We're talking Cam chain tension, not primary,

The cam chain tension is set by the spring load,

It is not adjustable,

 

Oil has nothing to do with the integrity of the cam chain tensioners. I have 30+ years in the plastics raw material industry, and I can assure you the quality of the tensioners has to do with the tightness of the raw material specification and how well the plastic raw material was processed to make the tensioners. Since plastic processing has variables, it is difficult to keep all of the conditions within specification. A good looking part may not guarantee a long lasting part.

 

Someone correct me if I am wrong. And I'm sure you will...

From what I have learned about cam chain tensioners, the chain is the problem. A chain that was made (stamped) using newer dies had more precise and smoother edges. A chain whose parts were stamped with an older die set tended to have sharper edges and as a result was harder on the tensioner material.

As someone said, it is a lottery. You get a well stamped precise chain, or you don't. no way to tell until time passes and your checking tells you.

The last time I changed the oil, I strained it all through an old t-shirt before disposing of it. No material at all was caught that I could see. I also kept the filter and will open it up this weekend to see what is inside it. I should have pulled the cover during the oil change, but completely spaced it off until I had everything buttoned up again and oil back in it.

 

2002 FXDXT went 81,000mi. on dino before I changed the tensioners. Bike now has 100,000.

Oil and filter every 2500mi.

 

Besides checking them any way to notice if they are bad or wearing alot?

 

It's easyer to change them then to check them. You can only see the out side with out see the inside wear. And if you use better oil they will last longer.

 

I have to laugh about you having to change your oil twice as much as the better syn oil that just being to cheap. I like to see you do a couple parades with dino oil instead of syn oil.

 

Just checked @ 24k. Inner was showing 'normal' wear, and the outer looked like it was recently replaced. Bike is new to me, so I'm checking everything.

Check the inner tensioner by prying the outer tensioner frame up, and inserting a small phillips head screwdriver thru the came plate, and hold it open by the inner tensioner frame plastic. Use an inexpensive angled dental mirror ($5) and a flashlight to see the underside of the tensioner. Gently ease the tensioner back into place. Tensioner shoes are very brittle, and easily broken.

I'll buy the proper cam chain tensioner tool, and replace the inner tensioner in another 10k.

 

You do all that just put a new set on.

 

Instead of cam chain tensioner tool I use an allen wench and adjustable wench. It will do the same job.