How do I know if my cam chain tensioner went out? : Yamaha R6 Forum: R6MessageNet : YZF-R6 Forums

SteveR1 · 08-11-2008, 07:01 PM

So I'm riding the other day and my bike starts making this loud clanking/ rattling noise that in my estimation is coming from the top end. It's an 06 with 5,000 miles btw. So I'm assuming I've spun a bearing as this seems to be a common thing to this bike but I take it to two different dealers and they both say it's coming from the top end as well and it sounds like something is slapping around in there. My guess was the tct so I pull it out today and it appears to be fine but the service manual doesn't exactly go into much detail on how to check it. When it started making this loud ass knocking/rattling noise no idiot lights came on on the gauges, no smoke, no coughing or sputtering like if I had bent a valve, starts and idles fines, still had power. Thoughts??? Any help would be immensely appreciated as I have a track day coming up in three weeks if I need a new motor I need to get looking!

SteveR1 · 08-12-2008, 09:59 AM

Anyone?!?!?!?!?

Yum2001 · 08-12-2008, 04:49 PM

Yes it is realy easy to hear.. Its a slow clanking in the engine. I just helped my buddy replace on one his honda. Stock they come with automatic cam chain tensioners which go bad after awhile usually with higher mileage. Also with everything u said with having power and no smoke or adverse performance only sound it def sounds like that. Its more annoyihng if anything. When you replace it dont get another automatic chain tensioner unless u want to spend alot of money. You can get a manual one for like 30 bucks or less. All it is is a blot that goeds down the hole and puts pressure on your cam chain to make it not rattle and not be as loose. It has 2 lock nuts above that when u get into place. Anyway remove the old one install the manual tensionaer make sure u put gasket sealant on the new gasket that comes with it bold it in and then turn the engine on and let it make that noise. turn the tension and tighten it till you do not here the knocking anymore then back it off a quarter turn and thighten the lock nuts. Thats the easy way to do it.

SteveR1 · 08-13-2008, 10:08 AM

I already ordered the stock auto one unfortunately. Still waiting on it to arrive I wish there was someone on here that changed one in an 06 before, they have this crazy gate that holds it down when you install in. Then according to the service manual you bump the motor over a couple times and it knocks the gate down and the tensioner comes out....never seen something like this and it seeems like there's a real good possibility of jumping time with a design like that.

Yum2001 · 08-13-2008, 04:59 PM

You didnt take off the crankcase cover did u? Hopefully you just took off the tensioner. I just read the manual and yeah put the tensioner together correctly if it didnt come like that already install gasket and 2 bolts and then crank it over for .5-1 sec and it should pop out. It did state

NOTE:
If the engine is not disassembled, start the engine
and check for any abnormal noise. If any
abnormal noise is heard, reinstall the timing
chain tensioner.

soooo. If you didnt take off anything besides tensioner just listen for sound to go away and then your golden. Didnt say anything bout retiming. If you have to take the cover off and mess with things then yes you would have to possibly.

Blue00R6 · 08-13-2008, 10:28 PM

dont start your motor without your tensioner at least being close! your gears are gonna skip and you'll have issues

MELK-MAN · 08-14-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue00R6

dont start your motor without your tensioner at least being close! your gears are gonna skip and you'll have issues

no doubt. THis is a disaster waiting to happen if you are not careful. Be very careful not to bump the starter or move the bike around much as if the cam chain falls off the bottom crank gear you will jump time. A stock CCT should be just fine for street use. yes, it has a gate that will need set before you install. Not so sure sealant is required but check the manual. I use manual ones on race motors but even they require attention so they do not get too loose or too tight.

sradjoe · 08-15-2008, 11:59 AM

I think oem is best. The automatic tensioners for street applications are just fine. My R6 went 15000 miles and it was still good. I replaced my cam chain and my noise went away. I know you only have 5000 on yours, but I wouldnt overlook a worn out cam chain. Good Luck!

Blue00R6 · 08-17-2008, 05:06 PM

i much prefer manual tensioners.. if you havent taken the stock one out yet, you can keep the tensioner at its current position by sticking a very thin flatblade into it and then letting it set in one of the notches.. take it out and then get the new one about the same length, hold it in place and put it in until theres pressure on it from the guide.. then turn it in very small amounts until noise goes away