Cam Chain Tensioner Adjustment-Video

Thank-you 5Twins, I will purchase a locknut for my bike.

You need a bit more than just the lock nut. You must also swap in the longer type E plunger. That makes the adjuster screw stick out more which provides room for the lock nut.



There is also a copper sealing washer (#25) that goes under the lock nut. These 3 parts are all that's needed to upgrade a type D assembly to a type E.

5twins,

I have a Type D assy that I want to turn into Type E as well.
I just want to confirm before ordering these three parts.

I need 18, 37, and 38?


Thanks

Yes, but I don't think you can order this stuff any more. I'm pretty sure it's N.L.A. (no longer available). Most of us scrounge the type E parts from a later model engine or buy a type E assembly off eBay. Something like this. They're calling it a '78 tensioner but it's not. It's the later type E. You can tell because it has the lock nut and the plunger with the longer head .....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Yamaha...ash=item2a59c8e558:g:AWMAAOSwVL1WE~k~&vxp=mtr

thanks 5twins for the info.

LittleBill, thanks for the awesome videos.

Now I'm hung up on the instructions for setting the cam chain tensioner plunger flush with the adjuster. I've read this thread from beginning to end twice and have read every other thread that google can find on this topic to avoid having to post this question. But I cannot find the answer.

(short and simple: do you set the plunger flush when it's extended or when it's at rest?)

XSLeo said:

I remove the adjuster cap nut and watch the plunger move as I turn the engine watching for when it moves outward the most. There will be a spot that the plunger jumps out a lot. This is when the valves go over center, disregaurd this jumping. Watch the plunger on the rest of the time you are turning the engine. When the plunger is out as far as it goes stop turning the engine.
Adjust the adjuster so the end of the plunger is just flush with the end of the adjuster. Lock it down.
Now turn the egine oever watching the plunger. It should move in and out about 1-2 mm. I then start the engine and let it warm up some, once warm check the plunger movement while it idles. The plunger should come out just flush and move in/out 1-2 mm. If so then the adjustment is fine. [/COLOR]

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The plunger should move in ~1mm and out ~1mm when properly adjusted, I understand this much.

I'm fairly certain your instructions are saying to set the adjuster and plunger flush with each other when the plunger is extended/protruded out to its maximum.

This makes sense but all the other instructions I've seen say to set it flush when it is in it's "at rest" position (not protruded or recessed).

I've set it at the each of the positions and they are quite a few revolutions (of the adjuster) from each other.

I don't want to continue with the valve clearance, timing, and carb sync until I get this right.

thank you guys.

These forums and videos have made understanding this bike so much easier than my manual does.

Watch the in-out movement of the plunger as you slowly rotate the motor by hand. Disregard the large jump or bounce that happens occasionally. When a valve spring closes a valve, that will push on the rocker which pushes on the cam, and that snaps the chain taught. That's what causes that big bounce. Set the adjuster flush with the plunger when it moves out, it's normal "out" not that big bounce out.

I consider this just an initial setting though. Then you should start the motor and observe the plunger movement while it idles. That's the best way to know you've got it right. It's very easy to set it too loose with the motor off adjusting method.

This video is a great help, I'm just starting out on this bike and stuff like this really makes life easy. Thanks for the time it took!

Video set to private. Am I doing something wrong here? I'm signed in.

No you are OK but littlebill's YouTube account has been changed from public to private. Maybe someone will do another?

I tried watching the video but its on private. Can you repost the video. Or send me the video through email. Thanks

littlebill31 said:

I've made a little video to show how to adjust the cam chain tensioner. It is pretty straight forward to begin with, but video tutorials, which I like better, help compliment written instructions.
Please note that this should be done with a warmed engine.

Click to expand...

sounds like its a great video, shame its set to private....damn youtube