Replacing the Cam Chain on the Suzuki Savage

[@michaelelse9328]

Hello my friend! I celebrate this video so much, have watched it several times & always discover something new...🤩 I think this is the best video on KZbin right now about this weak spot on this bike! And before you know it, over 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ "crazies" want to see more of this little 💥 S 💨 A 💨 V 💨 A 💨 G 💨 E 💥 Congratulations!🤘🏻🎸🍻

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you so much my friend! ✌ I really felt there wasn't enough information about this around here and I really hope this will help someone in the future. And thank you for sticking around for the whole journey. Your support means a lot! 🤘 Take care! 🍻

[@silkytreat]

Thx so much for your help and answers I will let you know when I can start it again

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

You're welcome! Yes, please keep me posted. Would be interesting to know what's wrong with it! Good luck!

[@matthewnipper3986]

Hey man I just found this Chanel, I love your work effort man, keep it up

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Hey! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@lasseiversen5230]

To find TDC, remember that the original manual was INCORRECT with the rotation. It should be counterclockwise.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

You are right! Good reminder!

[@oamotinado]

Mine makes noises too. We've already disassembled it twice, adjusted it, but I believe these are characteristics of this bike.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Yeah, I think so too. Everyone says these engines are noisy, but if you have nothing to compare to it's hard to know how noisy it should be.

[@polaco650cc3]

I have the same Savage 650 1998 since 2002... 185 thousand kilometers through Brazil and the south of South America...

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

That's actually really amazing! Really show that they can run for a really long time as long as you look after them. Enjoy the ride! ✌️

[@joshuajuarez3471]

How did you get fuel. My bike can only go like 100 miles per tank.

[@polaco650cc3]

@@joshuajuarez3471 Your name is Joshua too? I am Paulo Josué. Traveling alone with a reserve of 15 liters of gasoline and planning the route

[@joshuajuarez3471]

@@polaco650cc3 nice! I had a reserve plastic container strapped up. But oils started to come out tail pipe. Now I’m trying to fix it. Dang!

[@ericgillies3390]

Second day with my 650 savage the engine seized as I was slowing down for a traffic light. Long push home. Previous owner mentioned that he had looked at the chain tensioner and thought the modification had been done. I will be opening the sude up to see if the tenshioner is off causing the seized engine. I will check the sprocket as well. What other things should I check to determine the extent of the damage. Your videos are great. I just finished all that you made involving the Savage.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Shit, it actually seized on you? Have you checked the Savage forum? Should be some threads on there regarding what to check. I guess there's quite a few pieces that can get damaged. Thanks for watching the videos! And keep me posted about your bike, would be interesting to see what you find inside that cover and what actually caused the seizing. Good luck!

[@lmesau5358]

hey i was wondering how bad I messed up by removing the bolt at 4:02 .... asking for a friend ofc .-.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Hi, that's actually a great question and it forced me to do a bit of research. That bolt is for the exhaust rocker arm shaft. It's ok to remove, but you're only supposed to do it if you want to disassemble the cylinder head. I think you, I mean your friend, should be fine. But when you put it back, make sure that you have all the washers and nuts in place, so that they don't end up down in your cylinder. The Clymer manual actually shows you what parts goes where. This is the best answer I'm able to give you right now, maybe someone else comes around with more knowledge? I hope you and your friend gets this sorted. Let me know how it goes! ✌

[@chrisstokley7687]

Luv the savage too! Need see video on how u got pots set up?

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thanks! Not sure what you are referring to as pots?

[@MotoWrenchers]

Awesome video and great visuals. I like how you always create a little story around these projects while keeping it short and precise. Was it your first time opening up an engine? I might have to do the same on my KTM...the sound is kinda familiar to me 🤔

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you very much! 🙏 Not my first time in an engine, but first time in this one. So the initial fear of "oh shit I will ruin everything" wasn't there. But it kind of came creeping back since all the work with getting everything in TDC and stuff. Yeah, now I feel like opening up all my bikes just to make sure everything is ok in there. 😅

[@peterpiekarski4910]

Very nice video! I would recommend rerouting you breather filter, if you mount it above the cylinder it will never get oil in it

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you very much! I never thought of that, that's a great idea! Will see if I can find another location for it, I would like it to be a bit more hidden as well.

