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I have a 1995 Yamaha Virago XV1100, with 28K miles, which I bought last year. The knock it has, is most noticable at idle, quiets up under load (hope it's not a rod knock!). Can a loose timing chain cause a knocking sound, and if you know the engine can you tell me if the cam chain tensioners ever go out of adjustment? Clymer doesn't indicate them needing periodic adjustment.

Automatic camchain tensioners can either stick or wear so that they allow camchain slop. Some are manual adjust and need periodic adjusting. Not sure what your bike has, but it is probably automatic.

Remove the tensioner and have a look at it, make sure it works, etc. Also have a look at the valve adjustment, to much clearance could cause a rattle at low rpm.

Thanks BuzZz. Book says they're spring loaded tensioners, but do have a service adjustment, just not called for under routine maint. I'll have to pull and inspect them. And at 28K, the valve lash is probably due to be reset too.