QuestionI was just given this bike and was told it needed a chain tensioner. When I first tried to start it, the starter just spun the chain to the alternator and didn't turn the motor. Then a horrible clink clank clank with a rattle could be heard when I hit the start button again. The bike backfired a few times and failed to start. Did I jump a few teeth on my cam chain and throw off the timing? Is there anything I should do/look for before splitting this case and rebuilding? This is my first bike but I know cars and have rebuilt several, even a boat. Please help, thanks.
AnswerCarlo,
-it sounds like the starter drive is broken or
worn. It has little rollers and springs,
they grab one way and slip the other.
It is on the end of the starter chain by
the alternator. That is the reason it
didn't turn the motor when you first tried.
-If the engine is turning okay,
it should be startable, depends on how bad
the chain tensioner is. They don't usually
jump teeth. Try a compression check, it should
have around 150 psi or more.
-Bikes are a little different
than cars because the transmission is part
of the engine unit as well. It is good
to have a repair manual handy.
