CCT Replacement Help and Questions

My 02 VFR (43000 miles) has the classic rattle from the CCT's and I am going to install manual CCT's myself. I have done some research and know the rear one is easy and the front one is a pain. I know that the throttle bodies do not need to be removed to get access but what I am concerned with is removing the CCT itself. I know they must be removed carefully and pulled straight out so that the end does not fall into the motor. Do I need any special locking tool? to remove the CCT's? or just the standard socket set. Also what goes on the end of the new manual CCT? the APE tensioners show just a metal end. Is that metal end what applies the tension to the chain? I have heard a lot about nylon guards. I am just looking for clarification on the process from someone with first hand experience.

My second question is how tight to initially set the manual CCT's? Should they be hand tight and then adjusted while the engine is running? what is the proper procedure for adjusting them for the first time?

 

Like the drive chain, overtightening is worse than a bit too loose.

 

I have a pair of manual CCT adjusters waiting to go on my Superhawk, a v-twin that makes a failure coincide with an engine rebuild.

The metal end pushes against a cam chain guide, made of something like plastic only it lasts a really long time.
Adjustment should be done with the engine off, but other than that, I don't know because I haven't done it yet.
The Superhawk forum has a lot more info on CCT install and adjusting, since it is so critical for that bike.

 

Yes you will need the tool to properly collapse and hold the tension of the stock POS CCT's. Plans for how to make said tool can be found in the service manual in the instructions on how to remove the CCT's. Throttle body removal is NOT required to do the job, might make it a wee bit easier to get to, but not much. Still gotta jam your hand/tools between the block and the frame. I strongly reccomend having the proper crows foots on hand to tighten the lock nut once adjustment is completed.

 

Does anyone have the directions to make the tool as well as how to use it?

 

Service manual can be downloaded here for your viewing/wrenching pleasure

http://vfrworld.com/forums/specifica...e-manuals.html

The specs for making the tool can be found on page 8-13