04 GSXR 600 Cam noise *and* valve noise?

[gluvnaa]

Im signed up for 2 trackdays next weekend and I came home from work today and started up my track bike to make sure all is good. Well, there seemed to be excessive noise coming from the right side of the bike and Im assuming its cam chain noise. At idle - it was pretty loud and during rev's the speed of the noise speeds up. I dont know how many miles are on the motor or if the chain or tensioner have ever been replaced or if the valves have ever been adjusted.

I was going to replace the tensioner but should I replace the chain also?

I was thinking about getting the APE manual tensioner – any thoughts on the valves?


http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w88/gluvnaa/boots/?action=view&current=MVI_0660.flv


thanks in advance,
Andrew

[Super Dave]

Hard to give you a perfect answer, but, yes, Suzuki's seem to have weak cam chain tensioners often.  Sometimes the 750 has a better quality tensioner, but, again, yeah, Suzuki has been consistent about having some week ones over at least 20+ years.

I have an APE one on my current GSXR.  I had to replace the one on my 2001 model.  My 1990 model was fine over two years.  And my 600 Katana got one the second year I raced it in 1989. 

I didn't replace the chain. 

Can't speak for what will necessarily make you comfortable or completely reliable.

[cardzilla]

Don't know about the gixxer, but hydraulic tensioners are just crap IMO.  I have always used the APE manual ones because it takes any guesswork out of the equation.  If one fails you usually hear the chain slapping or rattling more than anything else.  I'd say put one on and if the noise goes away you'll know... it would be a good time to check valve clearances too.