When you say locking I’m assuming lock nut if it’s a manual cam chain tensioner, or are you doing a direct oem cct, or replacing a cct with a mcct lol

 

Sounds like he is doing the OEM tensioner

 

Jumpin on the gravy train, sorry to hijack but question related and don't wan to create a new thread...yet. I checked thru forum but nothing jumped out.

Is there a recommended maintenance interval (time/mileage) for the manual cct? I purchased an 09' last year with a manual cct. For piece of mind, I want to check for any slack. Seems like a pretty straight forward check/adjustment.

 

You would check the slack the same way you do when installing it the first time.

Grab the directions for the Graves version. It has a good explanation.

 

Thanks, bud. What's recommended interval (if you know off head)? Once a year?

 

Not sure. I haven't adjusted mine in like 7 ish years.

 

I'll check anyhow...worth the 15-30 minutes.

 

And a new gaskets for the cover.

 

it’s always a risk when removing the tensioner that there will be a load from the valve springs on the chain causing it to release tension and jump teeth.

Thanks, bud. What's recommended interval (if you know off head)? Once a year?

depends how many miles you put on, I do mine every 2-3 months for peace of mind, literally takes 30 seconds to do, I loosen lock nut, start the bike and have it running, tighten the adjuster by HAND until it stops, and than back a 1/4 or 1/2 turn depending which mcct you have, even when installing new ones, I turn the engine over with hand pressure on the adjuster to always make sure it’s all seated correctly.
Every time I open the engine up, there’s never any excess wear on the guide/slider and timing is always within spec and not stretched

 

So that is not how the Graves install manual specs the adjustment....

And when you pull the oem tensioner you are supposed to wedge the adjustable guide to keep tension on the chain. Then after you set the tension, you spin the engine by hand to make sure it is still in time.

 

ive tested this both ways, and they come out to the same adjustment, atleast once a year a get some one who thought it was seated, and jumped teeth after turning it over, and accidentally letting the slider pop tension and cam over. Whatever works

 

You don’t need a graph and engine data to determine the correct tension on a cam chain when it comes out to the same amount of tension. But that’s not what graves says so Yes I am incorrect if that’s what you want to hear. 👍🏻

 

I’m trying to figure out why you feel the need to adjust your CCT every 2 to 3 months. Only to end up exactly where it was prior or potentially over tightening. You might as well stick with OEM.

 

For me, personally, I guess it comes down to not trusting the previous owner's install. When it comes to vehicles, I don't trust anyone's work but my own...unfortunately is what it is.. For piece of mind, I will check regardless. If it fails, I'm to blame. Once I check (and adjust if necessary), I will forget for years to come.

 

Peace of mind/cheap insurance that it’s not excessively stretching from Other points of failure as well. I put on a lot of mileage, I don’t think anyone would recommend going to oem Style especially after all the issues yamaha has had with them, with multiple points of possible failure. But we all know that, Sometimes hearing a clacking is too late to find out there was a problem in the timing drive. I’ve seen sliders shredded and cracked from plasticizing, as well as dowel pins wallowed out and demolded plastic to metal
bond. (I used to work on a lot of triumphs) 😂 It’s not marked on my calandar to “adjust chain tension” but it costs nothing to do.

 

Just FYI (for the whole world reading these posts) adjusting a manual CCT on a 09-14 R1 every 2-3 months isn’t remotely necessary.

 

Just FYI (for the whole world reading these post) adjusting a manual CCT on a 09-14 R1 every 2-3 months isn’t remotely necessary.

100% agree; however, I'm glad I checked the previous owner's install. On tdc, I hand-tightened at least another full turn. Does that mean anything wrt to longevity cam chain/drivetrain? I have no idea...but I know I won't check or adjust again for as long as I own this bike unless it starts to sound like a bag of bolts, full stop.

 

Another FYI:

The only times I would check manual CCT tension is after a short bit of miles after initial install and during valve adjustment (do valve adjustments sooner than the recommended interval if you romp on it often like somebody with a race license or constant track day rider).

 

I had been meaning to do my valves this winter..... but I got distracted building built in bookcases this winter. Next year I guess.

 

You need to get your priorities straight. Books are for nerds.

 

On the bandit, I verify my manual cct when I change the oil.

I've actually never had to adjust it, come to think of it. Still, since I'm there, I put hands on it.

 

If you set your crank to tdc, and you don't remove the camshaft cover on top of the engine, you don't need the zipties, as the cover has a little piece on it that limits the movement of your chain away the camshaft gears so it won't skip.

If your engine is our of your bike and the top cover is open, apply zip ties.