BA
Pro
Posts: 1592
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posted September 11, 2004 11:48 AM
Stock Cam Tensioner's - what's inside?
So, my cams are finally timed correctly.
All valve clearances are correct and in spec.
I put the stock tensioner back into place instead of the POS manual tensioner that the builder used. I referenced the service manual, and then I remove the center bolt for that tensioner to see what is inside.
The part that the chain rides against is there, and there is a spring inside, but no "rod" as depicted in the manual (page 4-10)
Should there be a rod inside the tensioner?
  
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canadamaxxer
Pro
Posts: 1090
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posted September 11, 2004 12:46 PM
It seems to me that I have seen them with the rod at times and without the rod other times. The only function that I can see the rod would have is to keep the spring straight during the reinstallation of the centre bolt/washer. The spring tension is what ratchets the tensioner out, not the rod....so if the rod is missing I don't think it's a big deal....and in fact I don't remember there being a rod in the one that I took apart recently. My service manual shows one, but I don't remember there being one. You could also fab one up using drill stem of the appropriate length and diameter if you are really concerned about it, as it appears that the rod is not available separately.
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EastBayDave
Needs a job
Posts: 2245
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posted September 12, 2004 04:53 AM
whats' wrong w/a manual tensioner, every engine builder goes to them as the stocker can be mis-adjusted at times, perhaps causing chain slack, leading to bent valves...
The APE tensioner seems most popular; I've got them on several bikes...
Works fine for me...
____________
Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
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Ra12r
Zone Head
Posts: 919
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posted September 13, 2004 05:43 AM
OEM on a 2000 does come with a rod. I believe it set up the initial tension when tightening....What is wrong with the manual tensioner? you should be fine with the stock however.
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psycho1122
Pro
Posts: 1608
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posted September 13, 2004 06:09 AM
Yes you should have and use the rod. This keeps the spring from binding.
The OE tentioner is a good component (Ratchet Type)and if installed properly will not back off.
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You say PSYCHO like it's a BAD thing!!
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dougmeyer
Needs a job
moderated
Posts: 2713
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posted September 13, 2004 08:46 AM
Nothing at all wrong with the stocker. Main problem with the "manual" ones is that people (almost) ALWAYS overtighten them. The purpose of the little "rod" (it's a pin, actually) is to keep the spring from buckleing as it elongates over time. As for installing the stock assembly, make sure you RTFB and understand how it works.
Doug
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MadMike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted September 13, 2004 08:54 AM
OEM is the way to go, and it should have a rod.
and I just got your message, I was out of town. sorry I did not call you right back.
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200-MPH CLUB MEMBER!
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BA
Pro
Posts: 1592
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posted September 13, 2004 09:22 AM
no problem MM, I understand.
I did get a good understanding of the tensioner from reading the manual. (RTFM! lol!)
Thanks for the tips guys, it's good to know that I *am* supposed to have the rod/pin in there.
I have puh-lenty of extra drill bits, is it worthwhile to make one up? I'm just a little uneasy because I don't know how long to make it.
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dougmeyer
Needs a job
moderated
Posts: 2713
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posted September 13, 2004 03:03 PM
The pin is 33.8mm x 3.25mm or 1.33" x .128" If you can make one, do it. An 1/8 drill should work nicely, the stock part could double as a needle bearing.
Doug
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BA
Pro
Posts: 1592
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posted September 13, 2004 04:10 PM
You rock Doug!  Thanks!
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