Left hand timing chain tensioner

[Pale Rider]

Hi all, just about to replace the left hand timing chain tensioner on my 2012 twin cam GSA as im getting a slight rattle for a couple of seconds when starting, not always but sometimes.

Is it a simple case of undoing and removing the old one and screwing in the new one? Or is it more involved? Anything to watch out for?

Thanks.

 

[Miserable Git]

Hi all, just about to replace the left hand timing chain tensioner on my 2012 twin cam GSA as im getting a slight rattle for a couple of seconds when starting, not always but sometimes.

Is it a simple case of undoing and removing the old one and screwing in the new one? Or is it more involved? Anything to watch out for?

Thanks.

I think they all rattle when they’ve been left on the side stand. Mines always done it but not on the main stand.

 

[GSAsparky]

I think they all rattle when they’ve been left on the side stand. Mines always done it but not on the main stand.

+1 here, usually starts rattling after 10 seconds or so, lasts for a couple seconds then goes away.

 

[crimsondelo]

In answer to your question, yes. But it's tight to get in there.
I've seen some people cut a notch in a spanner to allow for a bit more wiggle room.

Getting it out is easier than putting the new one in. I found a low profile socket like this one and a something to push the tensioner down(through the hole in the socket) like a punch worked.

 

[Pale Rider]

In answer to your question, yes. But it's tight to get in there.
I've seen some people cut a notch in a spanner to allow for a bit more wiggle room.

Getting it out is easier than putting the new one in. I found a low profile socket like this one and a something to push the tensioner down(through the hole in the socket) like a punch worked.

Finally!! Many thanks my friend. Did you find you needed to use a magnetic pick up tool to remove the old spring and plunger? Or did you manage without?

 

[crimsondelo]

Finally!! Many thanks my friend. Did you find you needed to use a magnetic pick up tool to remove the old spring and plunger? Or did you manage without?

Yes, I used a magnet to get the bottom bit out. Also before I put the new one in I put a little oil in it so it wasn't running dry.

There are some posts suggesting getting a tensioner with a higher rated spring, I didn't bother and mine is fine.

 

[Pale Rider]

Yes, I used a magnet to get the bottom bit out. Also before I put the new one in I put a little oil in it so it wasn't running dry.

There are some posts suggesting getting a tensioner with a higher rated spring, I didn't bother and mine is fine.

Excellent, im picking a magnetic pick up tool this morning then diving in !! Also good mention about oiling it first, thanks

 

[Pale Rider]

Well that was easy enough! Undid the 15mm nut with a 19/32 imperial deep offset ring spanner then used a ratcheting ring spanner to finish the job, as I pulled out the spring the plunger came out with it luckily, although the new tensioner is exactly the same with the same part number the spring is slightly longer and made from thicker section wire, put it all in and pressed down on top of the ratcheting ring spanner with a large screwdriver tightened it all up, hardest part was putting the rubber boot clip on the air filter end, throttle body ones weren’t to bad. Thanks all.