Cam chaim tension issue?

pierre

.040 Over
Joined
Aug 10, 2012
Messages
81
Location
Ireland Co Mayo
Ride
06 Rocket classic, 94 Ducati 916sp
Hi all
Fitted new cam chain/tensioner blades last year, I did notice the tensioner travelled in a fair bit when I got it all back together but alas didn't measure the piston insertion! Just doing my winter servicing and checked the tensioner piston and its at 21mm.
Now I know max is 24mm and I suspect this is where it went when the new chain was fitted. Got no noise or other problems.

So I will fit the spacer to recover spring tension but is this still within what could be expected or do I have a problem here???

Anyone had a similar situation??

Pete
 
On the adjusting side what type of material was the guide made out of. Did it look like the original one?
nope nice new alloy one, the one that doesn't bend.
Could be the static one is badly worn?? as it would not come out without removing the head but looked ok and its only 12000 miles old!
 
Just a thought...........Did you do the sprockets as well? if not the later chain might not suit the older sprockets as its from a different manufacturer?
I replaced my sprockets, blades & chain at 28000 miles a couple of months ago, with the update (later spec) ones.
Thanks to Warps advice both blades can come out and refitted through the bottom.
The static one had no wear on it, the chain was stretched compared to the new one.
On reassembly the tension depth was 14mm
 
Oz is right all cam blade/giudes can be changed from the lower end without removing the head you just have to hold your face striaght :) Also My bet is I can change the tensioner while keeping tension on the chain without removing the head. Its a matter of holding the cam blade in position without loosing tension while changing it out. I will be looking at this (before I release mine) when I pull my head to change the gasket and add the new custom Carpenter head bolts.
 
hear what your saying.
I changed the chain as the tensioner was at its limit, but when checked both old and new chain were exactly the same length, and yes it was a different chain type, so I assumed the problem was not a worn chain but a bendy tensioner.
Didn't do the sprockets as it had only done 10000miles. Didn't know they were made by a different manufacturer.
As all is running well and I really don't want to strip it down again, I'm tempted to leave it alone and check the tensioner for more movement till next winter. It was a pain in the backside getting the cams to line up with the crank last time. yep got the cam tool, still not that easy to do when fighting the valve springs.
The desmo gear on the Ducati is easier (no valve springs :) just tiny shims)

Pete
 
hear what your saying.
It was a pain in the backside getting the cams to line up with the crank last time. yep got the cam tool, still not that easy to do when fighting the valve springs.
The desmo gear on the Ducati is easier (no valve springs :) just tiny shims)

Pete

Yes it is a pain, I did mine 180 degrees out....... so the sprocket marks are on the outside, heaps less valve spring tension and easier to reassemble.
 
I have not done a stock set up in a while as I have slotted gears and dial mine up everytime now. That and I have a modified guide and tensioner. My design Keep a eye on her as you do not want it to kick back and mash you valves against the pistons. This can suck very much.
Do you still have the part number for the tensioner blade you put in it?
 
Last edited:
I have not done a stock set up in a while as I have slotted gears and dial mine up everytime now. That and I have a modified guide and tensioner. My design Keep a eye on her as you do not want it to kick back and mash you valves against the pistons. This can suck very much.
Do you still have the part number for the tensioner blade you put in it?

No I don't I got the blades as a kit the number on the web site is a company generic number PFKL1197927 don't know if this bears any resemblance to the triumph number. Like your idea for an anti kick back stud: Run a adjustable stud down the centre and have it just off the auto setting point. will have a go at making something like that myself.

Thank for the help, will get an order in for a tensioner to play with now too.

Pete
 
No I don't I got the blades as a kit the number on the web site is a company generic number PFKL1197927 don't know if this bears any resemblance to the triumph number. Like your idea for an anti kick back stud: Run a adjustable stud down the centre and have it just off the auto setting point. will have a go at making something like that myself.

Thank for the help, will get an order in for a tensioner to play with now too.

Pete

just talked to the supplier and I have the right bits for my engine :)
 
Back
Top