Author Topic: Cam Chain Tensioners  (Read 7707 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Lucky Strike

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 14
  • Country: ie
  • XL1000VX & XL600VK
Cam Chain Tensioners
« on: July 20, 2017, 19:41:30 »
Long time no post. Hope everyone well.

The proverbial cam chain tensioner post...

Six years ago I replaced the cam chain tensioners on my XL1000VX (1999). At the time it was a precautionary swop, as they had never been done. I seem to remember some posts in the past recommending swopping them out every so often. If this is still the case (in venerable forum users' opinions), is it due to years or mileage? My Vara has only done 10k miles in the last six years  :-[

Opinions valued, as always.

Thanks!

Lucky.

Skye

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 829
  • Country: se
  • XL1000 '99 & '08
    • SkyeBlog
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2017, 20:02:24 »
Changed my around 70K km
When they start to razzle.

Important to align cam and valves before the change or chain can jump when releasing the spring

zebulon

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4.616
  • Country: fr
  • 2020 AT Matte Black Metallic
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2017, 20:28:46 »
Cannot understand what 10k miles can be  VCIF_a_008
Alone we go faster, together we go further

I do not ride fast, I ride far / I'm not lost, I'm just exploring

2016 AT Digital Silver - 2011 Shasta white - 2007 Bloom Red - 2001 Candy Phoenix blue

Lucky Strike

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 14
  • Country: ie
  • XL1000VX & XL600VK
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2017, 21:05:45 »
Apologies Zebulon!

16000km in last 6 years, 72,500km since 1999!

 :)

zebulon

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4.616
  • Country: fr
  • 2020 AT Matte Black Metallic
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2017, 21:39:46 »
Apologies Zebulon!

16000km in last 6 years, 72,500km since 1999!

 :)

 VCIF_ThumbUp thx mate !  ;)
Alone we go faster, together we go further

I do not ride fast, I ride far / I'm not lost, I'm just exploring

2016 AT Digital Silver - 2011 Shasta white - 2007 Bloom Red - 2001 Candy Phoenix blue

meine dicke

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
  • Country: de
  • Only soaring is nicer
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2017, 23:15:24 »
I sold my 2008 Varadero with 106000 kms without changing the cam chain tensioners and without having any problems.
But, the early Varaderos (1999er) have/had different (less durable) cam chain tensioners.
If you changed the cam chain tensioners 6 years ago, I think you have changed them with the new ones (with a red point) and I see no problems.
But if you changed them with the old ones (why ever), I advice to change them with new ones as quick as possible to avoid any surprise.


Greetings from the South of Germany
Rainer alias meine dicke
« Last Edit: July 20, 2017, 23:51:12 by meine dicke »
Think positive - Flaps negative
YAMAHA XT 1200 ZE Worldcrosser
VDT 2010;11;12;13;14;15;16;17;18;19;[20];[21];22;23;24
IAHT 2013;16
VIM 2014;15;16;17;18;19;[20];[21];22;23; 24 (ORGA)
Since 2010: CBF600 (10.000); Varadero (100.000); XT1200ZE (since 11/2016 >= 139.000)

Lucky Strike

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 14
  • Country: ie
  • XL1000VX & XL600VK
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2017, 01:58:13 »
If you changed the cam chain tensioners 6 years ago, I think you have changed them with the new ones (with a red point) and I see no problems.

Thanks Rainer, much appreciated. Very interesting to hear your perspective.

I don't remember whether the tensioners I bought six years ago had a red point. My memory doesn't serve that well. However, it's quite conceivable that I bought old stock, as I got them from Dave Silver, who made his million from hoarding old Honda parts (not that I'd knock a fella for that, in fairness) When I checked with Dave Silver today, the tensioners have now doubled in price from when I bought them six years ago as, due to running out of their own stock, they now have to order them from Honda. The plot thickens!

Would the part number change from the old type to the new (red tip) type? The part number on the ones I bought six years ago is 14520 MBT 003. Although that's the part number I got quoted on today.