[@matthewdeltoro1021]

if you do this when you pull the clutch, be careful not to lose the little dowel that connect the clutchbasket to the oil pump gear or else your oil pump will not turn when reassembled

[@matthewdeltoro1021]

at 3:50 in the video you can see the spot where the dowel goes on the oil pump gear right between the 6 and 7 o clock position its real small and will fall out if the bearing it sits between and the gear is removed

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

@@matthewdeltoro1021 That is a great comment and something I totally missed to cover in the video. I find it hard finding any recent information on this, most images on the forums have been deleted due to age, and the manuals just mentions it briefly. Do you have any more info about it? I might actually have to get back in there, mostly to ensure I still got the pin but maybe also to do a video about it, just to make sure the info is easily reachable for people.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

For anyone reading this, I actually made a video about this little dowel. You can check it out here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIO8iYWHirVspsk

[@mikethompson7875]

Thank you for this. I will face this task on my s40 in the not distant future.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

No worries! I hope you found the video helpful and good luck! Let me know how it goes!

[@ЯрославАнемпадистов-ц6ж]

Hi! At what mileage did the chain stretch before the tensioner modification and how long did the mileage last before the replacement?

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Hi! It's the previous owner who did the tensioner mod, so I don't know when it was done or what the state of the chain was by then. My bike was almost at 50 000 km when I did the chain change. But then again, I have no service history of this bike. It might be able to last longer with proper service.

[@ChrisLefebre]

Hey at 6:27 in the video do you remember what size socket you were using it’s the only tool I’m missing at the moment

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I'm not sure, but if I'm rotating using the generator rotor, it's a 36 mm. The other nut that goes outside of that I'm pretty sure is 17 mm. I hope I understod your question correctly and that the answer helped!

[@dawsonturner4867]

Is there anyway you could make a vid on how to remove the engine from frame

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I might do that in the future. Until then, I think the service manual does a pretty good job at explaining what needs to be done prior to taking it out. Then it's just a matter of lifting and yanking to get it out. Might be good to have a friend help you as well, as it can be kind of heavy and also hard to grip since there's only one cylinder. If you want to take it out to do this job, there are people that say they are able to get this done without removing the engine, so you might want to look into that.

[@ЯрославАнемпадистов-ц6ж]

According to reviews in your country , apart from a weak chain , are there any other problems with this motorcycle model ?

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I wouldn't actually say that the cam chain is weak. The cam chain adjuster has what you might call a strange design, but it's an easy fix. Other than that I haven't actually heard anything else being a widespread issue.

[@ЯрославАнемпадистов-ц6ж]

@@HeavyMetalParkingSpot Thanks a lot

[@ЯрославАнемпадистов-ц6ж]

Only the chain without gears changed?

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Yes, no gears changed.

[@silkytreat]

All of your videos are great Could you help with: how to replace the oil plug level wire coming out of the oil pan on a Suzuki savage 650

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you very much! As far as I know there are no Savages with an oil level wire, but I might be wrong. If you are thinking about the wire coming out of the oil pan that is the neutral switch.

[@silkytreat]

I thank you very much for your fast answer You must be right for the neutral position light, this wire is damaged just outside the pan, I will try to weld it without open opening the engine first. Right now I have troubles starting the engine and awaiting a new starting motor relay, all was fine until some electric parts failed? Thx again for your knowledge I think my 650 is from 1987/1989 not sure even with the chassis number I also have a youtube channel, if you are interested in flying airplanes and other contents www.youtube.com/@silkytreat

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

@@silkytreat All that wire is doing is turning on the neutral light on the dash. Even though that is a nice feature for the rider, it's not crucial for the bike to run. You should be fine fixing the cable without opening the engine, if the neutral light is working it works. 🙂 I hope you get your bike up and running again! I prefer vehicles that stays on the ground, but I will check out your channel! ✌

[@joshuajuarez3471]

Good video. But I’m looking for one that shows how to do piston rings on same s40/savage

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thanks! I'm not planing on doing piston rings anytime soon, hopefully someone else will!

