Beware the 76-79 "D" type cam chain tensioner!!

[Shovel Jockey]

Learned this the hard way on my 78. The "D" type does not have a lock nut behind the acorn nut that caps the adjuster. When you install the acorn nut it may screw the adjuster in effectively overtightening the cam chain and wear out your components. I went from thisto thisto this P.S anyone have a spare 80-83 adjuster they will part with?

 

[5twins]

Check eBay. You can usually find them for $20 or less all the time. I picked up several already.

 

[Shovel Jockey]

Thanks, 5twins. just bought one off this forum for that exact amount. What a great resource we have here! I'm really glad to be back after months away. Joe

 

[5twins]

Most of the components of the type D and E are the same (housing, spring, adjusting screw, cap nut). What differs is the length of the plunger and the addition of the lock nut and sealing washer on the E type. This makes the upgrade simple. Just swap the plungers and add the lock nut, no need to remove and swap housings. The longer plunger makes the adjusting screw stick out more and that provides room for the lock nut.