Topic: Internal non-metal parts....

[techy5025]

I'm starting to get a little nervous about the cam chain and primary chain guides in my '69 K0 750 diecast. The engine has never been apart and has about 20k miles on it. Part of that was sitting for a long time when I had other interests.

It runs great, normal sounds, and I see nothing in the oil. The last few times I have strained it looking for .....stuff...., but nothing shows up. On the other hand, I think any wear would probably come off as dissolved powder in the oil.

So I guess my question is....what sort of deterioration has anyone seen on these guides after 40 years of relatively low mileage use? I.E....will time alone kill them? I don't really want to pull the engine to replace them for a problem that does not exist. 

Jim

[techy5025]

......no expert opinion? 

[axehole54]

I've got a 78k with A LOT OF MILES on it and tore the topend down last weekend, guides were in pretty good shape hardley any wear... hope that makes you feel better

[scunny]

don't worry, if all sounds normal and it runs great carry on riding.

[dave500]

theyll handle time,,its actual physical wear or exessive heat that ruins them.

[Magpie]

My original K1 has not been apart and sounded normal to me until I did my 2'nd one. It's a K0 engine and I replaced the cam and primary chains as well as the tensioners. The difference in engine noise is remarkable. The new engine is much quieter. When I took the old tensioners out of the rebuilt motor they were hard as rock. This motor was under a workbench for over 30 years when I got it so I suspect there wasn't a lot of miles on it.
If it's not real noisy then it's probably not worth the effort. If black rubber bits show up in an oil change then it's time.
My "expert" opinion. Ha! Some expert!
Cheers,
Cliff.