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Message started by theikeman on 07/19/07 at 07:37:41

Title: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by theikeman on 07/19/07 at 07:37:41

I found this on the internet about the tensioner problem. Looks pretty simple to me:
-----------------------------------------------------
I replaced the cam chain again, but instead of shelling out the cash for a new tensioner I went down to the hardware store and shelled out about 10 bucks for a small ball-joint ended turnbuckle that I put in its place.
That allowed me to hard set the tension on the camchain. I checked it after a couple thousand miles to allow for break-in on the chain. I readjusted it, closed things back up, and forgot about it. I never
had a problem with the engine after that.
-----------------------------------------------------------

I'll be going to the hardware store to get one today.

FYI
Ike
:)

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by Homey237 on 07/19/07 at 09:49:36

Where is the diagram or photo ?

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by verslagen1 on 07/19/07 at 11:31:41

This would be for manual adjustment.

Be sure to have a locknut to fix the adjustment or it'll loosen or tighten on it's own.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by thumperclone on 07/19/07 at 15:35:07

...........ok gear heads set me straight.......
me thinks the tensioner is basically hydraulic like a non solid lifter..moves in and out as needed or is it out only??

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by smokey02 on 07/19/07 at 18:14:40

I think its like a spring and rachet affair, it moves out only.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by theikeman on 07/19/07 at 21:01:24

Unfortunately there wa no diagram or photo with the articel

Sorry

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by justin_o_guy on 07/19/07 at 21:14:48

It's an out only kinda deal.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by Savage_Rob on 07/20/07 at 05:25:25

smokey02 wrote:

I think its like a spring and rachet affair, it moves out only.

Correct.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by verslagen1 on 07/20/07 at 07:14:22

If it were easier to get in there and make an adjustment, a manual adjuster might be a good mod. But as it is you risk an $9 gasket with every adjustment. Which should occur with every oil change. ;D

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by wickedbiker on 03/25/14 at 18:44:51

I'm thinking something like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SAVAGE-X-SS-TIE-RODS-turnbuckles-85080-93535-FREE-US-SHIPPING-861-HPI-/390786136888?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5afcab3b38

Would this work if it was the same as the OEM tensioner just a bit longer?

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/25/14 at 18:51:13

Unless the stock tensioner got messed up theres no reason to replace it when the cam chain comes due. Theres nothing any smarter than the Verslavy mod.. except maybe the Rap[tor petcock, naah,, theyre both essential

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by verslagen1 on 03/25/14 at 18:54:19

7F616B636D6C6A61636D7A080 wrote:

Maybe, are you going to open the case every time it needs adjusting?

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by old_rider on 03/25/14 at 20:52:34

There was a post here with a short adj. cam chain tensioner, I can't seem to find it though.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by wickedbiker on 03/26/14 at 06:50:10

I'm asking because I don't have $150 for the verslavy and I don't think the idea of using a longer version of the tensioner needs adjusting. Isn't that the basis of the verslavy it is simpy longer so it doesn't pop out although I believe you added notches to hold it in place but most I have seen on Google only have the extension.
If I'm wrong here perhaps you can help a poor old biker with a wife and three kids who spent all his bread getting the bike running. Honestly I don't even know if I can afford the $11 for the new gasket to check the darn thing. But there is no noise coming from the can/clutch area of the bike.
Any ideas?

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by Dave on 03/26/14 at 07:02:59

2C3238303E3F3932303E295B0 wrote:

How many miles are on your bike?

The Verslavy has an extra hole that allows you to get an extended life from the existing chain. The slot and pin prevent the tensioner from coming apart....which has really bad consequences. When the Verslagen modified tensioner reaches the end of the travel the chain gets loose and makes noise....and you know you need repairs before it starts to break things.

The bargain basement approach is just to weld on an extension and drill another hole.....most local welders could hook you up with that kind of a repair if you showed them a photo of what you want. You will not have the safety that the pin and slot provide on the Verslagen modified tensioner.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by wickedbiker on 03/26/14 at 07:14:59

0B303D2A3B372C2A3139342B580 wrote:

[quote author=2C3238303E3F3932303E295B0 link=1184859874/0#13 date=1395841810]I'm asking because I don't have $150 for the verslavy and I don't think the idea of using a longer version of the tensioner needs adjusting. Isn't that the basis of the verslavy it is simpy longer so it doesn't pop out although I believe you added notches to hold it in place but most I have seen on Google only have the extension.
Any ideas?

