keeps the motion of various engine parts in sync. This chain elongates when
the engine is running due to heat and also due to wear and tear with time. The
timing chain tensioner of a motorcycle creates tension in the timing chain and
do not let it become loose when it elongates. A loose timing chain can cause misfires in the
engine, poor performance, and in severe cases might not even start the engine
or might damage the internals of the engine.
price of the tensioner at the time of writing this article is INR 225.
The pin that comes fitted on a new timing chain tensioner keeps the tensioner
rod in the retracted position. It should be removed at the end of the process
after replacing the tensioner to avoid inconvenience.
If the pin gets accidently removed and the tensioner gets extended it
can again be retracted by tightening the screw in the hole where the pin is, using a flat head screw driver by rotating the screw in the clock wise
direction.
While replacing the tensioner, the old gasket should be replaced too as it
might have got damaged with time or might get damaged during the replacement
process. The gasket do not come along with the tensioner and should be bought
separately. At the time of writing this article, the price of the gasket is
INR 3.
The tensioner is held in its position by two 8mm bolts and there is a
rubber cap that covers the hole at the top that prevents leaking of
internal gases. The rubber cap is an integral part and should not be
misplaced. Without the rubber cap there will drop in performance and
malfunction in the engine due to leakage of internal gases.
The rubber cap can be removed using fingers. Tighten the screw inside the hole
by turning it in the clock wise direction using a flat head screw driver. This
will bring the tensioner rod to the retracted position. Once the screw is
tight, remove the two bolts on the tensioner using an 8mm socket. And once the
tensioner has been removed, clean the surface of the contact area on the engine side using
a clean cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or residue.
After removing the old tensioner put the new gasket on the new tensioner
with the rough side of the gasket facing upwards, i.e., the smooth side facing towards the tensioner. Install the tensioner and tighten the bolts sufficiently but do
not over-tighten the bolts. Once the tensioner has been installed, remove the
tape that is holding the pin and pull the pin out. You will hear a click
sound. This indicates that the tensioner rod has extended and is in place. Put
the rubber cap back in its position to successfully complete the process.
And that is how you replace a timing chain tensioner on a Suzuki Gixxer or
other motorcycles with similar setup. 🙂
