SuzukiSavage.com - Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix

wickedbiker

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #15 - 03/26/14 at 07:14:59

Dave wrote on 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.

Thanks man all great info. Since mine isn't going out yet when I do get the extra cash I'll take the one out of the blown engine In have and send it in to get the good one

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shorty Serious Thumper Offline be careful out there gentlemen Posts: 547 southern NM Gender:	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #16 - 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
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wickedbiker

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #17 - 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-his...

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?

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S-P

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #18 - 03/26/14 at 19:51:11

wickedbiker wrote 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-his...

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?

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....

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Dave

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #19 - 03/27/14 at 05:04:30

wickedbiker wrote on 03/26/14 at 19:13:30:

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.

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seedubs1

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #20 - 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.

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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 #21 - 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,
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Dane Allen

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #22 - 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 Wink

)

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

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RIP!! 01/2012-09/2016 S40 Boulevard, Raptor Pet, Rotella T6 Synth, Verslavy CC Tensioner -- You left too soon.

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Dave

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Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix
Reply #23 - 03/27/14 at 12:05:28

Dane Allen wrote 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.

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!

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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 #24 - 03/27/14 at 12:58:59 Only you can put a price on your a$$.
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seedubs1 YaBB Newbies Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 34	Re: Easy Cheap Cam Chain Tensioner Fix Reply #25 - 03/27/14 at 13:29:37 verslagen1 wrote on 03/27/14 at 12:58:59: Only you can put a price on your a$$. Should be Corbin's motto
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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 #26 - 03/27/14 at 15:18:11 But any old ass can put a price on yer head..
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