How to: Reset the Cam Chain Tensioner

How-to's related to the engine mechanicals, clutch and gearbox
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Drapheus
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How to: Reset the Cam Chain Tensioner
Do you have some rattles in your motor? Hear a clickity clack that doesn't satiate your eardrums? Your cam chain could be a little loose and slap-tastic. Why don't you try this method for making sure your cam chain tensioner is doing its job correctly.

1. Remove the timing plate cover.

2. Remove the tensioner cap bolt, washer, and spring. Set that aside. Keep it clean!

3. Remove the tensioner assembly. There are two bolts, one on top and bottom.

4. On the assembly, make sure the ratchet mechanism moves properly. Lift the little latch and press the piston all the way in, and then pull the piston out. That latch and teeth on the piston face DOWN.

5. Now, press the piston all the way in (retracted, not extended - just for clarification), and then put the tensioner assembly back on the engine using the two bolts. Tighten to 86 inch-pounds. You're supposed to use new gaskets and washers but that's up to your discretion, really. If they look old and busted, you know what to do. Don't slap it all together with failing gaskets just because you want to ride at the expense of oil squirting out of places you don't want it to squirt.

6. Gently insert the spring, followed by the washer and bolt. Tighten to 168 inch-pounds. The ratchet mechanism should extend a bit.

7. Take a wrench or socket and slowly turn the engine forward at the timing plate. Forward is counter clockwise. You should hear the tensioner clicking into place. Turn the engine over at least two times. You want to let the tensioner take up slack this way, and not abruptly by trying to start the engine. Throwing slack around that way could lead to disaster.

8. Put on timing plate cover, start up the bike!

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'92 XJ600 - 50k | '95 XJ600 - 5k

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