chain tensioner?

[Allen Poole <allen@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 5, 2007, at 10:04 PM, Andren Appelquest wrote:

> The chain tensioning components of the oil pressure chain  
> tensioning (2002 R1150RT) system are getting louder. It's not just  
> at startup but lasts the entire ride (50-600 mi) and changes volume  
> as a function of no correlatible variable that I can see.

I always assumed that a noise coming from my '94 R1100 engine was a  
rod bearing starting to go.
It's a deep clunk sound, in synch with engine rpm, loudest at startup  
(for a few revs before the oil pump makes pressure) and when oil is  
thin (hot days, older oil)...  almost imperceptable when the engine  
is under load with cold/new oil. Sounds a lot like the rod bearing  
that failed on my 1976 90S, except that it's barely gotten any worse  
in the 20,000 miles I've ridden this bike. The owner before me lugged  
the engine, so I guessed rod bearing long ago and just started  
monitoring the sound. I'm surprised at how little it's changed over  
the miles.

Reading Andren's question, now, I wonder if my clunking could be a  
"normal" sound from a chain tensioning mechanism. I guess it sounds  
_a little_ like some noisy chains I've known over the years (Honda  
small 4s, 16v Saab)

Can anyone with more oilhead experience help me know how to discern  
the cause of my clunk?

Thanks,
Allen


____________________________
L. Allen Poole
R100GS (sport tractor)
R1100RS (transport appliance deluxe)