Tokyo Mods Cam Chain Tensioner

Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler
Edited Date/Time 5/17/2015 5:47pm
I just installed a new aftermarket camhaft and Tokyo Mods cam chain tensioner in my 2012 CRF450. Bike sat all winter with no gas, but she started right up on the 3rd kick and runs/ sounds good. I do notice a slight noise coming from the left side of the cylinder that sounds like a small loose metal washer rattling on a loose screw only when I rev the engine. It is is not loud nor alarming, but I do notice it. I am guesing that it is the change from the stock automatic tensioner that has constant tension to the manual chain tensioner that is causing this.


Has anyone else installed the Tokyo Mods chain tensioner and noticed increased noise when you rev the engine?


thanks,

mike
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brandon151
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brandon151 5/13/2015 9:10pm
5/13/2015 9:10pm
I have one for my 250 but havent installed it yet, going to before the weekend so ill chime back in, but I would think it would be the opposite if you have it tightened down all the way.
Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 5/14/2015 3:04am
5/14/2015 3:04am
I have tried the manual tensioners and have not liked them nor the additional wear that developed on the cam chains.
I would go back to the stock tensioner and a fresh cam chain.

Paw Paw
BD233
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BD233 5/14/2015 8:01am
5/14/2015 8:01am
I tried the TM tensioner....wears out cam chains like crazy. I went back to the stock one. I have tried the manual tensioner on my VFR800 as well with the same results. It does stop some of the rattle and such...but the constant pressure is rough on the chain....
Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 5/14/2015 9:09am
5/14/2015 9:09am
Actually, they are advertised to create less wear on the chain. I did an internet search before I purchased and did not hear many negatives.

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brandon151
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brandon151 5/14/2015 10:11am
5/14/2015 10:11am
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
Actually, they are advertised to create less wear on the chain. I did an internet search before I purchased and did not hear many negatives.
Yes, and their design would make more sense that it would cause less wear with the way the plunger part is shaped compared to the stock tensioners. You do have to check the tension often though ive heard so maybe people are getting that confused with excessive cam chain wear.
DPR250R
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DPR250R 5/14/2015 6:14pm
5/14/2015 6:14pm
What method did you use to tighten it?

I have had one on my 2005 for almost 8 years. Never had any odd noise.
Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 5/15/2015 2:53am
5/15/2015 2:53am
I followed the instructions that came with it to the letter and used a digital caliper to set the initial gap exactly as described. I set the gap betwen the housing and cylinder and then tightened the housing down as instructed,

I did it right after I installed the cam. Now that I ran it for 10 minnuutes, perhaps I should check it to see if the gap hasnt changed,
Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 5/15/2015 7:28am
5/15/2015 7:28am
Was a new cam chain in use?
Remember that the OEM cam chain tensioner is designed to work only to the service limits of the cam chain. I see too many folks try to use a manual tensioner when in fact the cam chain is worn beyond service limits and that only makes the chain wear faster.
Use a new cam chain and an OEM tensioner for the best results.

Paw Paw
Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 5/15/2015 11:45am
5/15/2015 11:45am
The bike is fairly new.. only 30 hours on it and excellent maintenance. It is no where near needing replacing.
Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 5/15/2015 12:16pm
5/15/2015 12:16pm
Refer to your service manual and I think it may tell you differently. Have you done the cam chain measurement to be sure?

Paw Paw
Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 5/15/2015 1:01pm
5/15/2015 1:01pm
Pawpaw,

neither the owners or service manual list the cam chain as needing replacement after X hours like a filter, spark plug, piston, etc. They only give service limits. I would be surprised if they recommend changing the cam chain about the same time as I change the tires Smile

They do recommend changing the drive chain and sprockets every 3 races though. Who does that? Smile
Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 5/15/2015 2:59pm
5/15/2015 2:59pm
So, have you measured your cam chain to see if it is still within the stated service limits?

Paw Paw
slipdog
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slipdog 5/15/2015 5:23pm
5/15/2015 5:23pm
I've used a manual on many race motors over the years with no problems. Have one on my 450 as well.
j368
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j368 5/15/2015 7:22pm
5/15/2015 7:22pm
Tokyo_Tiddler wrote:
I followed the instructions that came with it to the letter and used a digital caliper to set the initial gap exactly as described. I set...
I followed the instructions that came with it to the letter and used a digital caliper to set the initial gap exactly as described. I set the gap betwen the housing and cylinder and then tightened the housing down as instructed,

I did it right after I installed the cam. Now that I ran it for 10 minnuutes, perhaps I should check it to see if the gap hasnt changed,
Keep it set at 2mm. I've been using the TM tensioner on a few of my bikes, they work well. I do replace the cam chain whenever I do a top end since it's cheap, but that's just me.
Tokyo_Tiddler
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Tokyo_Tiddler 5/16/2015 2:57pm
5/16/2015 2:57pm
Update Guys.. nothing wrong whatsoever with the Tokyo Mods chain tensioner. I tried to figure this out all night.. I tried replacing it with the stock tensioner, looked all over for a bolt/ washer I might have left loose.. couldn't figure it out. Then I saw that the new RCS titanium shock spring that I just installed was just touching the exhaust pipe. You could not hear it on the right side/ exhaust side because of the sound of the exhaust, but the ringing sound was coming through the center of the bike, under the throttle body such that it seemed like it was coming from the cylinder where the timing chain is.

I got out the torch, heated up the titanium exhaust until is was glowing orange and hammered in a 2-1/2" long indent to make clearance for the fatter coils of the titanium shock spring. Reinstalled, started her up and the engine is nice and quiet. I reinstalled the Tokyo Mods chain tensioner. All is good!

mike
DPR250R
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DPR250R 5/17/2015 5:47pm
5/17/2015 5:47pm
Glad you got it sorted.

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