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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Cam Tensioner - Outer Limits and Twilight Zone
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Message started by youzguyz on 08/08/11 at 05:53:53

Title: Cam Tensioner - Outer Limits and Twilight Zone
Post by youzguyz on 08/08/11 at 05:53:53

Well, I finally decided it was time to replace the cam chain in the '02 (aka Thumper). It's been on the Verslavy since it was young and spry, and it has started to feel it's miles (almost 80,000).
At the same time, I need to put a verslavy tensioner in the 10,000 mile '00 (aka Mad Hamish).
Opened both up.
Here is Mad Hamish:
http://p1.bikepics.com/2011%5C08%5C05%5Cbikepics-2251739-800.jpg
16.5 mm out. About right for 10k miles

Now, for the interesting picture.
Here is Thumper. On the 2nd hole of the verslavy, and has been that way for a LONG time (since about 20k miles). I was expecting the tensioner to be AT THE LIMIT on the 2nd hole.
http://p1.bikepics.com/2011%5C08%5C05%5Cbikepics-2251743-800.jpg
Only about half way out??? :-?

Another angle, trying to show how close the chain is to itself.
http://p1.bikepics.com/2011%5C08%5C05%5Cbikepics-2251752-800.jpg

Well, it is what it is, but I can't explain WHY it is only half way out!

The modified tensioner goes in Mad Hamish so I can ride.
http://p1.bikepics.com/2011%5C08%5C05%5Cbikepics-2251759-800.jpg

Still go a bit of room on the 1st hole, so I'll re-open around 20k miles or so and go to the 2nd hole then.

Unmod-ed tensioner headed your way Verslagen!!

I have all the other parts I need to replace the chain in Thumper (including the nitrided chain), except for that critical piece.. a big Round Tuit. :D

I still don't know if I will do the valves and/or rings. I got 140 psi compression, but it might be down from optimal due to poor timing on the stretched chain.

Title: Re: Cam Tensioner - Outer Limits and Twilight Zone
Post by Serowbot on 08/08/11 at 08:41:35

Hope mine lasts 80,000 miles!...

Maybe there is more initial chain stretch at break-in,... then it settles in?...
That would be nice...

I've never heard of one breaking...
80k!... way to go!...;D...

Title: Re: Cam Tensioner - Outer Limits and Twilight Zone
Post by verslagen1 on 08/08/11 at 11:33:31

5741564B53464B50240 wrote:

I've never heard of one breaking...

A couple have (that we know of) but more often it's a dropped valve or slipped chain.

Title: Re: Cam Tensioner - Outer Limits and Twilight Zone
Post by youzguyz on 07/23/12 at 12:28:25

Another observation about the cam chain and tensioner.
As you see from above, Mad Hamish got a verslavy tensioner on the 1st hole at 10,000 miles.

At 25,500 miles:
Had a bit of tapping noise from the upper left side a while back. Sounded like one valve was a bit loose. Checked them, and not that far out (like hardly at all). Adjusted all valves to spec, still had the noise. Ran that way until time for oil change.
Opened it up. Verslavy was at full extension on 1st hole. Moved verslavy to the 2nd hole. Got almost all the travel back.
Noise is gone... pretty sure. Only rode it work this morning.

So, it seems that a cam chain with a bit of floppiness to it can sound like an out of adjustment valve.

Title: Re: Cam Tensioner - Outer Limits and Twilight Zone
Post by splash07 on 07/23/12 at 13:05:56

can you still get those nitrided cam chains?