2003 Crf450r: Manual Timing Chain Tensioner VS Stock Spring Loaded Tensioner

[Solid State]

What creeps me out about the aftermarket stuff is how vague the setup instructions are. No deterministic way to know if really got it tensioned up correctly.

Agreed. Adjusting until the "slapping and clanking disappears" just sounds creepy.

[525SX2003]

The APE tensioner was cut so the carb could be adjusted as the bolt was too long to reach in to adjust the carb and it did have a lock washer on it.

[APE Jay]

http://www.bigborethumpers.com/tensioners.html

[hondabrian]

The cheapest way to fix a stock chain tensioner is to:

1. Remove the circlip on the tensioner.

2. Carefully remove the extender piece from the base. There may be a tight ribbon spring attached.

3. Remove the ribbon spring and reinstall extender

4. Install the tensioner on the bike

5. Adjust by turning counter clockwise until firm then back up 1/4 turn

6. Throw away the adjustment cover screw

7. Replace the cover screw with a longer one that will bottom out

8. Apply blue locktite to cover screw and install until cover screw bottoms out.

[corndog]

My '04 tensioner failed the hand push test at 200hrs, no damage to the motor and it wasn't making any funny noises. If I were to do it again, I'd probably buy the manual tensioner just for fun.

Edited December 26, 2012 by corndog

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

The manual tensioner is a no brainier IMO

[Tigolebitties]

I know this is a super old thread, but where's a good service shop in SoCal that has good experiecing installing these? Specifically 06 CRF450R.  I don't trust the instructions of "slapping and clanking" and want it done correctly.

[Shawn_Mc]

I know this is a super old thread, but where's a good service shop in SoCal that has good experiecing installing these? Specifically 06 CRF450R.  I don't trust the instructions of "slapping and clanking" and want it done correctly.

 

Where in socal. I can do it for you, or show you how. PM me for details. Ive only done about 40 of them......

[Diggla117]

I know this is a super old thread, but where's a good service shop in SoCal that has good experiecing installing these? Specifically 06 CRF450R. I don't trust the instructions of "slapping and clanking" and want it done correctly.

How I do it is I install the two main bolt and gasket. Then I put my finger right under the cam gear on the chain and tighten the Manuel tensioner until I can barely move it in. Not too tight but def tight enough where it can't get enough slack to jump a gear. If you can hear the chain slapping when it's idling then you'll know it's too loose if you think you might of not tightened it enough.

[Tigolebitties]

Thanks Shawn, sent ya a PM. Thanks also for the details Diggla.

[Diggla117]

Yeah man no problem

[Eric Schrader]

Called Justin at TokyoMods. He said the auto tensioner over tightens the chain, creating drag. The manual one is adjusted perfectly and allows the chain to move more freely. Less drag = more HP.

 

Its expensive, but comes with instructions and great support.

 

I have their 10x ignition mapping w switch and carb mod, and I have asked Justin quite a few questions over the years ?