Question about the cam chain tensioner.

[errorcauser]

Ok, my cam chain tensioner has been just absolutely pouring oil, so I figured it was time to order the seal and o-rings and try an help that things problems. I've got it off, replaced the seal, and the two o-rings (thanks to bwingers tutorial)

http://www.bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

...but here's what has me a little worried.

I follow the step in step 12 on bwingers tutorial exactly as it says to do, but if I loosen the lock screw just enough for the push rod and spring to slide out (with the lock screw still inside the groove on the side of the push rod) when it reaches the end of this groove, I have no tension on the large adjuster knob. But if I stop it from reaching the full distance (the full length of the notch in the side of the push rod)..all is fine and it seems to be doing what it was intended to do.

Is that how it should work ? I figure it should be able to slide the full length of that notch in the side of the push rod without loosing all tension on the large adjuster knob. I mean, once it's mounted, will the cam chain stop it before reaching that point ?

I hope someone can make sense of my nonsense ...lol

I'd just like to know if that's the way it should work...if not, I need to start over before I mount this thing on the bike and attempt to fire it up.

Thanks !

[Big T]

Just follow the tutorial and reinstall.

It won't extend that far when it's on the bike

[Nessism]

I can't explain in words but you need to play around the spring preload until you find the sweet spot - not too tight, not too loose. I tried to follow the procedure and found it easier to just do it by feel. Bottom line is that you want some spring tension even with the plunger all the way out but not too much.

[errorcauser]

Thanks guys,the both of you. I wanted to hear from someone that has rebuilt them before.

Also, after I submitted that question, I redid the spring. I think 1.5 turns may be a little much for mine. It also could be my 1.5 is different from someone else's 1.5.

But it seems to be working as it should now.