Is there such thing as camchain freeplay?

[Joemi]

Iv recently been trying to set my manual cam chain tensioner on my drz 400 but seems to be struggling to do it by ear.

I'm planning to take the top cover off and just measuring the freeplay of the chain by eye with a ruler, is this possible?

Also if it is possible, how much play should a camchain have?

[Dirtsketcher]

No freeplay, if you are taking the cover off, then adjust the tensioner in until the chain has no freeplay at all, but NOT tight. Just enough to remove any "slack" on the chain on the rear of the motor, where the adjuster presses in on the guide. It would also be a good time to put the motor to TDC and check your cam timing, since you have loosened the adjuster with the engine on.

[Noble]

With the top cover off, turn the motor forward until the intake valves are just opening.  That will put all the slack in the rear chain run.  Take the slack out and you are done.

[Beta300REcat]

When I finished putting my cams in, I set the MCCT so I could barely move the chain between the cam sprockets with my thumbnail. Engine has never sounded so smooth and quiet.

[Joemi]

Alright thanks guys, so I'll just tighten the adjuster in with my fingers just until there no play on the rear of the chain, instead of between the cam sprockets?

Edited April 23, 2016 by Joemi

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

Do as the experts says , wait until the intake valves are just opening and remove the slack out of the chain .

When you are convinced the Mcct is set correctly , Mark the cam chain adjustment bolt , this will give you a reference point for the future .

[Dramabeats]

With the top cover off, turn the motor forward until the intake valves are just opening.  That will put all the slack in the rear chain run.  Take the slack out and you are done.

 

When you say turn the motor forward, would you be turning the wrench left?

[Noble]

Motor turns the same direction as the wheels going forward.  CCW facing the left side of the motor.  Yes, left.