cam chain tensioner replacement on a 3rd gen

[MagnaMan]

Well Mootsters chances are very good that I have a failed cam tensioner.

This diagnoses comes from Charles Luttrel and Dave Dodge who have both listened to a recording I made from the front of my engine. In fact Dave just fixed a bike two weeks ago with the very same problem. So he's got a recent ear for it. He says the front ones are the ones that fail most often because they are designed differently than the rear.

Based upon some info from Charles, Dave, and Kerry there's a few things I'll need to do:

1. Pull the valve covers to check for wear to the head, the chain and chain guides. While I'm there I'll check the valve adjustment.
2. Make sure the cam chain did not jump a gear so the engine timing is still accurate (per Dave).
3. Drop the oil pan down to check for metal shavings, and clean if necessary.
4. Make the cam tensioner stop tool and install the new tensioner on the front.
5. Possibly clean up the tensioner on the rear since Dave says they don't always drain oil well and tend to stick.
6. Do a compression test to make sure the valves have not been bent (per Dave).

This is some pretty extensive work for me. I've done similar work on cars but always with someone else's help. I was wondering if any coastal region mootsters are interested in helping and/or have some experience with this.  Because I'm not sure what parts may be worn, I plan to take the valve covers off on one weekend, inspect everything and make a list and order the parts I need. Then assemble it on a weekend after I receive the parts.

Or... I just may take it to the dealer. ha ha.

Is anyone up for it?

[bambam]

If you need some help I am in , If you have the instructions I guess we can make it work. Let me know if any special tools are needed, I have an air compressor and air tool that can help sometimes.

Give me a call to set the day and time

[Gloveberg]

Jesse, I sent you an e-mail on the MOOT listserver regarding the tensioner.  It has my number on if you need to talk to me.

Really, the tensioner is no big deal.  I have replaced 2 of them and never opened the heads, checked valves nor done a compression check.  My bike runs like a champ at 65k miles and I would not hesitate one millisecond to take it cross country tomorrow.

Let me know if you need anything.

[MagnaMan]

Just a quick update for those who are following the events. Since I've had my possible cam chain tensioner "knock" for about 4,000 miles, I decided to do a little extra inspection before replacing the tensioner.

Compression test:
Everything looked OK. 185 to 190 on all cylinders, so no valve damage.

Getting the compression gauge in the front two cylinders was dang tricky. I don't want to ever have to do that again.

Changed the oil:
1. Drained it into a glass bowl and gave it good sifting with a magnet. No magnetic particles.
2. For non-magnetic particles, I ran my fingers through the oil and felt just a few very very fine pieces of something. I know there's always some wear on an engine so I don't think it was anything to be alarmed about. Plus I'll change my oil and filter again after putting in the new tensioner and running it a few miles. I don't have any plans to drop the oil pan as of now.

Pulled the front valve cover:
1. Inspected the cam chain. Looks good.
2. Pulled the chain guide and it looks good as well. However I can see there is very little tolerance between the chain and the guide. If the chain gets very loose I see how it could start slapping away at the silicone or teflon lining in the guide.
3. Timing marks on the cams appear to line up... somewhat.  The exhaust gear could line up a little better. I used the straight edge of a carpentry square to run down the cylinder head and right up to the cam gears. The exhaust is not exactly in line as the book says it should be, but the intake gear is right on.  I'll double check it again before closing everything up to make sure the exhaust gear is not off by one tooth. Then again, it just may be because I had a long week at work.


I'm ordering the cam tensioner and a few other odds and ends tomorrow. I'll double-check the timing marks again too. I don't think there's anything to be concerned about, but I have heard of cars jumping a tooth when their timing chain/belt tensioners went bad.

While I've got the cover off I'll check the valve clearance just for the heck of it too.

[John Luttrell]

It hasn't jumped time.....................

[MagnaMan]

Thanks, John.

John Faubion gave me some good calculations that put my mind at ease. I'm going to check valve clearance just because I have it open and then close her up. If it still makes the noise after I replace the tensioner then I'm just going to shut up and ride.

[roboto65]

I am afraid that if you stop worrying about your bike she might get mad and then whos know what hehehehehehehe  

[MagnaMan]

I am afraid that if you stop worrying about your bike she might get mad and then whos know what hehehehehehehe  

Well I am giving her Royal Purple. What more could she ask for? he he.

[roboto65]

She has nothing to complain about she is getting the best Fluids by far hehehehehehehe    

[Herman]

MagnaMan, where did you order your tensioner from?  I have knock, and I'm going to start by replacing the tensioner.

[Magnum Magna]

I recall on a chat there is some kind of a Honda recall for knocking.  Is it possible it could be related to a Honda recall?   I believe if it has been done there is to be some kind a dimple impression near the serial number. From what I understand the knocking is more often if it is leaning to the right (starboard)

[MagnaMan]

The knock is an oiling issue on the 1994 Magnas only. It was fixed in subsequent years. If the dealership has performed the fix on a 94 it will have an indentation next to the VIN.

I got my tensioner from hondaparts-direct.com for about $52. It comes with the tensioner tool so you don't need to make one. Don't forget the little gasket.

The tensioner, however, did not fix my knock.  My knock may be something more serious... or not.  I've also heard from one 2003 Magna owner who's had a knock since he owned the bike and has had no problems.

Gloveberg here on the forums has replaced two tensioners (over the course of 60,000 miles) and said it is more of a loud rattle. So unless you have a loud rattling sound it may not be your tensioner.  How many miles do you have on your bike? And do you think it sounds like a rattle?

[Herman]

I'm at about 12,500 miles (got it with just under 4K June of 05.  Not too shabby for a 97) and it is definitely a knock.  I got a mechanics stethoscope from Sears and it seems to be loudest at the right, rear cylinder, where the carb boot connects.  I hope it's not the cylinder slapping on a valve or something.