Front cam chain tensioner

[zoom45]

Do you have to remove the air duct and the carburetor to put the cam chain extender on the front cylinder (Nomad 1500 carbed)? ???If you have to take the carb off, how involved is that? Any gaskets that need to be replaced?

Zoom45

[audiogooroo]

Hey Zoom45,
You can do it with the original tube in place...but it is a bit of a pain. I found that there is just enought room if you wiggle the tube some and move it as much as possible. Not having huge club-like fingers (like mine) helps. :-/
I did it and I know many others who have as well. No doubt, if the crossover tube was removed for an after market intake, it's easier. But it is do-able.

[zoom45]

I thought you had to remove the carb to get the duct out of the way (from the right side). I also see a clamp on the carb and it looks like the tank would have to come off to get to the screw on the clamp. If all that doesn't have to disconnect it shouldn't be too bad of a job.
Zoom45

[audiogooroo]

Nah, you really don't have to take anything off except the air filters. The only way to remove the crossover tube is to cut it in half. It won't pull through the right side. It's really not a bad job.
Here's Snake's instruction from Gadgt's page:
http://www.gadgetjq.com/cc_tensioner.htm

[zoom45]

I did the rear one in no time. That one was easy. I still can't see how to get the tube out of the way to get to the front one. My tube covers the upper tensioner bolt up. I can't even get my fingers on it much less a tool. It looks to me if I could take the carb clamp off the right side and disconnect the plasic housing from it maybe it would push back enough so I could get to it. I disconnected the hose that is clamped over the tensioner and took the rod that bolts to both cylinders off. Do you have to twist the duct or something?
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...ndparts016.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...ndparts017.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...ndparts020.jpg

Zoom45

[audiogooroo]

Yeah, you definitely have to "persuade" it some. It can be done though.

[zoom45]

I guess it's going to take another beer or two and a long break for thought to get it done. LOL. The only way I can see to even get to the top bolt of the tensioner is to take a long 1/4 drive extension with a swivel allen wrench and reach over the top and that would still be difficult. Is that how you did it? I just can't get my fingers in there and that duct won't move enough.

[zoom45]

I finally got it done. I couldn't get to the top bolt with a flex extension so I just had to do it with a regular L shaped allen wrench. It' very tight. Luckily the bolt would screw in with one finger enough to get the allen wrench on it. Glad that's over. It does sound quieter too. Thanks for everyone's help!
Zoom45

[audiogooroo]

Aren't you glad that's behind you? :)
Yep, I just used a standard allen wrench too. Like I said, a real pain (especially after the rear jug is so easy) but it is do-able.
Way to go!

[zoom45]

My project tomorrow is to change the front shock oil. Looks easy.
Zoom45

[cndfireman]

Boy wish someone would do a youtube video on installing the chain tensioner extenders like they did for the exhaust would make me feel much more at ease seing it. I am very much a visual person!!

[cndfireman]

Will it affect anything if i replace just the rear tensioner extenders? I am not sure if the noise is from that or not so from the sounds of things the rear one is very easy to replace so was going to tackle the rear one and try it to see if it makes a diff. or not. Appreciate any feed back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Yellow Jacket]

Originally Posted by cndfireman

Will it affect anything if i replace just the rear tensioner extenders? I am not sure if the noise is from that or not so from the sounds of things the rear one is very easy to replace so was going to tackle the rear one and try it to see if it makes a diff. or not. Appreciate any feed back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before installing the extender you may want to check first to see if it's necessary. If the chains haven't stretched and you install the extender you may put way too much tension on the chains.

Too much tension could cause some expensive damage.

Here's how to check from Gadjets page:

http://www.gadgetjq.com/cc_tensioner.htm

[gmacdonald]

I removed the cam chain tensioner by loosening the air duct so it flopped around. I was unable to remove duct. looks like the injector assembly needs to be removed. I got around doing this by using an allen wrench with a ball end. I was then able insert wrench at an angle . Also put put allen bolt loosely in tensioner housing before putting it back on.There is not much room to re- install. If gasket gets damaged, use some high temp silicon gasket maker to prevent a leak.Hope this helps.