cam chains 2002

Sorry for the typo, so I will reclarify.

*** cam chain tensioners are not nearly as UNRELIABLE as you are making them out to be ***

Just because you found a few posts doesn't mean anything. Keep searching the message boards and you will find gear driven cam failures too.

You missed my point and that is that any part of an engine is prone to failure and that if cam chain tensioners didn't work, then they wouldn't still be in existence. Some bikes are more prone to problems than others - as with anything, but the 6th Gen has NO proven wide spread problems whatsover as you imply. Take another look at the poll and see how many people reported problems - ZERO. Better yet, take a poll of all bikes in existence that have cam chain tensioners and you will find that the numbers will be extremely low.

 

The only gear driven cam failures i have found were on the 86-88 VFR models due to the "springs " on the cams breaking... I would love a 2007 VFR if it didnt have vtec or cam chains.. too each his own..

I was just trying to show of some reported cases of CCT failures and what people might run into down the road ...Look up the VFRmailing list and search cam chain tensioner for the year 2002-2005 and see what shows up, I have and it's more than a few cases...

 

If memory serves Honda added longer chain guides in the mild 2004 Gen 6 update, wonder if thier was a reason ?

 

Well, if you're ever in New York, then look me up and I'll gladly let you take mine out for a spin. The VTEC and cam chains just might not be as bad as you think. If you don't agree, then you can take out my 2nd Gen which will put you right back in your comfort zone. And yes, to each his own - except in my case where I have the luxury of both.

 

Thanks for the offer butI have ridden an 05 Vtec and found it lacking what i want/need in a VFR....Now the 2nd gen sounds more like it..

 

Did the schematic and part numbers help you find what you need?

 

Yeah, it's a definite classic that will never go out of style.

 

Wait , if it's a 1986 then it's a first gen VFR.. The 1983-1985 is the VF series .

 

The 1986 is the first VFR, but the 2nd Gen Interceptor. The 1983 VF was the 1st Gen Interceptor.

 

I know all about the 83 VF750F as I have owned 2 of them and also a 1984 VF750F.. The First time I rode a Interceptor I fell in love with it and have been hooked since may of 1983...

 

I just went into your photo gallery looking for them, but didn't see them. Any chance that you still have them? If so, pictures would be great.

 

All my pics were destroyed in a house fire in 1996...I still miss the 83/84 VF750F, god what memories.. The cam chains on my first 83 was replaced 4 times , and at 53,000 miles in 1988 the lower end went south when I was racing a FZ600 / Oil light coming on at 123mph on speedo is a scary experience/ handfull of clutch and brakes, knocking deep in the bottom end..OUCH.

 

What does it sound like when a tensioner first starts to go? I've notice a very light clunking noise very randomly. Does it one second but not the next. The kind that if you take it to the shop, it probably wouldn't do it when you got there. Only at idle coming from the back of the motor. Does it when it is warmed up. Clears up with throttle. Had valves checked 6,000 miles back. Any thoughts?

 

Thought I'd 'weigh in' on this. I've replaced the tensioners on one 6 gen that had a bit over 20K.

I think saying it's 'normal' for these tensioners to be replaced is too strong a language. On the other hand I'm not particularily surprised when I come across it on any model.

On the positive side they're quite easy to replace and can be done externally unlike the early 80's V4's, which used an entirely different kind of tensioner which required cams to be removed.

I don't know why you'd want to replace an automatic unit with a manual type adjuster. In addition to having to adjust them (it's not that easy to access the front one)..there's always a chance of 'ham handed individuals' that get them too tight, increasing wear on the chain and cam bearings.

Superceptor...sounds like cam tensioners...comes and goes at idle...I'd describe the noise it makes as more of a 'rattle' than a clunk though.

 

I have an '04 with 39,000 miles. Just started making the slight rattle at idle. I'm still on the ORIGINAL tensioners. I'll be taking my bike to the dealer in a few days for the wiring recall. Still need to get that done. I'm going to have them check it out. I'll keep you all updated on the cct's.

 

Thanks Hondawolf I would really appreciate the input. Just wondering does yours do it one day but not the next. Cause it is weird, mine only does it from time to time.

 

The tensioners are made to take up the slack and lock themselves, unless more adjustment is needed. The 'locking' part is the failure. They back off slightly, make noise...tension themselves, get quiet...cycling over and over.
Thus the intermittent nature of the noise.

 

Superceptor02, well bike's in the shop. My bike seemed to do it all the time, but only once the bike was fully warmed up. Couldn't let it idle in the driveway for 15 minutes, had ot go ride it around a bit. Will only do it at idle, once I bring up the rpm's a little it goes away.