SuzukiSavage.com - Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix

theikeman

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Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
07/19/07 at 07:37:41

I found this on the internet about the tensioner problem. Looks pretty simple to me:
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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.
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I'll be going to the hardware store to get one today.

FYI
Ike

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Homey237 YaBB Newbies Offline I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 14	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #1 - 07/19/07 at 09:49:36 Where is the diagram or photo ?
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verslagen1 YaBB Moderator ModSquad Offline Where there's a will, I want to be in it. Posts: 28886 L.A. California Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #2 - 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.
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thumperclone Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline PGR rider riding with respect Posts: 6077 Grand Junction Colorado Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #3 - 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??
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smokey02 Full Member Offline Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like bananas Posts: 233 Alta Loma, California Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #4 - 07/19/07 at 18:14:40 I think its like a spring and rachet affair, it moves out only.
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theikeman Senior Member Offline Live each day as if it were your last ... Posts: 344 Gibsonton in South Florida Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #5 - 07/19/07 at 21:01:24 Unfortunately there wa no diagram or photo with the articel Sorry
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justin_o_guy Ex Member	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #6 - 07/19/07 at 21:14:48 It's an out only kinda deal.
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Savage_Rob Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Mechanically Inclined Amateur Posts: 6972 Texas (Dallas area) Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #7 - 07/20/07 at 05:25:25 smokey02 wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:07: I think its like a spring and rachet affair, it moves out only. Correct.
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verslagen1 YaBB Moderator ModSquad Offline Where there's a will, I want to be in it. Posts: 28886 L.A. California Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #8 - 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.
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wickedbiker Full Member Offline Riding a Wicked Savage Custom Posts: 145 Tampa Bay, FL. Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #9 - 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-... Would this work if it was the same as the OEM tensioner just a bit longer?
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justin_o_guy2 Serious Thumper Offline What happened? Posts: 55279 East Texas, 1/2 dallas/la.	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #10 - 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
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verslagen1 YaBB Moderator ModSquad Offline Where there's a will, I want to be in it. Posts: 28886 L.A. California Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #11 - 03/25/14 at 18:54:19 wickedbiker wrote 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-... Would this work if it was the same as the OEM tensioner just a bit longer? Maybe, are you going to open the case every time it needs adjusting?
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old_rider Serious Thumper Offline Backyard Bill Productions Posts: 3147 flordia panhandle Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #12 - 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.
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wickedbiker

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #13 - 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?

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Dave

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #14 - 03/26/14 at 07:02:59

wickedbiker wrote 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.
Any ideas?

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.

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