[DaBull]

Hi,

Quick question. Does anyone know how to properly, set, intall, the cam chain tension. All I did was pull it out using the 3 bolts, but not mess with the flat head screw in the inside, then just put it back in, securing it with teh 2 bolts. (installed a HotCams camshaft). But for some reason does not seem right. Should I screw it in, out? How do you knwo if your tension is correct?

[Asmith]

Hi,

Quick question. Does anyone know how to properly, set, intall, the cam chain tension. All I did was pull it out using the 3 bolts, but not mess with the flat head screw in the inside, then just put it back in, securing it with teh 2 bolts. (installed a HotCams camshaft). But for some reason does not seem right. Should I screw it in, out? How do you knwo if your tension is correct?

Hey Bull!

Typically the tensioner is not removed during the cam change. What you would do is turn the screw in the center "clockwise" and this will remove all tension. Most guys will do this and then put a pair of vice grips on the screwdriver to keep it in place and the tension off. Once the cam is reinstalled, the vice grips are removed and the screw is turned "counter clockwise" to restablish tension.

I am not sure if you must remove it and turn it clockwise and hold it there while reinstalling or if you can just turn it counter clockwise now.

Maybe somebody more knowing than I can help...

[madmax]

Yea, i always take mine off. The easiest way for me is to screw the 2 bolts about half way in, then take a small scewdriver and turn the inside screw clockwise. Hold the screwdriver with one hand and finish tighten the 2 bolts. Once they are tight, let the srewdriver turn back counterclockwise (it will turn by itself) and your done.

[crfsonly]

what they said with this addition. often times you can turn the tensioner out, retracted, all the way it will click into a locked position. if you carefully take it out it will stay in that position.

also you can always make the correct tool as shown in the honda shop manual.

good luck...ken

[124]

As everyone here said, although mine does not lock when completely turned out. Not sure on that one, but it doesn't matter. I always remove the tensioner completely. Either way, after reinstalling the tensioner assembly, remove the center bolt. Get a screwdriver small enough to turn the tensioner screw. Turn it all the way out, then pull the screwdriver out allowing the tensioner to freely spring against the cam chain. Done.

[DaBull]

Sorry, may be that I do not have enough caffine this AM yet, so Do I turn the screw all the way out and then it springs back in, or turn ot all the way in and it springs back out?

Thanks for all the responses.

[Asmith]

Sorry, may be that I do not have enough caffine this AM yet, so Do I turn the screw all the way out and then it springs back in, or turn ot all the way in and it springs back out?

Thanks for all the responses.

Yes, clockwise removes all tension. Reinstall while screw is all the way in. Then release screw so it can move counterclockwise and apply tension.

[madmax]

Best thing to do is take it off the bike again.

Then when you have it off turn the screw and you`ll see how it works. As you turn it to the right the shaft will shorten, as you let go the shaft will spring back out. You really don`t screw it in or out.

[crfsonly]

you can also replace it with a mechanical cam chain tensioner:

http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/product ... ts_id/2052



ken

[Tater chips]

i really like those...