Cam chain tensioner ?

[CB900SS]

I was reading my FSM and came to the part about the cam chain tensioner... Well it concerned me because I removed my tensioner to replace the gasket and just bolted it back in place. I figured the adjustments were set and I shouldn't mess with them, feeling the tension between the cams showed the chain was plenty tight.

Should I re-set the tensioner? Thanks.

[doctorgonzo]

There should be a procedure in the manual for re-setting it.

[Nessism]

If you pull the tensioner out of the engine without setting the locknut, the plunger will spring out to full stroke (assuming your tensioner is functioning properly that is). When reinstalling the tensioner it will be overly extended and the cam chain will be too tight. I suggest you pull the tensioner back out and push the plunger in and set the locknut. After you install the tensioner you can release the locknut and the plunger will spring out to the proper tension.

[CB900SS]

I will have to look in the fsm further tomorrow, I saw the procedure for taking it apart and checking it for proper function. But not for its setting.

Thanks.

[chef1366]

Loosen the lock nut and tighten the lock screw on the side. Pull the tensioner. Loosen the lock screw and push in the piston and turn the knurly knob at the same time till it takes it in the whole way in. Tighten the lock screw now. Install the tensioner and unscrew the lock screw about a 1/4 turn and you'll hear a POP. Tighten the lock nut while holding the screw to keep it a 1/4 turn out so the spring will keep tension on the piston and the chain.

[Larry D]

Perhaps this will help. It's a tutorial for rebuilding the cam chain tensioner from bwringer.

http://www.bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

[rapidray]

Take the stock tensioner & throw it in the trash. Then call APE & order a manual tensioner & you will never look back! Ray.

[doctorgonzo]

Take the stock tensioner & throw it in the trash. Then call APE & order a manual tensioner & you will never look back! Ray.

Damn I want one, but they don't make them for the 1000 only the 1100 (as is true of most of their stuff). I understand it, it's a much more popular bike to build out, but still sucks.

[Astroman]

does the knob goes all the way in when you lose the screw?

[Big T]

I will have to look in the fsm further tomorrow, I saw the procedure for taking it apart and checking it for proper function. But not for its setting.

Thanks.

Take it out, take it apart and check it, clean it off, reoil and reinstall. It is over 25 years old and could use some TLC.

Many here don't like the stock tensioner, but more still have it functioning perfectly.

[CB900SS]

I guess the first thing I need to do is order another gasket for it.

Unfortunately my financial situation right now won't allow me to buy a manual tensioner, but thanks for the suggestions. The bike only has 8,xxx miles on it... But I guess its more about the age of it. I am sure servicing the stock tensioner would be a good idea, I just wish I would have thought about it when I had it out for the new gasket.

[CB900SS]

Loosen the lock nut and tighten the lock screw on the side. Pull the tensioner. Loosen the lock screw and push in the piston and turn the knurly knob at the same time till it takes it in the whole way in. Tighten the lock screw now. Install the tensioner and unscrew the lock screw about a 1/4 turn and you'll hear a POP. Tighten the lock nut while holding the screw to keep it a 1/4 turn out so the spring will keep tension on the piston and the chain.

After reading this I am even more concerned with what I have done.

Thanks, I see how to set it now.

[chef1366]

I bet that new gasket can be reused unless you super-glued it on.

[doctorgonzo]

I bet that new gasket can be reused unless you super-glued it on.

I was thinking the same thing, especially if it was slightly greased.

[CB900SS]

I can't remember if I used gaskacinch or not... I guess it all depends on how the gasket looks when I take it apart. Thanks again for the replies!