Triumphrat

jstark47 · 07-03-2007

(Apologies for a long post.)
I bought my Bonne new in July 2005 from "Dealer A". In March 2006, Dealer A's long-time service manager quit. Right after, Dealer A installed TORs and re-jetted (I already had the appointment.) This left the bike backfiring a lot. In May 2006, at 6K service, Dealer A checked and re-set the valve clearances for free, fearing the backfiring might have knocked the valves out of spec. (They also pulled the AI, which cleared up the backfiring.)

Roll forward to June 2007. Dealer A has had four service managers in 15 months. The only Triumph-trained mechanic has quit. I and others in my RAT pack have lost confidence in Dealer A. Bonne goes to "Dealer B" for 12K service. Dealer B tells me that whoever last opened the engine did not reinstall the cam chain tensioner correctly. The cam chain has been without tension for 6K miles.
:???:

I understand why cam chain tensioner is there, but I can't get my brain wrapped around how it works. I've seen pictures, I've read Sweatmachine's excellent posts from rebuilding his motor. I guess I have to see it in person to grasp it.

Some questions:
1) From what I've read, it seems reinstalling the tensioner incorrectly would make the chain too tight, not too loose?
2) Assuming the chain was loose, what internal damage might have happened? (Dealer B said not to worry about it, but I'm concerned.)
3) Would you go back to Dealer A and tell them about this? (a year after the work was done....)

Thanks,
Jonathan

sweatmachine · 07-03-2007

post edited:

I watched my cam chain tensioner video I made.

You reset it by pressing the release then compressing it all the way down. When you reinstall you let it out one click, then insert the tensioner into the barrels. Then you instert the spring assembly in there and it "tensions" the cam chain.

If your mech didn't extend it to that first click, it may not have had any tension on it....

It could jump off the sprocket and get out of time, bend valves etc, but if no damage is done then maybe you're ok.

[ This message was edited by: sweatmachine on 2007-07-03 17:38 ]

sweatmachine · 07-03-2007

I would go back to dealer A and tell them they had installed it incorrectly.

here is a really crummy video I took of the cam chain tensioner. Please pardon the poor quality, lawn mower noise in the background, and one-handed fumbling with the tensioner (the camera was in my other hand).

<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://vid79.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/sweatmachine/reassembly030.flv"></embed>

bonnieblackinfl · 07-03-2007

I would question why the tensioner was messed with, if it was messed with at all. There is no need to dick with the tensioner when setting valve lash, even when you pull the cams. It sounds to me like it may have come from the factory that way.

Greg

tcb · 07-03-2007

I don't believe you can put it together in a way that wouldn't tension the chain, unless you left out the spring. It automatically tensions the chain when you put the spring and cap on. The only mistake you can make is not relieving the tension before assembling it (right Sweat?) :wink:

sweatmachine · 07-03-2007

Quote:

On 2007-07-03 18:25, bonnieblackinfl wrote:
I would question why the tensioner was messed with, if it was messed with at all. There is no need to dick with the tensioner when setting valve lash, even when you pull the cams. It sounds to me like it may have come from the factory that way.

Greg

I agree.

jstark47 · 07-03-2007

Unfortunately, all I have to go on is Dealer B's say-so. I didn't see the engine open, it was all buttoned back up by the time I learned of the issue.

The engine is noticeably quieter, i.e. less tapping and mechanical "chatter" after the 12K service.

OD6 · 07-04-2007

May be what accrued on my machine when the valves
were adjusted the cam gear was unsprung, and when
assembled was left in that condition, causing excessive
backlash and engine noise.
The cam gear had to be removed again, re sprung the gear, timing adjusted, and valves readjusted, the engine is now
quiet.
:hammer:

sweatmachine · 07-05-2007

as Greg already said, the tensioner does NOT have to be removed to remove the cams. There is no reason why your tensioner should have EVER been removed.

jojje1963 · 07-05-2007

I'm 99% sure they ment the backlash gears/springs.