manual camchain tensioner fitment guide

[brooker81]

Two more on eBay now ! Well 1 more in a second

[bigfootpete]

How long is the OEM designed to last?

[nick crisp]

It's a case of you can't wait around to find out. Check further back in this thread, there's an example of one failing at a mere 25k miles, resulting in bent valves. Apparently on the OEM ones, the springs fail.

[VNA]

How long is the OEM designed to last?

Dunno.  But until I'd seen this thread I hadn't been aware that there was a tensioner issue.
I thought many bikes had done over 100,000 miles - I assume on the OE tensioner, some over 200,000 miles?

Presumably this is the same tensioner fitted to the R1, R6 etc for years.

I do like the idea of a manual tensioner - so simple.  But why did Yamaha fit an auto tensioner?  Are there reasons why the tension needs to vary in day to day running?

Also how do we know exactly how much tension to apply to the manual unit?

Curious.  Might replace mine, but I'm in no rush.  Not sure it's the right move.

[PieEater]

I thought many bikes had done over 100,000 miles - I assume on the OE tensioner, some over 200,000 miles?

My guess is that failure will be age related rather than mileage related. The spring in the tensioner will be applying the same pressure regardless of whether the bike is being used or not. I just had the spring go on one of my passenger footpegs, and then read this thread and thought if I'd just had one spring go on the bike ..........

But why did Yamaha fit an auto tensioner?  Are there reasons why the tension needs to vary in day to day running?

As you know chains stretch from new, an auto tensioner will remove the necessity for a service item which may get overlooked on the first few services leading to warranty claims. Once a chain has done a few thousand miles it will stop stretching as much so adjustment becomes less of an issue, you're looking at thousands of miles not day to day.

Also how do we know exactly how much tension to apply to the manual unit?

I've just fitted mine, and this part wasn't that straightforward, I think I got it right but might ask a mechanic to double check. when you're tightening the tensioner you can feel when it starts applying pressure to the guide, with the engine running you then start to hear the rattles start to smooth out as you apply more pressure. You need to find the point where all the rattles have gone without applying any excess pressure on the guide, I found this part a little difficult especially with the fan running so I tried a few times and found where I thought the best setting was. Apparently if you overtighten you hear a whirring sound which I never got to hear so I assume all is good as the engine sounds as good as it did prior to replacing the tensioner.

[devilsyam]

pie i think ya looking to hard - as you tighten from the rattle you hear the rattle slowly quieten your listning for a sweet spot go to far and you can here a weering noise as too much pressure is being applied
its like in the vid rattle to 1/2-3/4 turn fan dont help granted nor did my clutch rattle lol

[VNA]

OK follow the logic.  Though there are lots and lots of such parts on a bike.

How many failures have we had on the forum? 

And how many miles have been clocked up with manual tensioners?

Anyway reminds me she's heading towards 29,000 miles now, been busy with other things, but I better get her in for a valve clearance check in the next few weeks.

[steve pring]

Whether to have one fitted or not?
I would always ask myself the question ..... has Mike had one fitted to his fazer?

[snapper]

I think this is more about prevention
£35 and half an hour of you time against the risk (all be it limited risk) of a big bang
as the expression goes "you pays your money you take the risk "

My bike has down nearly 21k now and to be honest I probably don't need it , but to me prevention is better than cure or repair

each to there own !

[VNA]

Mike has been quiet for a while, maybe he's off on an Ivanising world tour!

£35 and half an hour of you time against the risk (all be it limited risk) of a big bang

Yeah, while I follow the logic, I'm not 100% convinced.  Also this is a part off e-bay.  Not sure who made it.  Are the materials and the head 100% correct?

I do see a company called APE making em - http://yamahazone.biz/tensioners.html

And they say;

APE manual cam chain tensioners are designed to replace the automatic and hydraulic tensioners on high performance engines. The automatic adjusters can back out when the throttle is closed suddenly at high rpm. This allows the cams to go momentarely out of time, and can result in bent valves and/or serious engine damage. Hydraulic tensioners have a tendency to put too much tension on the chain guide under high rpm/high oil pressure conditions, resulting in premature wear.  Both problems can be eliminated with the installation of the APE manual tensioner. No mater what the engine does, the cam chain tension will remain constant. An APE manual cam chain tensioner is a must for any kind of performance riding.
APE manual tensioners are CNC machined from billet alloy to exact tolerances for perfect fit.

[devilsyam]

This attitude that you must do this or don't do unless such and such has done it bull crap
Everyone can make there own minds up
I've done it and I'm happy I did - I thought I'd share the experience
But one again I forgot about the keyboard hero's
It's a free world for now go enjoy it

[snapper]

"Everyone can make there own minds up" 

I agree if its something you want then great, no one is say its has to be done or your engine might/will blow up !
there is a risk but there's a risk you'll get hit by a bus , this is purely a personal choice and I would recommend anybody to make there own mind up and not follow the herd !

This is one of the down side of social media !

[VNA]

I've done it and I'm happy I did - I thought I'd share the experience

Indeed, and thanks for sharing.

First time I've heard of this.  I'm curious about it, but not in a hurry to make my mind up.

there is a risk but there's a risk you'll get hit by a bus

Yes, and there could be other risks with the manual tensioner.  I'll try and keep oot of the way of the buses whilst I decide to do something or do nothing.

[PieEater]

Also this is a part off e-bay.  Not sure who made it.  Are the materials and the head 100% correct?

I thought the quality was pretty good TBH and would have no issues recommending the unit if you were considering it.

[Ian-man]

I think a couple of people have fitted this now, did you bother setting the engine to TDC before swapping them or just go for as is.

[devilsyam]

i diddnt tdc is more important on single cylinders see my way at start of thread

[karlo]

I can't see how as long as your careful and the engine isn't turned that just changing the tensioner can cause any bother?

[PieEater]

I think a couple of people have fitted this now, did you bother setting the engine to TDC before swapping them or just go for as is.

i diddnt tdc is more important on single cylinders

+1

[Ian-man]

Thanks guys for the quick replies, I won't bother with the tdc then.

[snapper]

!  I won't bother with the tax then???

ah ? did i miss some thing ? tax ?