cam chain tensioner

[danzigg]

does the tensioner wear out ? checked mine with the top off and it is ajusted all the way in . the cam chain moves a little on the cam sproket . not much but i can move it with my finger.
should i start with a new tensioner to see if it tighnens the chain up, or replace the cam chain to.
thanks for help .

[400exMO]

Cam chain tensioners can go bad. But in your case since the tensioner is all the way extended, the chain has stretched. Replace it before you ride. Do not want the timing to jump.

[danzigg]

Thanks...est on time to do it 2 hr job ?

[honda400ex2003]

yeah, maybe a bit more than that if you have never taken your clutch apart. the basket needs to come off so you can change the cam chain but it is no big deal. The head needs be taken apart too to get down to the cam and the bolts holding it on. then you can drop the chain down and slide the new one down and put it together. You will have to take the tensioner off too and there is a screw inside it to compress it all the way before it is put back in. bolt it all back together and do the tensioner last when putting it back together. The tensioner needs to be in all the way when bolting it down and then once it is tight to the cylinder you can release it and it will put tension back on the chain. I would check out your guides too while you are at it. they could be worn down too. They make a tool that makes the tensioner a breeze but you can only get it with a new tensioner. a small screwdriver will work. good luck steve.

[danzigg]

Thanks for the info..

[danzigg]

would that be a good time to replave clutch plates . its a 2000.
in dec i tore it down and bored it .20 over ..stock cam.

[honda400ex2003]

yeah if they are worn since you will have it apart anyway. I would do it. that is when I did mine. steve

[danzigg]

any gaskets i'll need?

[honda400ex2003]

you could need a clutch cover gasket and a head cover gasket if they tear when taking them off. You may get lucky and be able to use them again though. you should not need a head gasket unless you have to take your head completely off for something. but you should not have to. steve

[danzigg]

Thanks !!!!

[honda400ex2003]

no prob, good luck with it, steve