Metallic rattle from 09 KLX250
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,650
From: Delaware, Ohio
1st Gear Member
I'll probably get burned for posting this but here goes.
First remove large bolt in center and remove spring.
If you remove the two bolts that hold the cam chain tensioner to the head, you can carefully remove it listening intently that you don't hear a click, carefully press in the ratchet dog and extend the tensioner one more tooth, reinstall and listen to chain. If you still have noise,repeat one tooth at a time. If you do hear a click when removing, or are not sure you only got 1 tooth, reset the plunger all the way in and let it readjust itself. It's not rocket science, but if you extend the tensioner too far you will put too much strain on the chain and cam bearings, possibly ruining your head.
You can do it, I have confidence in you.
marc
First remove large bolt in center and remove spring.
If you remove the two bolts that hold the cam chain tensioner to the head, you can carefully remove it listening intently that you don't hear a click, carefully press in the ratchet dog and extend the tensioner one more tooth, reinstall and listen to chain. If you still have noise,repeat one tooth at a time. If you do hear a click when removing, or are not sure you only got 1 tooth, reset the plunger all the way in and let it readjust itself. It's not rocket science, but if you extend the tensioner too far you will put too much strain on the chain and cam bearings, possibly ruining your head.
You can do it, I have confidence in you.
marc
Yep, you're right, you are burnt! That is definitely a way to overtighten the cam drive. There is only a few thou of clearance on the cam. Each tooth is probably about at least a .5mm pitch. That's about .019" movement. That's a lot. If the pitch is more like 1mm the movement is double. That is roughly about 1/4 to 1/2 turn in tighter on a manual tensioner. Definitely a no-no. I tell people to turn a manual unit in finger tight, then back it out about 1/8-1/4 turn! That is actually loosening it a bit to make sure it has proper adjustment when fully warm. It is better to run a few thou loose than too tight. Proper mechanical application of a chain drive requires it not be tight, just as little slack as possible.
But hey - it's up to each to make their choice. At least now a decision can be made on sound engineering knowledge.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,507
From: SW Idaho
1st Gear Member
Yep, you're right, you are burnt! That is definitely a way to overtighten the cam drive. There is only a few thou of clearance on the cam. Each tooth is probably about at least a .5mm pitch. That's about .019" movement. That's a lot. If the pitch is more like 1mm the movement is double. That is roughly about 1/4 to 1/2 turn in tighter on a manual tensioner. Definitely a no-no. I tell people to turn a manual unit in finger tight, then back it out about 1/8-1/4 turn! That is actually loosening it a bit to make sure it has proper adjustment when fully warm. It is better to run a few thou loose than too tight. Proper mechanical application of a chain drive requires it not be tight, just as little slack as possible.
But hey - it's up to each to make their choice. At least now a decision can be made on sound engineering knowledge.
But hey - it's up to each to make their choice. At least now a decision can be made on sound engineering knowledge.
Member
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 97
From: NH
Where would I be able to get one of those manual cam chain tensioners? My bike used to make the noise that this one does. I just recently went over 10k miles and the noise isn't as noticeable anymore but I definitely want to consider installing a manual tensioner haha.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 179
From: Denmark
1st Gear Member
Forum member klx678 aka Mark Krieger makes them.
http://www.kriegercamchaintensioners.com/
Shoot him an e-mail. He is very helpful
http://www.kriegercamchaintensioners.com/
Shoot him an e-mail. He is very helpful
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,650
From: Delaware, Ohio
1st Gear Member
I am happy to help any rider keep their bike in good working order. That was what it was all about - and still is.
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