[@GenerationAI2024]

i have just done the same🤣🤣😂 thanks you rock🤘🤘

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Awesome! Thank you very much! ✌️🤘

[@joshuajuarez3471]

I’m with you. They are loud. Hard to hear the difference. I couldn’t on mine. But I got it. It had 100 mi on it sat for a decade. I got it running then oil stared to come out of tailpipe. That when I said damn it can only be the rings. Idk.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I agree with you! That's too bad! I'm no expert, but rings sounds plausible.

[@bradanderson1024]

Nice video !

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@yasushiwada1130]

Great!! Thanks

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful!

[@tonystone3397]

Nice one thanks for sharing

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thanks for watching! ✌️

[@memphisskipper9277]

Hey man how tight do the clutch basket Springs need to be

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Hey! They call for a torque of only 11-13 Nm, so not much!

[@memphisskipper9277]

@HeavyMetalParkingSpot are you able to simplify for a noob also I tighten my one all the way up and I heard a bit of a crack?

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

@@memphisskipper9277 The only way to be really sure you don't over tighten bolts is getting a torque wrench. But do a bit of research on what 11 Nm should feel like, that might help. Did you tighten only one until you heard a crack? You are supposed to tighten those spring bolts in a star pattern. I think you should take the clutch basket apart again and make sure that crack didn't actually ruin anything.

[@JoseOlmos-dg4kn]

Good job!

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you very much!

[@bjornmeier385]

So awesome to see this !!!! However its a bit weird with the new chain and the extended tensioner that you have such a small gap between the "chain" ... I have seen a few with original tensioner with a lot more space between the two sides of the chain - Did you change the chain guide ?? Because I have seen several posts abot it is going out of shape (loosing its curve ) meaning there chain will (seem(act longer) if this makes sense : -D

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I've never one of these bikes in a "normal" condition, but you might be right. I didn't change the chain guide and looking back I kind of regret that. I should have done that while I was in there, but I just didn't know about it. Thanks for pointing that out to anyone reading this that are about to do this job!

[@gilbertos1966]

Sou um inscrito no seu canal, gosto muito dos seus vídeos 👏 como eu consigo um manual igual a este? Aqui no Brasil não estou conseguindo. Um forte abraço 🤝🙌🙏

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you so much! 🙏 You will be able to find the service manual online. I can't link it, but search for "suzuki ls650 service manual" or something along those lines and you will find it for download. I hope you find it! Have a great day! ✌️

[@mattjacomos2795]

how many KM on the bike? I have the XF650 with about 80,00km and it's a bit noisy, I replaced the tensioner and it reduced the noise, but I am thinking it needs a chain. This is the only cam chain replacement video for this family of engines I could find.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

It had almost 50 000 km when I changed the chain. It it isn't the chain it might be the valves. I also had a hard time finding any videos when I was about to do this.

[@mattjacomos2795]

@@HeavyMetalParkingSpot thanks for the reply, it seems the cam chain isn't a wearing item, as the DR forums haven't replaced one. The only time I've seen one have a problem and be replaced was at 180,000km on an XF 650. But tensioner is different on the DR XF engine... BYW I saw a turbo Savage online during my searches...

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

@@mattjacomos2795 I see. I hope you get your bike sorted! Not sure I would want to turbo charge one of these bikes, they are sketchy enough as is. 😅

[@backnforth3022]

Hey man! Have been binging content on the Savage the last 12 hours, and love your videos brother! I’m considering buying a Savage my self and it needs to have a flywheel change, or that’s what the seller is saying. Is it hard and do I need some special tools to get it done? Would appreciate if you can help a potential first time owner out!

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you very much! Why does the seller think it needs a flywheel change? I've never heard about any Savage needing that, but I've heard about people shaving down the flywheel until it's basically not there anymore. 😀 What are the symptoms? I think there are two or three special tools that are needed to get the flywheel off, but it shouldn't be too hard. Overall these bikes are easy and fun to work on!

