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Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:51 pm
by stug
Just fitted a new tensioner and want to check I have done it properly before I carry on with rebuilding the rest.
After fitting the new tensioner I pulled out the piece of wire holding the tensioner in the closed position.
The tensioner only moved possibly 1 click.
Is this right?
I have turned the engine over by hand and everything looks fine but am just a bit paranoid.
I thought it might have moved quite a few clicks.
Anybody done anything similar and does this sound right?
Cheers
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:59 pm
by cargo
I'm surprised you were able to by a new tensioner of that type.
And yes sounds like you've got it right...............
there's a thread or two on this subject use the search
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:17 pm
by stug
Thanks.
The local Kawa dealer ordered one up and it arrived inside 3 days.
It was fairly cheap as well at £26
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:01 am
by U_h0rnet5

Where did you get you cam tensioner from???? The places I called wanted to charge me like £60!!!!!
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:13 am
by cargo
This £26 tensioner would appear to be the older style tensioner with the little bolt on the side that alows access to put a bit of wire in when resetting it.
Mr Kawasaki in his infinate wisdom replaced it with a different improved ? version.
I know the newer version is easier to reset ( or least it is for me) as I've worked with both..................
They are so far as I can tell interchangable.
To be honest I really was surprised to know that the old style could still be bought...............is the new version any better? I don't know but once they changed to it it stayed the same for a very long time.
I've seen broken ones but never seen a one that was worn and unusable...............
A case of you pays yer money and you takes yer choice ?
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:53 am
by stug
This is the first time I have used a tensioner like this and I think I prefer the newer types where you bolt them up tight and then put in the spring and bolt.
To me there just doesn't seem to be a lot of force on the tensioner blade, but I suppose thats the way its supposed to be.
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:17 pm
by U_h0rnet5
Orite clever, In my track bike its the newer one I think as to reset it you have to take it out again because of the little catch!
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:22 pm
by cargo
U_h0rnet5 wrote:Orite clever, In my track bike its the newer one I think as to reset it you have to take it out again because of the little catch!
And your point is ?
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:14 pm
by stug
Any tensioner to reset must be completely removed, reset then put back on, then bolt and spring put in
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:45 pm
by Smeagel13
Well, my tensioner is knackered, I've had a quick look round but can't seem to find and replacements... Anyone know where I can get one, preferably a new one, and how much should I be looking at?
Cheers

Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:50 pm
by extonyg
you can get a new one from cradleys i got a quote of £60.22 + vat today.so im guessing this is the newer style, they didnt give me an option so i dont no if they have stopped selling the older type now.
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:57 pm
by Smeagel13
£60!!! you've gotta be kidding me ... i'm to blame for busting it, I rushed

damn!
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 8:07 pm
by Smeagel13
Here's a thought, some guy's selling a zx636 tensioner for £10... Do you think it would work? Looks like it would do the job...
Or any others known to work?
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 8:22 pm
by cargo
NO
Re: Cam chain tensioner
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 8:47 pm
by Smeagel13
cargo wrote:NO
Looks like that plans out the window then
