First of all, sorry for the wordiness. Couldn't figure out how to make it less wordy. Thanks for bearing with me.
Having a relatively new S40, I don't have to worry about replacing the chain tensioner with a verslavy tensioner right away. But I wondered what the actual procedure is for determining when to open the engine case for a visual inspection of the chain tensioner.
By the way, the less I have to open the case to check it, the happier I will be!
METHODS OF CHECKING THE TENSIONER THAT I HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE.
1. Of course, by opening the case up, you can visibly inspect the chain tensioner.
2. Somewhere on this website I've heard that the engine will make a distinct noise at engine idle, which is a giveaway that the chain tensioner needs replacing. Is this a reliable way to check it?
3. Somewhere on this website, I've read that when sitting on the seat, by placing both ankles on the engine case while it is running, you can tell if the tensioner needs replacing. Is this a reliable way to check it?
Given the above three ways, I assume the only reliable/safe way is to open the case and visibly inspect it. But open to your thoughts.
UPDATING THE CHAIN TENSIONER ... HOW MANY TIMES?
If I read the chain tensioner procedure correctly, there could be chain tensioner updates/changes at three separate times. (Providing you keep the bike for many many miles)
1. The first update is when the original chain tensioner gets loose (after many miles). At that time you replace it with the verslavy chain tensioner. But the verslavy chain tensioner has two adjusting holes. So replace the original tensioner with the verslavy in the 1st hole.
2. Then, after many more miles of driving, the verslavy (adjusted to the first hole), will get loose. So adjust the verslavy chain tensioner by moving from the first hole to the second hole. This will give you more miles of use.
3. Finally, after many more miles of driving, the verslavy chain tensioner adjusted to the second hole may get loose. It's then time to get a new cam chain.
Would I be correct about these three update/adjustment steps?
AT WHAT MILEAGE SHOULD THE CASE BE OPENED TO CHECK THE CHAIN TENSIONER?
Again, my desire is to open the case as few times as possible. Also, I read on this website that a good time for inspection is when one changes the oil. (One person indicated that you could lay the bike on it's side for inspection and not have to change the oil. I won't be doing that!)
So, given a very low mileage bike that is being well maintained, when is the first time to open the case to check the chain tensioner? If one changes the oil at 4000, 8000, 12000, 16000, 20000 miles, would any of those mileage milestones be a good time for the first inspection?
Once the case is open, and the chain tensioner is inspected, if it extends out to 19mm, it is time to replace it with the verslavy (I think that 19mm is what I read).
But what happens if it is only extended out to 15mm (as an example)? I assume you then close the case and ride ... But for how many miles before you have to again to go back and reopen the case? Or could I just replace it with a verslavy at this time, even though it only extends out to 15mm?
Then, after the verslavy is installed, how many miles before you have to reopen the case to check to see if it's time to change the verslavy from the first hole, to the second hole? Finally, how many miles before it's time to reopen the case to check if the verslavy in the second hole is getting loose (indicating that it's time to get a new cam chain)?
Again, sorry for the wordiness. Feel free to correct anything I have wrong. The ultimate goal is to update the chain tensioner, but also to open the case for a visual inspection as few times as possible!
The less, the better! (I hope I don't have to do it at every oil change!)
Thanks for answering the questions above and for any guidelines you can provide.
Ron G