Suzuki Boulevard C50 Camchain rebuild

Well, after a lot of research, beer and convincing the missus, I bit the bullet and decided to fix my C50's noisy, rattly, HORRIBLE engine noise. It was so bad I was embarrassed to ride it anywhere. An 800cc cruiser that sounds like a sewing machine! Blergh!
I decided to post the results on-line because I had real trouble finding any reference material or comparisons on-line for this (apparently) very common problem. I'm hoping this helps others in the same boat.
It was a big job but not too difficult if you just take your time and have regular tools, a welder and a torque wrench. I'm writing up the entire process including all the photos (lots of them) and notes and will post a link here once I'm done.
There is a lot of information online about the cam chain tensioners failing on these bikes. In my case, I ordered the parts assuming that was the fault before cracking the engine. Once opened, I found that the rear cam chain was stretched but the rest was fine. No doubt it is better to do both cylinders at the same time but it gets cold here in winter so I can do the front cylinder next year.

[@r.tillery575]

Some visual tips & pics through the chain renewal process would be a priceless tool, even if it was just the front cylinder job. That way we could get a good "bead" on the process ahead of us & an idea of the method & principles of the job. PLUS... a lot of C50 'lives' will be saved. R.Tillery

[@lloydkeimig4621]

I too had this problem, i changed the timing chain and the tentioner as well. It takes a complete teardown to accomplish. To have it done 1600$ or more. Did it myself for 250$ in parts. must be mechanically inclined to do the job. The engine needs to come out and complete teardown (at least the rear jug if that is where your noise is coming from). what a night and day difference.

[@theluckywisconsingambler3106]

Wanna do mine? L ol will pay

[@lyntonmack7175]

Ah crap - didn't see any comments on here. Did you guys still want that write up or is it too late?

[@mattfuller65]

yeah, the write-up would be great. My bike has been down for a year and I need to get this done.

[@lionelscott5839]

I checked the chain tension on both cylinders , slipped a piece of rubber hose over the end of the tensioner arms to get a little more travel out of the ratchet arm . When I lnstalled the cam shaft cover the end of tha camshaft opposite the gear was pulled up out of its bearing due the the chain tension . I still have the noise of a loose chain as compared to videos on this site. Question ,could it be the oil pump chain ?

[@rickgrooms6552]

I was wondering if you got the write up done for the cam chain replacement on your C50T, I am having the same issue with mine.

[@TheEmeraldNight]

Did you ever get arround to writing the whole lot up for us? We are about to try something simular so the walk though would help.

[@tom12974]

Where is the timing chain tensioner at on these bikes

[@garrball9205]

Good day. I did everything according to the manual. Timed both cylinders to the "FRONT" of the bike now my rear cylinder is not running right, popping through the air box. According to the manual (as I read it) both cylinders have to be timed to the front... which I did... any ideas what may be wrong... the front cylinder is running and heating right up the rear one is running intermittently not warming up and sputtering through the air box.

[@digger105337]

Nope, both cam timing should be done on r/t or rear tdc.

[@digger105337]

The rear cylinder timing chain is on the other side. But it sure is quieter. Been nice if Suzuki put some sound deadening pads in strategic locations in those motors, they're prone to be noisey. Angry sewing machine.

[@r.tillery575]

How many miles did it take for the chain & tensioners to get in this condition? I've got about 33,000 miles on mine & still sounds like the day I drove it home brand new. Of course I do pamper it & probably over maintain engine oil service. When should I expect to deal with timing chain issues? I REALLY love that particular machine.

[@digger105337]

I think it's an Rpm thing, the 5 spd gearbox is not enough for areas where 75-80 mph speed limits are common. I got one with 19,000 and it had already been rebuilt. At 21,000 I'm doing it again, the last builder did a lousy job and it's sounded like it was ready to grenade. Will be back running in a few days, so break- in will commence.

[@nadergelany1184]

plz tell me how can you did thise??

[@TheRockhound21]

Sweet Jesus how did you fix it!?

[@tylerthrash3155]

Did they fix this in the newer models?

[@jazzking68]

Can you add a link, or something?

[@decomposing1]

Just got a 800cc 2008 c50 myself. Don't have the cam chain rattle but do hear a tick. Do you still have the procedure written up?

[@bamaboysmith2723]

Yours is valave noise

[@perfectfan2006]

lol i saw the other exhaust video and i knew it had a cam chain issue ,,

[@grr4668]

please!!, how did you fix it?

[@hardinrich2610]

Check the posts at volusiariders.com

[@jazzking68]

That video is crap, completely useless. You don't have to pull the motor. I watched my brother do it while it sat in the frame

[@hardinrich2610]

It can be done without pulling the motor but, it takes longer and with it out you have all the room you need to the work with ease.

[@tom12974]

where is the chaib tenchiner located

[@bernardlandymore6772]

Under the cylinder head, there is NO external access to them so its a motor out job.