It's alive !!

Hi again everyone, well just started up my new to me 2000 r1100rt I have installed a new clutch checked the ign pick up wireing and belt all ok new belt 3000 km ago,installed the new starter , adjusted the valves etc, changed oil and filter ,and after more than a few turns she fired right up , what I was expecting was the dreaded cam chain rattle but there was none! so I have taken her up the road a wee bit and all seems fine , have started her a few times allowing time for oil to drain even overnight but again no cam chain noise ,my question is should I still replace the cam tentioner , the top nut is 17 mm not the 15 of the modified type did the rattle only happen on some bikes ? once again thank you in advance ,Jimmy

Woo-Hoo!!! Congratulations!
Yes, I would do it. Cheap insurance against an actual failure, not "just" a noise-reducer.

The rattle is most evident on a hot startup.

The upgraded tensioner will protect the chain guide from breaking as mileage mounts.
It is a recommended mod.

rattle at start up

thanks again guys ,I thought it was cold start up, so will order parts and install over the winter, not putting her on the road until next year,along with s/s brake hoses, once again thank you for taking the time to assist on old airhead go boldly into the future!! ps does the upgraded tensioner not use a spring?

new tensioner

The upgraded tensioner in the photo has the spring inside. Just be careful to follow the procedure exactly so you don't drop the old spring and piston in the crankcase like I did. I put a dab of axle grease on the new piston so it stayed together when turned upside down. Yes, I got the old parts back out, but I had the whole front of the engine timing gear out of the way.

edheiser said:

so you don't drop the old spring and piston in the crankcase like I did.

Click to expand...

I did drop mine into the crankcase but pulled everything out with a magnet (not easily, though). I don't think there's any risk of it ending up any deeper than the adjuster shoe.

Chris Harris youtube walks you through the procedure, though you don't really need the "notched" wrench he uses.

Lucknow?

Dang, I grew up in Wingham - not a lot of BMW bikes in that area - I'm in London now but do get back there romantic time to time.
Rod

K7GLE said:

I did drop mine into the crankcase but pulled everything out with a magnet (not easily, though). I don't think there's any risk of it ending up any deeper than the adjuster shoe.

Chris Harris youtube walks you through the procedure, though you don't really need the "notched" wrench he uses.

Click to expand...

That's normally true, but if you're a complete novice like me, and you have no idea what you're doing,, the bolt that secures to top "shoe" can be removed first, along with the cam sprocket bolt, and the parts end up in the crankcase. It's not easy to screw it up that bad, but I did manage to.

cam chain adjuster

edheiser said:

The upgraded tensioner in the photo has the spring inside. Just be careful to follow the procedure exactly so you don't drop the old spring and piston in the crankcase like I did. I put a dab of axle grease on the new piston so it stayed together when turned upside down. Yes, I got the old parts back out, but I had the whole front of the engine timing gear out of the way.

Click to expand...

me again, just ordered the cam chain mod from Motobins uk, they have advised me the new cam chain adjuster does not use a spring but is hydraulic? is this correct ? Jimmy

jimwjarmour said:

me again, just ordered the cam chain mod from Motobins uk, they have advised me the new cam chain adjuster does not use a spring but is hydraulic? is this correct ? Jimmy

Click to expand...

It does have a captive spring with a hydraulic check valve. See Post #3 bottom image.