

[dsrtrat]

I know the nomads are solid bike for 100 thousands of miles, but what happens when cam chain extenders hit their limit? Pull motor and put new chains or do they eventually hit a no more stretch point?

[DragonLady58]

Yes, usually. Usually the extenders will allow your engine to get to 150,000 with no problem, sometimes there are complications, a weak spring, something breaks somewhere. The timing chain problems are far and few between....
When I do a engine overhaul, I go with new chains. When they stretch out back out, pop the extenders back in when the chain starts rattling some, or what I do is look at the plunger....
Since its like a new engine after rebuild, your ready for another 150,000 miles.
If you have loose chains, while the extenders are still in, with travel all the way out, chain replacement is necessary.
Mick and others have threaded the new timing chains thru by dropping the engine down, off to the side, just enough to get access to the top covers, pop her open and replace the chains.
99% of the time, they last long enough to hit the 150,000 mark for the rebuild. Its a once-in-a-bluemoon thing when it screws up before then....

[Jared]

The chains only stretch so much. I have never heard of someone needing anything beyond the extenders.

[mick56]

You have now Jared.. If the tensioners are at their limit with extenders on,it's time for new chains.The amount of miles you get out of them depends on how you ride.In England we have small winding roads,so there is a lot more gear changing and accelerating,that will wear them quicker than just sitting at a constant speed all day.Mine were totally worn out at about 68000m.When i looked at them they had a couple of semi rigid sections,which could have caused a total failure at any time.I would recommend replacing them as soon as you are aware that the tensioners are fully extended.I went with soft link chains,rather than stripping the engine right down to fit the endless type.

[degreaser]

new chains and yes you can do it, all you need is the tools , the desire to learn and a whole lot of forum and youtube info.

[degreaser]

oh and i forgot to mention, don't use a Clymers Manual , get a Kawasaki service manual

[mick56]

I found the fear of making a bollocks of it, was far worse than actually doing the job.Having said that.I managed to make the said bollocks of it,3 times.But i am a bit smarter now than i used to was. Manuals are not much help to me at all.They are either inaccurate,or dont explain things as i would expect.If you still have any faith in my ability, regards this subject,message me mate.If you dont,good luck to you.

[MAS Tequila]

You haven't told us how it's running now.

[mick56]

Originally Posted by MAS Tequila

You haven't told us how it's running now.

It's running great,apart from both rocker covers are leaking oil.

[MAS Tequila]

Originally Posted by mick56

It's running great,apart from both rocker covers are leaking oil.

That is great news, except for the leaks.

[mick56]

Originally Posted by MAS Tequila

That is great news, except for the leaks.

It's a pain in the arse mate,but i will live with it for the minute.It's my own fault for using the gaskets twice.3 times,i had the thing apart,and got pissed off with waiting for new ones to arrive.Lesson leaned i guess.Thanks for you're help when i needed it though mate.