Cam Chain extenders, How concerned should we be?

[nomadnorm]

So, with this question, How concerned should we be? I haven't found any reference to checking the hydraulic cam chain tensioner in the manual. Aren't they supposed to last the life of the engine? What is this about buying extenders from third parties? Where is the engineer in Kawasaki when we need to talk to them about this. I bought this bike over others because of it's well engineered mechanics and low maintenance. I don't mind doing the maintenance but I hate surprises.

NomadNorm,
25K 2006 and very happy so far!

[Cajunrider]

Welcome to the forum nomadnorm. Sorry I can't answer your question. I have an `07 with 6,700 miles. I'm sure one of the experts will let you know something soon though. Did you introduce yourself in the introduction section?

[radco]

Norm WELCOME to the group.. It is talked about alot.. ,,Not all Nomads need them but if I remember right some do at arount 50k!! YOU will get a answer from the GEAR heads here soon!!! also try the search box,,Im know there are some threads on it.. ALSO go to Gadgets Page,, everything you want to know about Nomads and the repairs,,
Heres some info...
http://www.gadgetjq.com/cc_tensioner.htm
http://www.gadgetjq.com/gadgetsfixitpage.htm

Rich

[ringadingh]

I have over 53,000 miles so far and havn't had to install them yet. Although I do have a pair in stock for when the time comes. Some have installed them rather early and others get quite a few miles on the engines before they are required.

[audiogooroo]

I put the extenders in at around 31,000. Really easy to install and very inexpensive. Not all Nomads need them, but reading Gadget's page will tell you what to listen for and how to determine if you do need them. It's really not a big deal at all.

[macmac]

So far I haven't come to apx 30,000 miles owning a Nomad. The first one was stlen with apx 22,000 on it.

In my opinion, it would be prudent to check this starting at apx 30,000, and every 5,000 miles thereafter.

The check seems simple enough to me. With either mechanics stethascope, or a longer 3/8" socket extension, you can place it near the chain gallery and or near the spark plug tube, and rev the engine a bit.

If you hear the chain clatter on the tube you know it is time to do something about getting extenders, before the chain eats thru the tube.


Maybe listening to these areas BEFORE the chain hits the first time would give something to compare too, but I should think the rattling sounds would be distinct.

With either listening device, be sure to stay clear of any moving parts.. The Nomad has very few, but still no one wants to drive a steel rod right thru their head.

For grins you can listen to the water pump, and the chain adjusters. On a lift you can listen to the bevel gear, and it bearings..

Anything you can make move can be listened too this way. I use both of these methods to give me info on alt bearings and water pumps any time I suspect a problem.

[dantama]

I'm not to clear on this subject, so speak up those in the know.

I thought all the 1500's needed them eventually. Mine wore through the spark plug tube near 60,00 miles.

I heard a lot of talk about extenders when all Nomads were 1500's. And to answer the original posters question about 3rd parties, the part is basically a round shim. Think a stack of washers, but solid. Hard to build wrong, no moving parts. Kawasaki of Canada used to sell them through the dealers, they might still do it? We do have Canadian members here.

When the 1600's came out, all the talk about extenders died off. I haven't gotten a clear answer (that I remember) on if the 1600 engines need extenders, and if they do...do they need them at about the same mileage?

[dogdoc]

GOOD question Dan, as thats my question too. I own a '05 1600 and would like to know from somebody that knows for sure. Thx in advance.

Dennis

[macmac]

I don't know for sure on 1600's myself.. I think the design is the same though...

[zoom45]

I have 60,000 on my 1500 and haven't heard any noises yet. I still wonder if I should go ahead and install them anyway.
Zoom45

[gv550]

I have a 2005 1600 Nomad. At 35k miles my tensioner rod was 5.5 mm below the tensioner body, which only leaves 4 mm of available travel left (total travel is 18 mm). I added the extenders and they brought the rod 2 mm above the body (the Kawasaki extenders add 7 mm). At 55k the rods were still 2 mm above. At 75k they were .5 mm above. At 133k they were 1.4 mm below.
I have not checked them recently but if the chain keeps stretching at the same rate I will run out of tensioner travel at 350,000 miles. I have removed the spark plug tunnels and the chain has never hit, and I've never heard any noise from that area.
I'm new here and don't want to come across as a know-it-all but here is my $.02 advice..............install the extenders as soon as you have room to do so. If the rod is flush with or below the body there is room, adding them now will compress the spring further and apply more tension to the chain to prevent any slapping and the chain will last longer, IMHO. Waiting until you hear the chain sawing away at the tunnel is too late, the chain is already stretched and the valve timing will be affected, again IMHO.

Garry

[gv550]

To answer a few points in nomadnorm's original post.
The cam chain tensioners are not hydraulic, they are mechanical with springs and a ratchet pawl.
You do not "have" to go to a third party to buy any parts, Kawasaki has engineered the proper extenders, sold in original Kawasaki packaging for about $7 and have been available for many years from Kawasaki dealers EXCEPT in USA. A good friend of mine bought some in Canada several years ago and brought them across the line and a few guys made copies and began selling them in USA.
With 25k on your 2006, I don't think you have anything to be concerned about, but I'll bet you do have room for the extenders and I would put them in soon if it were mine.

Garry

[dank]

So as I read this, you had 4mm left at 35K miles. Between then and 135 K miles you used 3.4mm. So you actually could have waited until 135 K miles or so to add the extenders. Is that correct?

[gv550]

In theory, yes.
In real life I believe the chain will last longer (stretch less) if it has more tension, to prevent slapping and shock loads. As the tensioner extends the spring force decreases, so adding the extenders early will restore the tension.
At 133k my chains were nowhere close to hitting the tunnels, and I think without the extenders being installed at an early stage they would have stretched more. I know of numerous cases where the chains hit the tunnels at lower mileage than mine, without extenders.
There are many other variables that affect chain life as well, such as oil quality, cold start-ups, engine speed, etc.

Garry

[zoom45]

Where can I buy the extenders? Are they the same for the 1500 and 1600?
Zoom45