Cam Chain noise resolved

[Ed Mackessy]

A few weeks ago I wrote in with a cam chain noise question.
I want to report that I think I fixed it. Both tensioners checked out OK however, when extended they seemed quite weak. I took them apart and the springs were fine. I added a couple of turns of pre-load before re-assembly and the top end noises went away.

I just wanted to pass this info along, and say thank you to all the people who responded to my question.

[Greg Cothern]

Ed thanks for the information on the fix.  I have long thought but been uneducated enough to be confident to suggest it.  I am glad you gave us your solution.
So we need a bit more initial spring tension and overall tension.

[Ed Mackessy]

Hi Greg,
Yup, I think this did the trick. I've had the bike out 3 or 4 times on short rides and have not heard the noise.

I will report back after a long run and let you know.

I am not sure what the extra tension will do to the bike in the long run, but, thank God the noise is gone.

Ed.

[Slydynbye]

Could you adjust the tensioner without taking it out?
Also which generation Magna are you talking about here.

Sly

[Ed Mackessy]

Hi Sly,

You have to remove the tensioners and take them apart to adjust the pre-load.

I am riding a 2003 VF750C 3rd generation Magna.

The tensioners are held together with a snap ring and disassemble when you pop the snap ring off the housing with a small screwdriver. Underneath the snap ring is a retainer plate that slides up out of the locating slots. The end of the tensioner then screws off and you can inspect the spring inside. Be sure you have the 8mm bolt out of the top of the tensioner housing.

To pre-load the tensioner, use a small screwdriver and with the spring   and the correct half of the tensioner shaft in the housing, turn it clockwise two full turns. Now you have to hold the screwdriver while you re-assemble the tensioner.( an extra set of hand is very helpful to hold the screwdriver and housing while you re-assemble)

I made the two "keys" required to re-install the tensioners out of .040 aluminum shim stock that I got at the hardware store.

If you have any other questions, I'll try to help out.
It's not that hard, and it really stopped the top end noise on my bike.
I don't know what the long term effects are on the motor, so proceed at your own risk.

[roboto65]

This is great Info maybe solve a bunch of peoples noise issues Thanks for digging deeper in to the problem and fixing it we hope!!!!