Please Explain Cam Chain Tensioners

signal40 · 03-29-2013, 03:34 PM

I'm new to this topic and see a lot of people talking about it. My 07 Nomad has about 22k on the clock and I feel like it's noisy. Especially at an idle. Could this be the cam chains? Are the something that has to me manually adjusted? I see people talking about how many "clicks" they have left. Would someone please take my hand and walk me through the process of how to recognize a problem and make adjustments if necessary?

Thanks!

cactusjack · 03-29-2013, 03:40 PM

Read this link: http://www.gadgetjq.com/cc_tensioner.htm

22k is a little early for cam chain tensioners. There are a few different things that make these engines noisy besides the cam chains. The idle control solenoids under the right side air intake cover make a loud "clacking" sound. Some of these engines "ping" like crazy, too. Plus, they are fairly noisy even in good shape with no mechanical issues.

redjay · 03-29-2013, 04:04 PM

The cam chain adjustment is done automatically. The clicks people refer to are the teeth on the adjustment pawl that is pushed onto the cam chain slipper that tensions the cam chain. When there is no adjustment left an extender can be put on the adjustment mechanism. The extenders are sold by Chuckster on the forum.

**MAS Tequila** · 03-29-2013, 04:12 PM

MaKaw does not sell an extender for the tensioners here in the USA.

They would rather you lay out $800-$1000 for new cam chains.

However you can buy the extender in Canada.

So many years ago an enterprising VROCer (Tim 'Snake' Acree), who is no longer with us, began supplying extenders to those who needed them. Now it Joe 'Chuckster' Norris who supplies them.

MT

**cnc** · 03-29-2013, 04:43 PM

A quick way to see if the cam chains are the source of the noise, is unscrew the spark plug tubes and look for rubbing marks. This is what the chain (s) will rub on and eventually rub a hole through if they are stretched beyond the capacity of the tensioners.

03-29-2013, 03:34 PM	#1
signal40 Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Greenfield, IN Posts: 87	Please Explain Cam Chain Tensioners I'm new to this topic and see a lot of people talking about it. My 07 Nomad has about 22k on the clock and I feel like it's noisy. Especially at an idle. Could this be the cam chains? Are the something that has to me manually adjusted? I see people talking about how many "clicks" they have left. Would someone please take my hand and walk me through the process of how to recognize a problem and make adjustments if necessary? Thanks! __________________ Jason Myer VBA #02221 Myer's Music DJ & Sound "Raising music & sound to a whole new decibel..." http://www.myersmusicdjandsound.com Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-29-2013, 03:40 PM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Read this link: http://www.gadgetjq.com/cc_tensioner.htm 22k is a little early for cam chain tensioners. There are a few different things that make these engines noisy besides the cam chains. The idle control solenoids under the right side air intake cover make a loud "clacking" sound. Some of these engines "ping" like crazy, too. Plus, they are fairly noisy even in good shape with no mechanical issues. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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03-29-2013, 04:12 PM	#4
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	MaKaw does not sell an extender for the tensioners here in the USA. They would rather you lay out $800-$1000 for new cam chains. However you can buy the extender in Canada. So many years ago an enterprising VROCer (Tim 'Snake' Acree), who is no longer with us, began supplying extenders to those who needed them. Now it Joe 'Chuckster' Norris who supplies them. MT __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
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03-29-2013, 04:43 PM	#5
cnc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal QC Posts: 12,034	A quick way to see if the cam chains are the source of the noise, is unscrew the spark plug tubes and look for rubbing marks. This is what the chain (s) will rub on and eventually rub a hole through if they are stretched beyond the capacity of the tensioners. __________________ Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-29-2013, 04:04 PM	#3
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,930	The cam chain adjustment is done automatically. The clicks people refer to are the teeth on the adjustment pawl that is pushed onto the cam chain slipper that tensions the cam chain. When there is no adjustment left an extender can be put on the adjustment mechanism. The extenders are sold by Chuckster on the forum.
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