1987 Honda ATC250ES Auto Tensioner?

[killerklown]

Is there any way to test the functioning of the auto chain tensioner on the 87 big red? Waiting for my new chain to get here still.

[Dirtcrasher]

Take out the 2 8mm?? head bolts and remove it. You won't hurt crap.....

Then remover the center bolt (it's actually easier to crack it loose BEFORE you remove the ACTensioner) and look inside. You'll find that a baby screwdriver will allow you to "wind it up", then pull out the screwdriver and it will jet out.

It's not like the torsion spring tensioners such as the 185/200 motors - those you can bounce up and down and increase/decrease tension.

The ES/SX, even when installed, you have to wind it up and hold it wound whilst you reinstall it and tighten the mount bolts. Remove the screwdriver and you'll hear it wind out, it uses a recoil type spring........ Once it's out, it can't come back unless you wind it back. But, there is no need to and thats why it's an "auto cam chain tensioner".

They would have to be assembled wrong (don't take it apart unless you enjoy recoil springs like a pull starter :lol:) or the spring would have to be broke or something bound up for it to fail.

If you suspect a problem and you have noise, it's usually the cam chain and the 2 tensioner guides. The gears are almost always just fine, they bathe in oil all day :D :beer