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Another cam chain tensioner question

2K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  rsawkins 
#1 ·
I have a 2004 750 Brutale and it recomends replacing the cam chain tensioner at 36000klms. What actually wears out in these, I have read all the posts on this web site and understand about the ones that were replaced under warranty. On the 750's it appears to me the only thing that would need replacing is the spring which could loose its tennsion from the engine heat, would it be possible to remove the large bolt in the middle of the tensioner and replace the spring, saving all the work removing the tank and rocker cover.

Graeme.
 
#3 ·
Donsy is 100% correct, do it right, your bike is ten years old, replace the part, trying to be cheap will cost you a great deal of money if it let's go.

JimboF4
 
#6 ·
The one in my 2004 750 Brutale lasted 8.5 years and 97000km.... When the tensioner stops doing it's job properly you will hear a VERY different noise from the engine. After that the chain gradually eats the chain guides and then snaps. I'm pretty sure MV never tested the engines or anything else much past 36000km and that's why everything is listed to be replaced at that point.
 
#7 ·
I don't know if I'm putting you in trouble but as far I understand you keep a history log for your bikes, I would really like to see a post - if you haven't done it yet, with your experience from your Brutale after all those Kms.

thanks in advance
 
#10 ·
I replaced the cam chain tensioner the other day, the bike has travelled 37000 klms as you can see from the pictures the only problem seems to be the little spring that operates the pawl on the extension arm, the internal tension spring seems to have the same tension as the new one, I have not moved the the arm since I pulled it out so you could assume the cam chain is still in good condition. While I had the rocker cover off I checked the valve clearance and that was all in the tolerance specified in the manual. The tank was off so I decided to replace the plastic fuel line fitting on the tank, with the metal ones, these were purchased from Trooper Lu's in Sydney. I would like to thank members on this site for there posts and information regarding these jobs undertaken.
 

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#11 ·
Nice contribution Cemoto2!

If that spring were to completely eject from the tensioner, that would be one sizeable hunk of metal (spring steel no less) in a place where no hunk-o-metal should be floating around.

With that spring in that position, does the tensioner lock into place and no longer extend to keep proper tension?
 
#13 ·
I am becoming a bit of an expert on this as I am now on my 3rd CCT in 40,000km.
The first 2 were standard Brutale i.e. The original style with a checkered history of breakages. I replaced the first one due to the spring poking out the top , like the pics posted. The spring length and hole depth makes it unlikely that the spring can come out, but it certainly looks crap and scary.
The plunger was jammed and not working in either direction.
The second one jammed up solid too. Examination of both of the old tensioners would seem to indicate that the alloy body wears enough to make a ridge, which allows the steel plunger to jam. It would seem that twisting the plunger makes it jam too.
I have now fitted an F4 tensioner and I am watching and listening intently.
I carefully checked all dimensions between the two, and can confirm that the spring, inner rod, plunger and body dimensions are the same. The only difference is the extra metal around the ratchet. I cannot work out why they come with 2 outside bolts as they measure up the same, I can only assume it is to match the engine case colour.

I am considering boring the body and fitting a bronze bush... What do the engineers amongst you think?
Btw, I don't seem to hear of many other failures, so I am trying to establish what is unique about my motor that is causing this to happen. The chain is not stretched, sprockets are in good condition. I do not have access to a camera, so I haven't been able to check out the tensioner blades for wear yet.
 
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