Cam Chain Tensioner Protocols

Hey everyone just a quick question. Ive read all these posts about the cam chain tensioners, and I had a few questions for those of you that are more experienced. I have a 95 maxim-x 700. Are there differences between all thet different types of tensioners, I know there are automatic ones vs manual, but even between them... Also, what is the procedure to make sure its working correctly? I've read posts about rotating the engine and whatnot, but do you have to drain the oil when you remove the cover? Thanks

 

Do you think you bike has a failed or loose chain? Why are you wondering about the tensioner working? A good running bike should sound like a sewing machine when properly tuned.

If you could give is some information as to why you are looking at a issue to do with the chain tensioner might help us. Thanks

 

Which cover? You don't have to drain the oil unless you are removing clutch or gear selector covers. And even with the clutch cover the oil will flow to the gear lever side with the bike on the sidestand. With the cam cover removed and rotating the engine by hand there should be no looseness in the chain.

 

I'm not really sure which cover people are talking about when they say they are rotating the engine over. Are they removing a valve cover and spinning the cam, or a crankshaft cover and spinning the crank? If so, is the crank cover the brushes aluminum with the star pattern on it on the left hand side of the bike?

 

The crank cover is the round one on the gear lever side with the four screws. Underneath that are the crankshaft position pickups. You can put a 19mm spanner on the end of the crank and turn it anitclockwise. Remove the spark plugs so there is no compression and the cam cover. You can then inspect the cam chain top run as the engine is being turned. There should be no slack.

 

This is what you are looking for.

 

You have an automatic tensioner. No work needed, unless you remove the cam chain.

 

I should have been more specific, I am suspecting the tensioner because at idle, 1000rpm, I hear an intermittent -thunk- coming from the engine. It is very quiet compared to the exhaust and normal happy ticking sounds, but every few seconds if you are listening closely, you can hear a thunk, similar to the sound of a hammer hitting a plank of wood. Dad gave it a listen and said the sound sounds like a chain slapping somewhere. That along with it going away with throttle makes me think cam chain tensioner? From what I've gathered there's also something called a primary tensioner, but I am unsure of this. Hopefully someone can help me out here.

 

Does it ever happened without blipping the throttle? Might be your middle drive gear cams re engaging which is normal on the shaft driven bikes. My bike did the same and l was concerned until l found out what it was. What mileage has your bike done? Can you post a video for us to hear the noise? For the cam chain it would have to be excessively worn, and the alternator/starter chain guide would need to have broken up and that would cause gear selection issues. Then again if it's happening every few seconds might not be the middle drive gear. It's the hammer hitting the wood description that makes me think it could be that.

 

It only happens when idling, blipping the throttle causes me to not hear it anymore. Bike has 8k miles on it. The only thing else I know is back when the bike was only running on three cylinders, it would make the same noise it does now, but much louder.

 

Ok so at 8k it cannot be cam chain or alternator/starter chain with mileage as low as that. Can you post a video of the machine idling? Have you got a Haynes manual for the bike?

 

I read somewhere that these days, it might be a age think for the guides, not the miles on the bike. I don't have a Haynes Manual but I'll post a video of it running when I get done with a ride later on today.

 

Yes the alternator/starter chain guide breaks up with age. I haven't heard of cam chain guides failing with age to date.