[@backnforth3022]

@@HeavyMetalParkingSpot He had a buddy of his that is a mechanic say that it needed change, the reason was that it was sparking when turning over. ⚡️👀 He has the parts and everything. I also asked if the cam chain tension adjuster was modified or changed but it hadn’t so believe I need to fix that too if I buy. After watching content of the bike, I got the feeling that it’s very basic and straightforward bike to work on. Would you say it’s hard to find parts for the bike? I’m based in Norway. I got some mechanical practice and knowledge but then again, I have never work on a bike, only cars & snowmobiles that I have owned in the past.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

​@@backnforth3022 Oh, I see! The thing I would consider is, what did he do to get the flywheel to spark? Is there anything else wrong with the engine? I don't know what the situation is like in Norway, but here in Sweden you can get a Savage for a pretty good deal kind of often. So just don't over-pay! I would say it's easy to find parts and they're not too expensive. If you know cars and snowmobiles you will be able to work in this bike without any problems!

[@chrisstokley7687]

been rideing 2nd s40 savage : got it 1200$ ..1 yr ago.. 7k miles.. was in need new tires/bearings.. lube in the speedo shaft! alot makes small noises.. but 10k miles on it now and timeing chain slapping ! im do the mod today.. hopes no need new chain.. soon im got to pull motor / valve covers /plug in middle .. im leaking oil and burning oil... they say : gasket maker silicone is substandard and dries -out- cracks... 650 red is my go too! that chit is the bomb...... although - be aware!!!!! danger!!! 3x times before i learned the gasket gave close clearances and 2x spaces in there.. if no gasket / just silcone-- need take 1 those spacers (washers ) out!. everytime i tightened side cover it got too tight and wouldnt change gears .... lol. weird huh? buts truth

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Interesting! I've never heard about that problem with the cover being too tight. What spacers/washers was it that you had to remove?

[@13at42z]

I can't get my transmission cover back on. The spring keeps flopping around and when I get it on it is to tight to even change gears🙃 any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Are you talking about the plate that holds the clutch springs or the actual outside cover? The outside cover should have no spring, so I guess you're not talking about that? When putting the clutch springs back, torque them diagonally to make sure you're not over-tightening them. Explain your problem further and I'll try to help. 😀

[@13at42z]

@HeavyMetalParkingSpot thank you for the response I wish I could upload a picture but idk how but I believe it's the outside plate with bout 10-12 screws. It seems that when I put it on the armed the pushes in when you pull in the clutch will not move at all after I tighten down the plate. I took the little spring off cause it didn't seem to do much at all. And it basically still locks up to the point I can't even pull in my clutch. If there is a way I can send you a picture or a video please let me know thank you again!

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

@@13at42z When you put the cover back on you need to push the clutch-thingy up, so that it seats correctly. You can find me on Instagram and drop me a picture there.

[@Tonfzr]

Very nice vid thank you

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@user-hihumi-kei]

Good bike !

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Yeah! ✌️

[@him_garage9807]

Благодарю за информацию

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

You're welcome! ✌️

[@DrDnepr]

I think its weird that with a brand new chain the tensioner is already quite extended ??? Did i measure New vs Old chain ?? ... Som have experienced that the chain guide is getting out of shape loosing its curve

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

You might be right and you're not the first one to point that out. I'm actually feeling the urge to get back in there and replace the guides as well, to see if it would make any difference. I never measured the old chain either, that would also be interesting.

[@DrDnepr]

I will check mine too 😀 I just saw a video off a guy removing the head with the engine still in the frame ... Just a tip 😀😀

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

@@DrDnepr If you have a link to that video it would be really interesting to watch! 😀

[@chrisstokley7687]

wow removeing engine was TUFF as HELL. i finally got it with engine pulling stand. now im scared!!! tranny is got to come in 1/2 - its locked up. the piston had a hole in it/previous owner put wrong long plug in it! wondering if fix/ or toss it! piston was scratched on side but jug was looking new.. like guy honed it! idk - parts are expensive.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Wow, sounds like you've got your work cut out for you! Sounds like the head is in good shape? If you can get the transmission sorted it might be worth saving? Great to follow your journey and I really hope you manage to get your bike fixed!

[@andrejsh3248]

Спасибо. Очень полезное видео.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

You're welcome! ✌️

[@ulanarni8804]

Super Ingo. ! You are reparing every thing; richtig ?!

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Thank you! 🙏 Yeah, I try to get everything to run as smoothly as possible.

