CB360: Cam tensioner question

[Tugboat]

I know there was a recall to deal with a potentially-faulty cam chain tensioner on the older 360's, and that these issues were addressed at the factory on the later models. My question is: if you have an older engine that never had the recall work done, is it prone to failure regardless of whether or not you keep the cam chain properly adjusted? Or CAN you even adjust it properly with the old tensioner?

 

[rockcitycafe]

I believe the recall was due to the tensioner failing and causing engine seizure, and some crashes because of that. From what I read on the recall, the failure was due to no maintenance, so my guess would be that if you're careful about keeping the cam chain tensioned properly, you'll more or less be okay.

 

[interceptor]

I'm going through this right now. When the head cover was taken off to inspect, one of the tensioners was not there. It shattered and is now sitting at the bottom of the engine in pieces. Finding a new one seems to be almost impossible. Used ones are easier to find though. I've read they need to be checked/tightened every 1500 miles. According to what I've read, Roc City is right, the old ones last as long as they are properly maintained.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

The old ones last the same as the new ones. However, the old ones, when they break, have a propensity for jamming the cam chain and stopping the engine. This can be a little unnerving if your driving and the engine suddenly locks up.

The new one, because the reversed the top and bottom curl, won't jam the engine (hopefully).

In either case, the pieces are no longer made and difficult to come by.

 

[AntonLodwijk]

Hello.

I recently bought a CB250g. The engine was supposed to be OK but I discovered the cam chain guide was broken in two.
Luckily I was able to buy another engine with a good guide for 100€.

However: Engine II has a different cam tensioner than my first engine (I). Engine II has 2 marks near the serial nr.

Can someone tell me which tensioner is the newest or best and should use in my rebuild engine?

No offense but please reply only when you now what you are talking about.

Thanks!

 

[xb33bsa]

that is a thlipper

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

There are 2 Thlippers, The front guide, and the rear tensioner....

In your pic, the one on the left is the newer, improved one. Use that one.

The retainer at the top needs to be changed. The old one is straight across, Like this:

The new one has a delta shape and the cup the slipper sits in is offset:

Use the offset retainer with the new style slipper.

there is a liner in the top retainer too, don't lose it....


If you PM me your e-mail, I will send you a pdf of the Honda Service Bulletin on install and adjustment of the new style.

 

[AntonLodwijk]

Thanks very much for your answer!

I will post some pics of the engine in the near future.

Bye!

Anton