I was wondering if my relative lack of use of the Vara might also put the tensioners at greater risk of oil starvation? Isn't it this that makes them vulnerable?

Thanks again.

meine dicke

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
  • Country: de
  • Only soaring is nicer
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2017, 06:55:37 »
If you changed the cam chain tensioners 6 years ago, I think you have changed them with the new ones (with a red point) and I see no problems.

Thanks Rainer, much appreciated. Very interesting to hear your perspective.

I don't remember whether the tensioners I bought six years ago had a red point. My memory doesn't serve that well. However, it's quite conceivable that I bought old stock, as I got them from Dave Silver, who made his million from hoarding old Honda parts (not that I'd knock a fella for that, in fairness) When I checked with Dave Silver today, the tensioners have now doubled in price from when I bought them six years ago as, due to running out of their own stock, they now have to order them from Honda. The plot thickens!

Would the part number change from the old type to the new (red tip) type? As far as I (German Varadero Forum) know(s), yes. The part number has changed. The part number on the ones I bought six years ago is 14520 MBT 003. Just check it at official HONDA site. If you have bought the listed ones 6 years ago, it should have been the new ones Although that's the part number I got quoted on today.

I was wondering if my relative lack of use of the Vara might also put the tensioners at greater risk of oil starvation? Isn't it this that makes them vulnerable?
If you have any doubts, then change them. Nobody can take that decission for you .

Thanks again.

Rainer
« Last Edit: July 21, 2017, 07:01:41 by meine dicke »
Think positive - Flaps negative
YAMAHA XT 1200 ZE Worldcrosser
VDT 2010;11;12;13;14;15;16;17;18;19;[20];[21];22;23;24
IAHT 2013;16
VIM 2014;15;16;17;18;19;[20];[21];22;23; 24 (ORGA)
Since 2010: CBF600 (10.000); Varadero (100.000); XT1200ZE (since 11/2016 >= 139.000)

zebulon

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4.616
  • Country: fr
  • 2020 AT Matte Black Metallic
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2017, 12:33:49 »
seems part number is ok, as checked here  VCIF_salut
Alone we go faster, together we go further

I do not ride fast, I ride far / I'm not lost, I'm just exploring

2016 AT Digital Silver - 2011 Shasta white - 2007 Bloom Red - 2001 Candy Phoenix blue

Bønne

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 353
  • Country: dk
  • VCIF/HARK.DK/XL-Forum.SE/HVRoN.NO/VUK
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2017, 13:04:34 »
Yes Zebulon, that´s the right number of the old tensioner :), from 1999 and up to a specific engine number on the 2002 model. From that there are two numbers, 14520-MBT-F21 for the front and 14530-MBT-F21 for the rear tensioner, covering the rest of the model years.
https://www.bike-parts-honda.com/pieces-honda-detail-76861-76861-XL1000V3-2003-E_04-XL+1000+VARADERO.html

So, it seems that the tensioners that Lucky Strike got 6 years ago, was the old model.

Mine is a 2008 model, and as written elsewhere, it´s done 145500 km now, without any sounds or problems from the cam chain and tensioners.
Plan your ride, ride your plan.

XL 1000 VA8, Chevalier Silver Metallic

meine dicke

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 912
  • Country: de
  • Only soaring is nicer
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2017, 13:16:03 »
Please note, that the old Varaderos (carburator) have two equal cam chain tensioners. The newer Varaderos (injection) have two diffenent cam chain tensioners and so as well two different part numbers.

As you - Bonne - have a 2008 Varadero, this is a injection one and therefor you have two different part numbers. But not the 1999er Varadero, which has only one part number for the front and rear cam chain number. And somewhen in 2000 the older cam chain tensioners have been replaced by the new ones with new part number. I don´t think, if you are searching today at HONDA site for spares, that today there are listed spares with old/out of use part numbers.

To be safe, just do a telefon call at any HONDA service center and ask about that issue.
Don´t trust anyone in the forum, even not me  ;) ;) ;).


