2004 Bruin 350 4x4, 3200km
Hello everyone,
First of all thanks to everyone here for great advice. I used is forum to recently rebuild carb, change front CV boot, change rear arm boot, adjust valves, change drive belt, and other small things.
Now to the point: I have a little ticking in my engine which I'm sure now is probably my Cam Chain; I did the wooden broom handle trick.
Is the tensioner on these engines automatic or can I adjust tension myself? Could getting a new tensioner buy me a little time or once the original is maxed out, that's that? I've heard of guys welding a small piece of steel onto the tensioner; I won't be doing that!
Also, I may just go ahead and change the Cam Chain, which I haven't done before but I'm certain I can manage. Ive searched around here and couldn't find the specs on how to do such; anyone have a link to replacing Cam chain for a bruin?

Thank you in advance.
NLBruin

 

Changing the timing chain is a swine of a job, you have to remove the harmonic balancer gears and there are lots of ways to get the balancer timed wrongly.

 

3200km is only 2000 miles. That's very low miles for a 348 motor and its timing chain. That's like four oil changes.

I have a 2007 Grizzly/ Bruin with 5500km and had a 89 Big Bear 350 (Same 348 Motor) with a zillion hard miles. Without dealing with the timing chain.

Your ticking maybe a value adjustment instead. I have done over 2000 miles before my first valve adjustment.

But who knows maybe it was a rare bad one off the line, it can happen.

 

Hey gang,
So I removed the tensioner bolt and was able to get another click on the tensioner with a small Allen key. So I think the tensioner is doin it's job still. I adjusted the valves as well at the same time. They were a little tight. I adjusted them back to; Int = .07 and Exh = .20, with the Exh being a very firm fit at .20.
Do these specs sound right? I found them on forms and not a manual.
I've also heard that sometimes these engines are just 'noisy'.
I just don't know what else it could be. I'm not advanced enough to diagnose any other engine trouble that would cause this ticking if in fact it is abnormal. Ie; bearings, gears, etc..... Don't want a dealership taking my $$ either, know what I mean!
Any other thoughts?
Cheers

 

Intake: 0.06 ~ 0.10 mm

Exhaust: 0.16 ~ 0.20 mm

So your on the mark.
Does the ticking go away when you raise the rpm slightly?

My 350 Big bear (Same Motor) had a tick at idle only. Its still running around 7 years after I sold it.

 

So, I haven't been out on a good ride since I've adjusted tensioner and valves; so I'll have to report back on that. But it is ticking at idle.
Heading out this weekend

 

So,
I was out for a good ride this weekend. It ticks like crazy at idle and with just a little throttle. It seems to tick mostly when warm. I find it isn't as loud once up at cruse speed. It definetly sounds like a top end noise, but I can't be certain. I have more power and top end speed since I've adjusted valves and cleaned carb, so I know that is done right. What else can this ticking noise be? Or just live with it? I only want to be sure it isn't going to damage anything.
Any thoughts??