[@michaelelse9328]

Das ist anzunehmen!🤘🏻

[@michaelelse9328]

​@@HeavyMetalParkingSpot👸🙏🏻

[@alessandrocarlini1653]

Hi, I have a Suzuki Savage 650 motorbike from 1989, my mechanic says that the oil scraper ring of the piston is broken and that they no longer make them and therefore it is not possible to fix my motorbike, I wanted to know if this is the truth... since I I don't know anything about mechanics, I wanted to ask someone more knowledgeable..

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Hey! I'm not sure if Suzuki still makes the piston rings. But a search on Google for "Suzuki LS650 piston rings" gave me lots of results where you can buy them, both as old stock and new. It might be that you have to buy a kit with a new piston as well. It definitely think it should be possible to get your bike back on the road! Good luck!

[@paultinwell5557]

Sorry to tell you... but you absolutely can remove the cam cover and swap the chain with the engine in place. I've just finished the job myself.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Really no need to be sorry. I actually just tried it myself, and you're right. It's totally doable! 👍

[@BrettBernier]

tell me your secrets please, i'm about to do this

[@paultinwell5557]

@@BrettBernier there's no secret involved, just turn and slide the cover until it clears everything. If I remember correctly, it's easiest to remove it from the right side, towards the rear.

[@lirkan4350]

bro im to scared to touch any engine componet, feels like im gonna break everything and ruin the engine.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I feel you! It is a bit scary. But really rewarding once you're done!

[@VogterViking]

Clymer is wrong, when it says turn krank clockwise, to set the TDC! Alway turn it counter cockwise as that is the way it turns when driving.

[@VogterViking]

also i never take rhe whole engine off doing this. just remove all te bolts (also the ones under the small valve covers). Keep the middle bolt on the top in and you can pull the top out on the left side of the frame.

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

Your very correct! Clymers manual says clockwise but Suzukis own manual says counterclockwise. I think I didn't really think about in the video and turned it clockwise. Thanks for correcting me! And thanks for the tip on not having to remove the engine. I couldn't for the life of me get the top off. But if I have to do this again, I would try a bit harder.

[@martinbetts8527]

Service manual says clockwise, but counterclockwise was RIGHT for my 1988 Suzuki Savage for adjusting valves. Once i turned the crank shaft counterclockwise to TDC it was easy to adjust valves. Made a huge difference for me! Hate to say it, but the Clymer Manual is definitely wrong if it's telling you anything other than to turn the crankshaft "COUNTERCLOCKWISE". ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I had what sounded like a jackhammer in my engine listening to what the manual said to do.

[@ronmckee8132]

when your cam chain wears & stretches the valves will be out of time ,,,, late

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

That seems plausible!

[@chrisstokley7687]

ooh wanted add 1 thing! ALL chains stretch some at first !!! then last like 3x moreeee .....like 10k on this bike.. bet it go 40k more .. before needs new chain.... dont throw out a 1st time break in chain .. ! bro... 2 down !!!!!!! chevy 350 truck .. 5k ..r tighten chain/last 300k.. see... best engines = no chain /no belt.. run on sun gears like directly in teeth to teeth !

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I think you might be right! And I agree with the no belt = better. 😅

[@keithhatch56]

Trial an error to find timing marks? Thanks for nothing

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

I'm sorry you didn't find the video helpful. At 3:10 and 6:13 you can see the two places you need to check for TDC. Getting the two to align I would say is trial and error. Get one of them to align, check the other one. If they don't align, adjust the chain and check again. If they align, turn the motor around a few turns and make sure they still align. There are probably other videos out there that has more tricks about getting the timing right, it should be pretty much the same procedure on any bike.

[@xxjusxstarxx]

He never said it was a how too, literally stated it was not a walkthrough or a tutorial.

[@keithhatch56]

@@xxjusxstarxx I never wrote that

[@xxjusxstarxx]

@@keithhatch56 what , the thanks for nothing? Or that he stated it was a tutorial

[@keithhatch56]

@@xxjusxstarxx I just dont remember watching or writing it.I dont know why my name is there.

[@kenjohnson6338]

Very similar the dr600 650

[@HeavyMetalParkingSpot]

That makes sense. Thanks for letting us know!