Cam chain tensioner question

[nickleuci]

Does it make sense that a "supposedly" replaced cam chain tensioner would have no paint markings on it?

I am looking at buying an 06 and the owner says it has no paint and was replaced. He is the second owner and he said the original owner did it.

 

[MadMax]

I wouldn't think the painted dot would rub off on it's own ??????????? MM.

 

[smokingcrater]

I thought the original either was unpainted or had a orange dot...

 

[grizztracks]

I've done a few of these......Always an orange dot on the old and blue dot on the new

 

[nickleuci]

Thanks grizz . How easy is it to spot the orange dot, if I go to look at this one will I be able to see it? Looks pretty tight and seems like it's too buried to see with taking the machine apart.

 

[grizztracks]

You'll need a small telescoping mechanics inspection mirror and a good light. There's no specific way the factory installs the tensioner so the dot can be on the inside or outside. It should be there.

 

[jbar]

What kind of engine damage is there when chain tensioner fails? Buddy ,of mine, has a 06, with 4,600 mi., and it just started making noise. He thought it was belt coming apart. He stopped, shut it off, belt ok oil ok. Tried to start it up and starter just spun. More checking he found oil running out under the sled, tried to roll motor over, with the drive clutch. Clutch turns with no resistance. Looks like the crank must be broke, and the crankcase is broke under the carbs.
The local sled shop, that sell used parts, said he has 3 motors in the same shape. He thinks 2 of them have broke rods.
Is there more problems with these motors than tensioners? Possible crank, rod failures? I have a sled just like his and just orderd a tensioner for mine.

 

[grizztracks]

These are interference engines which means if the tensioner fails the valve timing can jump enough to cause the valve to collide with the pistons. The resulting damage is bent valves, broken pistons and in some cases piston rods sent through the engine block.

 

[jbar]

Just replaced the tensioner and donuts. Chain was tight, everything looked good. Now I won't have to worry about it every time I go riding. If you change the tensioner replace the donuts, the center one was blown out. The clamp bolts and the button bolts, the 2 bolts under the rubber plugs in the tunnel, were a bear to remove. They were real rusty and I though I was going to strip out the hex heads. Donuts come with new stainless bolts and I used new button bolts with never seize.
I checked the tensioner in my son in-laws 05 Venture and it has the blue dot on it. He bought it new and it hasn't been replaced.