the joys of an F4i cam tensioner

[riderchick1982]

My 02 has had it replaced twice...it still makes that horrible rattling noise at around 5-6 thousand rps...anyone know how long I can ride my bike before there are any ramifications? I have learned to ride above or below those rpms just so I don't have to listen to it! Anyone have any clue how to fix it permanatly?
Thanks!

[Chris_Mag]

Did you have it replaced with a stock or aftermarket tensioner? I've read the aftermarket piece holds up a lot better.

You might want to read through the cbrworld forums.

[kelbench400]

Buy an APE cam chain tensioner. The stock one is garbage.


You can ride it right up until the chain breaks or jumps, minus 10 seconds of course to allow a margin of safety. :wink2

[Chris_Mag]

Originally Posted by kelbench400

Buy an APE cam chain tensioner. The stock one is garbage.


You can ride it right up until the chain breaks or jumps, minus 10 seconds of course to allow a margin of safety. :wink2

- That's the one I was thinking of. Thank you.

[riderchick1982]

[QUOTE=You can ride it right up until the chain breaks or jumps, minus 10 seconds of course to allow a margin of safety. :wink2[/QUOTE]

This might be a stupid question but what will happen when the chain goes??? will it lock up the back tire or just whip around and smack me on the leg or something???

[bIGbLOCK400]

:help cam chain tensioner? unless I'm misunderstanding, the cam tensioner is on the engine. if it goes, you'll screw up the timing and it'll hurt your purse more than anything...

If in fact you're referring to the drive chain, the only thing that would make that rattle, would be a loose chain...

[kelbench400]

Bigblock is right. Two different chains. The cam chain is internal to the engine. If it breaks or jumps, you bend valves in the engine. It's unlikely that you will lock the rear wheel (but it could). You will have severe engine damage though.

[twister216]

APE Cam tensioner is the way to go. It's adjustable. If you've got a stock one on they last about 3-6k miles on average. They're supposed to be self adjusting but as the engine heats/cools the spring gets weak. You can usually find one for about $50.:thumbsup

camt.jpg
Stock

f6_1.jpg
APE

[riderchick1982]

thanks :D

[BenP]

My wifes bike makes that noise also, and I think I remember when we bought it they had said it had been changed once already, how hard is this to do? I'm going to look into it more, but i'm at work and don't have the resources to look right now.

[riderchick1982]

Originally Posted by BenP

My wifes bike makes that noise also, and I think I remember when we bought it they had said it had been changed once already, how hard is this to do? I'm going to look into it more, but i'm at work and don't have the resources to look right now.

^^I would like to know how hard it is to do as well!
Or at least how to change it...

[twister216]

It's not that hard. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are, but it's just two bolts. Here's the catch though...their located inside the frame rail. If you're patient you can do it. Once you change it make sure you adjust it correctly. It's not hard at all. Just a "booger" to get at. Good Luck!:wink

Here's you a step by step tutorial with pic's:
http://cbrworld.net/forums/thread/85183.aspx

[riderchick1982]

thanks, I will update you guys to let you know how I did...this should be good lol

[bIGbLOCK400]

Should be similar to mine...

remove tank, remove air box...was located on right side by frame rail. Two bolts (tight quarters, needed a universal socket), came off and put a new one on. Mine didn't come with a gasket (if it requires one), just as a heads up.

[riderchick1982]

thanks...twister sent a link from the cbr forum and it was a step by step w/ pics
really informative!