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Message started by singlesgoinsteady on 02/20/12 at 07:19:23

Title: chain tensioner length
Post by singlesgoinsteady on 02/20/12 at 07:19:23

Hi guys, my motor is making some racket (5700 miles) so I looked at the cam chain tensioner. Is this extended enough that it could be making some racket? I don't think it's chain slap, I'm fearing a bearing, but, we'll see... Thanks.

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by verslagen1 on 02/20/12 at 07:23:02

measure how far out is the barrel portion of the plunger.
18mm (.71") is the recommended limit
22mm (.87") is the absolute limit

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/20/12 at 08:16:56

At 5700 miles, if you havent adjusted valves yet,, its sure time. Is that how far the tensioner was extended while it was installed? I dont understand why it isnt spitting the end out, how are you making it do that?

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by singlesgoinsteady on 02/20/12 at 10:26:35

My plunger was out about 0.63". I'm going to take the chain off and measure it next. I just bought the bike, with the knocking sound. It was cheap and I figured I could sort it. I don't hear it at idle except occasionally, then as soon as I apply throttle it comes in and then at high revs it either goes away or gets drowned out by standard engine noise, or just goes so fast it blends in with what I consider normal engine noise.

I reckon I'll take the motor out now and take off the valve cover off. I note that someone has already had the valve cover off (again only 5700 miles on it) as there's red RTV under it. Should be easier to reach the valves for checking clearance too.

So my next question, are the exhaust valves supposed to be this white?

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by ralfyguy on 02/20/12 at 10:26:50

He probably stuck something into the ratchet mechanism. However, from here it doesn't look all that bad yet, but seems to be time soon. If I had to guess, it looks like 17-18mm extended.

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by ralfyguy on 02/20/12 at 10:31:53

13090E070C0513070F090E131405010419600 wrote:

They often look thst white as the bike runs ridiculously lean from the factory. As for the valve cover, the previous owner maybe had the scheduled re-torqueing of the head nuts and bolts done, which requires to remove the head cover.

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by Serowbot on 02/20/12 at 10:34:04

Probably just valve noise... maybe even normal noise if it's not excessive...
You don't have to pull the engine or even the head cover to adjust them...
See the Tech section...

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/20/12 at 10:46:19

Yea,, Im thinkin youre about to make a big project out of a simple thing,Id sure start with adjusting the valves, & do consider the Verslagen mod on the tensioner, its a $$$ saver,

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by singlesgoinsteady on 02/20/12 at 10:58:12

Ate there different length plungers? Mine is a solid 1.2" see pic. I tried adjusting the valves but was floundering with the TDC. I understand it better now. Was gonna have a buddy weld an extension on, but now wondering if I have some special length plunger. Bike is a '98.

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by singlesgoinsteady on 02/20/12 at 11:00:27

pic of plunger = 1.2"

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by verslagen1 on 02/20/12 at 11:09:59

They're all the same except for mine...

http://www.savageriders.com/verslagen/CamChainClub/fixed.jpg

Title: Re: chain tensioner length
Post by singlesgoinsteady on 02/20/12 at 11:17:03

Ya, that's a brilliant, slick little mod Verslagen.