Here's a few cam chain tensioners I picked up from who knows where over I can't remember how long a periold. The four here don't include the two on the bikes. Three of these are '82 GS1100E cam chain tensioners, they are the aluminum ones. Notice how all the plastic tensioner knobs are cracked, they're plastic! The black one I'm not sure where it's from but at least it has a metal tensioner knob.
Now to tackle getting the leaking cam chain tensioner outta there from the motor. Anyone ever try this with carbs and air box installed? Well let me tell you it's a "little" tight, but it can be done, took me all of 15 minutes!, (any red you see is blood from the last time I did this) but it's putting it back in that's the PIA. Look, it's staring you in the face! I think the motorcycle was built around it! Those carb boot clamps screws are getting ready to be covered with skin, blood, and hair, not a pretty sight, I'll spare you from looking at the aftermath.
OK, once I got that out, now to take of the nut holding on the plastic knob. Man, what did they use to secure it with? I used a pair of vice grips on the knob and a 10mm socket. It was on so tight, I literally sheared the knob from the oblong fitting which is part of the knob that fits on the shaft. I do believe that cam chain tensioner is "toast!" Well, I got 4 more to play with, so I chose the one that looked the best, and didn't concern myself with replacing that seal anymore, since I'd probably break every knob on the others trying to get to it.
Here's the fun part! Putting it back in, here's a pic of the high tech tools in my arsenal that I'm using. Lucky me.
Well, that didn't take too long, only about 20 minutes. Fun getting both hands in that tight space. Luckily the bolts have phillips heads, and sometimes you can get a screwdriver to turn it. I took it for a leak test drive and it's too early to tell whether that one is going to hold a seal or not, but it look promising so far. Who knows, maybe three's the charm!
I hope!
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