Auto tensioner

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Sep 7, 2017 | 06:59 PM

trunomad

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 170

Likes: 3

From: sycamore

Auto tensioner

can they be reset if they have ratcheted up to tight

Sep 7, 2017 | 07:04 PM

hellonewman

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 8,054

Likes: 8,076

From: Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by trunomad

can they be reset if they have ratcheted up to tight

Yes if you take the primary cover off and release it. The first time you give it heavy throttle, the load side of the chain will be stretched tight and the tensioner on the slack side will snug it up again. Thats the design flaw.

Sep 7, 2017 | 07:17 PM

seniorsuperglideE8

Supporter

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 15,787

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From: along the shore of Mishigami

Some good reading on these auto-tensioners will also involve inner primary bearing failure. A lot of people on this site have installed the old style adjustable or the auto -tensioners that are spring loaded to keep the tension a constant load.

Sep 7, 2017 | 07:25 PM

trunomad

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 170

Likes: 3

From: sycamore

I looked on google and you tube for vidio on how to do it. came up empty. is there some trick to it or is it a simple thing to do?

Sep 7, 2017 | 07:35 PM

skid_pimp

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 1,996

Likes: 417

From: Cranbourne, VIC Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by trunomad

I looked on google and you tube for vidio on how to do it. came up empty. is there some trick to it or is it a simple thing to do?

As stated above, it will simply tighten to the same tension the first time you get on it once it is warm.

But to answer your question, the easiest way is:
1. Drain and remove outer primary
2. Remove stock auto tensioner
3. Collapse stock auto tensioner, and zip
4. Reinstall
5. Cut zip the
6. Reinstall outer primary
7. Remove derby cover
8. Refill primary
9. Reinstall derby cover
10. Wait for it to overtighten again

Sep 7, 2017 | 07:38 PM

billib1954

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,239

Likes: 356

From: virginia

Pretty simple. Remove outer primary cover, unbolt POS tensioner, throw away. Install a Hayden M6. Reinstall primary. Done, have a beer.

Last edited by billib1954; Sep 7, 2017 at 07:43 PM.

Sep 7, 2017 | 10:17 PM

FlaHeatWave

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 566

Likes: 70

From: The Redneck Riviera

The OE Auto Tensioner on the '09 has been working fine, no issues whatsoever, for 59k miles so far...

The Chain has always been within specs when checked...

My trick is no engine braking until the drivetrain is up to / near operating temperature...

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Sep 8, 2017 | 06:33 AM

hellonewman

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 8,054

Likes: 8,076

From: Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlaHeatWave

My trick is no engine braking until the drivetrain is up to / near operating temperature...

Thats an interesting idea except my thinking is that as the engine warms up the chain will get longer (just like exhaust systems grow in length with heat) and will allow the tensioner to tighten it even more vs a cold chain could be.