[bjbeach]

I am replacing the cam chain which had just begun to eat into the aluminum case (very minor marking - caught it in time). Would it also be recommended to replace the tensioner blade and guide blade at the same time? I have checked and it seems the guide blade is no longer available from the online parts suppliers. I can, however, get the tensioner blade. They both appear to be OK. Should they be reused?

 

[bandit]

I am replacing the cam chain which had just begun to eat into the aluminum case (very minor marking - caught it in time). Would it also be recommended to replace the tensioner blade and guide blade at the same time? I have checked and it seems the guide blade is no longer available from the online parts suppliers. I can, however, get the tensioner blade. They both appear to be OK. Should they be reused?

barry,i would say yes.a good visual inspection.normally they are ok to re-use

 

[Shep]

As per above.Bend them with your hands and see if there are any signs of fracture or damage.If not then re-use.Are the faces of the guide and tensioner worn e.g ridges?That's a sign of bad wear if there are grooves in them.If not then they are usually OK.

 

[bjbeach]

As per above.Bend them with your hands and see if there are any signs of fracture or damage.If not then re-use.Are the faces of the guide and tensioner worn e.g ridges?That's a sign of bad wear if there are grooves in them.If not then they are usually OK.

There are ridges along both sides of the guide blade but not the tensioner. Is that normal?

 

[Shep]

There are ridges along both sides of the guide blade but not the tensioner. Is that normal?

Both the friction surfaces where the chain moves over the Guide and the tensioner should be smooth.Because of the age of the parts will be unknown it may be best to try and source some new ones.

 

[Cobram]

If the tensioner guide is the old style, without the reinforcment tabs on the back, I would change it irregardless of how good it looks visually. The original design is very flimsy compared to the updated one. Even when there's adjustment left on the tensioner mechanism, the original style guide does not have the "oomph" to stretch the chain properly.



You're already in there and have it opened up, it doesn't pay to be penny smart and pound foolish.

Original on the left, updated much beefier new one on right.

 

[marshallf3]

Look throgh the eBay ads, find someone who's tearing down a bike and send them a message that you'd be interested in the parts. I picked up an excellent complete set that way not long ago for $30 including a good chain off a very low mileage engine.



Point is some tear these down and think the headlight is worth more than the rest of the bike.

 

[bjbeach]

My guide and tensioner is the newer reinforced style. The ridges on the guide blade are apparently normal as I noted the same in pictures of new ones. I guess they keep the chain from straying off the blade. So I think I will take the risk and reuse them.

Ordered new cam chain ($60) and new mechanical seal ($25) from a Canadian online supplier called Parts N More. They also have a lot of general aftermarket parts at pretty good prices and don't seem to gouge you on the shipping. I will probably order the small stuff like seals and gaskets from the local Honda dealer this weekend.

 

[Shep]

My guide and tensioner is the newer reinforced style. The ridges on the guide blade are apparently normal as I noted the same in pictures of new ones.

I would re-use them.When you originally said,"Ridges" I was referring to wear mark ridges/grooves that can be found on badly worn guides on the faces,not the small raised sides of the guide/tensioner