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by shorty on 03/26/14 at 15:42:30

a weld shop will weld on an extension, not as great a design as Versy's mod, but cheaper

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by wickedbiker on 03/26/14 at 19:13:30

Actually now I know where I have seen that exact part that price is an actuator turnbuckle take a look at this. https://www.google.com/search?q=actuator+turnbuckle&client=tablet-android-hisense&hl=en-US&source=android-browser-type&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=iogzU_HuKtS-2wWgwYHoCA&ved=0CCYQsAQ&biw=600&bih=872

Now if I got one of these identical to the one in the savage only longer would it work?
Also if it would work would it have to be longer on the key or could it be either end?

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by S-P on 03/26/14 at 19:51:11

4F515B535D5C5A51535D4A380 wrote:

I'm assuming the actuator turnbuckle is spring operated like the tensioner. So, here's my thinking... The original Suzuki tensioner works until the chain stretches past the limit of the cylinder. The Verslagen mod then adds another few millimeters of cylinder length by extending the plunger. The beauty of his mod is that the plunger can't fall out and ruin your engine. The issue I see with getting an actuator turnbuckle is you'd have to install it when your stock tensioner is about to fall out. Depending on the over all length and travel of the turnbuckle it may be too long or too short when the chain is in the condition to need a longer tensioner. You'd have to do some homework to be sure you are getting the right length cylinder and plunger then make sure it will all bolt up to the existing case and rails. That said, it looks feasible....

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by Dave on 03/27/14 at 05:04:30

716F656D6362646F6D6374060 wrote:

Now if I got one of these identical to the one in the savage only longer would it work?
Also if it would work would it have to be longer on the key or could it be either end?

No one has installed a manual adjustment yet.....you will be the first.

My gut feeling is that you should not use anything with a spherical ball end - the stock tensioner does not use them and I suspect that by not having a flexible end - it helps to keep the rail from moving around sideways too much.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by seedubs1 on 03/27/14 at 06:37:08

If you have access to a mill, a drill, and a welder, you can do the Verslagen modification yourself.

If not, save up the money and get Verslagen to do it for you. It's only $70 if you send in your cam chain tensioner for him to modify, and it's worth it if you can't do the modification yourself. It's not $150...unless you don't provide your cam chain tensioner. So just send in yours for modification.

Plus, if you switch to a manual cam chain tensioner, you're going to need to check it about every 2k miles. That means you may need to drop $9 every 2k miles on a new case gasket. So the Verslagen pays for itself in about 15k miles.

You're trying to re-invent the wheel here.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/27/14 at 09:20:33

This problem has been addressed. To date, the best answer is the Verzlavy. More than one determined brain has burned for hours studying this. No one has had a better idea yet,It gets all the goody out of a chain AND it adds the safety of not letting the tensioner spit its guts out. Its affordable & functional,

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by Dane Allen on 03/27/14 at 11:30:22

I think I've spent more on a Tourmaster Flex 3 jacket, Overpants and Scorpion helmet than I have on all the work i've done on the bike including oil, filters and brakes AND the Verslavy tensioner. I got the tensioner at around 700-800 miles and now I am at 14,386 as of this a.m., with soo little that goes wrong with this bike it is a great piece of mind modification. Tomorrow is 1 year since I bought the bike from the steelership and is my daily communter, rain or shine (So Cal - so mostly shine ;) )

My recommendation - Do the Verslavy and then just enjoy the bike.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by Dave on 03/27/14 at 12:05:28

06232C27032E2E272C420 wrote:

I think I've spent more on a Tourmaster Flex 3 jacket, Overpants and Scorpion helmet than I have on all the work i've done on the bike.

Yep, gear can be expensive.......You can spend $ 2,400 on a jacket and pants! When I first opened the email.....I thought I wasn't reading the prices right!

Not sure why they sent me this offer......that is more than I spent for the entire bike!

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by verslagen1 on 03/27/14 at 12:58:59

Only you can put a price on your a$$.

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by seedubs1 on 03/27/14 at 13:29:37

475443425D5056545F00310 wrote:

Only you can put a price on your a$$.

Should be Corbin's motto

Title: Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/27/14 at 15:18:11

But any old ass can put a price on yer head..