Manual cam chain tensioner

[cobrawide]

Ok, well here is my first question. After checking various posts on rattling sound been normal on FJ's I feel that it still maybe more than what it should be. It sounds like a real loose cam chain. It is there no matter the revs and gets louder as revs increase.  Anyways, I decided to remove the chain tensioner only to find the stock one has been replaced with a manual tensioner.

So my question is how do I know when the manual tensioner is at the correction tension (not too tight or too loose).

Thanks

Tom

[racerrad8]

So my question is how do I know when the manual tensioner is at the correction tension (not too tight or too loose).

Tom

There is very vague video on the adjustment on the APE website about manual chain adjustments.

I personally remove them all and replace them with the automatic tensioner Yamaha designed and installed.

Timing Chain Tensioner Assy.

Randy - RPM

[cobrawide]

So my question is how do I know when the manual tensioner is at the correction tension (not too tight or too loose).

Tom

There is very vague video on the adjustment on the APE website about manual chain adjustments.

I personally remove them all and replace them with the automatic tensioner Yamaha designed and installed.

Timing Chain Tensioner Assy.

Randy - RPM

Randy, that was what I was thinking of doing but then again I have read that people replaced the stock tensioner with the ape manual one because of issues. Is that just myth or reality.?

[racerrad8]

Is that just myth or reality.?

In my opinion it is a myth...

The Yamaha tensioner is spring loaded with a locking paw to prevent it from retracting to allow the chain to come loose. The plunger has never been fully extended on any engine I have ever disassembled and if there was that much chain were to get it out that far the cam timing would be so far off the bike would run very poorly.

Here is a little compilation of facts about the tensioner.

Cam Chain Tensioner Installation 101

Randy - RPM

[cobrawide]

In my opinion it is a myth...

url=http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=5620.0]Cam Chain Tensioner Installation 101[/url]

Randy - RPM


Yeah I was of the same opinion and that the manual tensioner was more of a sales tactic or perhaps somewhat useful for racing.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question.

[jscgdunn]

Could well be the starter chain.  We have one '92 that has always rattled more than the other five we have around here....

Another solution might be just to wear ear plugs.

[cobrawide]

Could well be the starter chain.  We have one '92 that has always rattled more than the other five we have around here....

Another solution might be just to wear ear plugs.

Would the starter chain cause rattle once the engine has started and continue to do so when increasing revs?.

[RichBaker]

Yes, the starter chain is always turning......