Greetings from the South of Germany
Rainer aka meine dicke
« Last Edit: July 21, 2017, 13:29:53 by meine dicke »
Think positive - Flaps negative
YAMAHA XT 1200 ZE Worldcrosser
VDT 2010;11;12;13;14;15;16;17;18;19;[20];[21];22;23;24
IAHT 2013;16
VIM 2014;15;16;17;18;19;[20];[21];22;23; 24 (ORGA)
Since 2010: CBF600 (10.000); Varadero (100.000); XT1200ZE (since 11/2016 >= 139.000)

Bønne

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 353
  • Country: dk
  • VCIF/HARK.DK/XL-Forum.SE/HVRoN.NO/VUK
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2017, 13:46:49 »
That´s exactly what I wrote, Rainer ;D
Plan your ride, ride your plan.

XL 1000 VA8, Chevalier Silver Metallic

bogdanbc

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 227
  • Country: pl
  • VIF Member
    • www.bcsopot.com.pl
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #12 on: July 21, 2017, 14:53:10 »
In my "old" varadero 1999 at 218 080 km my cam chain stop working.
The motorcycle was towed to the service and quick repair of the broken end of the spring - by bending

At 249 508 (for peace of conscience) I replaced the damaged part with a new one, from with a newer model (To be sure both).
Now more then 300 000 and still works fine.
« Last Edit: July 21, 2017, 15:00:53 by bogdanbc »
bogdan "bc" Sopot, Poland
XL1000V Varadero'99; CRF1000-D'16

Lucky Strike

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 14
  • Country: ie
  • XL1000VX & XL600VK
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #13 on: July 22, 2017, 01:43:49 »
Thanks for all the contributions guys.

So just to clarify  :)...

From 2003 onwards = injection, different tensioners front and rear, two part numbers (which is interesting, but of no consequence to me!)

From 1999 to 2001 inclusive = same tensioners front and rear (obviously, as carburetted), part number 14520-MBT-003

For 2002, same tensioners front and rear (as before), but from engine model number 2300541 onwards the tensioners are different/better quality (with a red point?), even though the part number remains unchanged?

When I put this to Honda, they said I could order by part number or VIN number. But if I order by VIN will I not get '1999' tensioners, or does everyone who orders for a pre 2003 model now get the 'upgraded' tensioners as all the 'old stock' tensioners are now gone?

Does anyone get my semi-confusion?! Honda Ireland couldn't shed any light. Perhaps I'll try Honda UK and see if they can.




Bønne

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 353
  • Country: dk
  • VCIF/HARK.DK/XL-Forum.SE/HVRoN.NO/VUK
Re: Cam Chain Tensioners
« Reply #14 on: July 23, 2017, 01:30:07 »
Does anyone get my semi-confusion?!
Yes, not least because when checking at CMS in Holland, the 1999 model was born with yet another cam chain tensioner partnumber, 14520-MBT-000, which is later superseded with number 14520-MBT-003, according to them, original fitted from engine number SD01E2300541, 2002. This is in 2003 changed to partnumber 14520-MBT-F20 (front), and 14530-MBT-F20 (rear), which is later superseded with 14520-MBT-F21 and 14530-MBT-F21, the numbers fitted original from 2007 and til the end... still confused??? ;D

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-xl1000v-varadero-1999-x-european-direct-sales_model6475/partslist/E__0400.html#results

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-xl1000v-varadero-2002-2-european-direct-sales_model6450/partslist/E__0400.html#results

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-xl1000v-varadero-2003-3-european-direct-sales_model6453/partslist/E__0400.html#results

https://www.cmsnl.com/search.php?model_id=20096&partsPage=11#results

https://www.cmsnl.com/search.php?model_id=33535&partsPage=10#results

Without knowing exactly, as I haven´t had the reason to try it, I can´t see any problems fitting the latest numbers on a 1999 model, as the tensioner rail is the same on all models, but maybe someone else knows...?
Plan your ride, ride your plan.

XL 1000 VA8, Chevalier Silver Metallic

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal