i put the tensioner back in and hooked up the gas tank and started her up, at first the you could hear the chain over the motor but as the tensioner filled up it went away SOME. i only ran it for a minute.
about how long does it take for it to get to normal, because the chain just sounded terrible.
much worse than before.

 

I have never re-used one, so not sure about that. I just order new ones from Ron Woods, and keep a spare in the tool box just in case

 

It is a hydro self adjusting tensioner - in regards to length.

The tensioner will refill with oil as soon as the engine establishes normal operating oil pressure & will return to the proper length needed at that point - they don`t get "stuck", but rather adjust themselves to the nec. length to put tension on the chain guide.
They really are quite fail-proof !
Save some money Dragon.

 

so whats is the difference between the stock adjuster and the woods manual/ how does it work?
and is it worth the almost 50 bucks not even shipped?

 

ok have been running the ds and i have come to the conclusion that it sounds normal again(where you can hear the cam chain but its part of the motors noise not above it), atleast the same as before i pulled the tensioner. i rode it down my street a few times and it sounds good.

still a ticking or clicking like before, but as soon as i start it on a warm start it sounds good(no terrible chain noise) will have to wait and see if it sounds good when the engine cools off. i checked the tensioner again and it is moving as soon as i pull the bolt off it.


it gets a little difficult trying to hear if something is wrong and then trying remember what sounds like normal

 

In your (&most) situations, no it isn`t worth it.

It performs the same function as the OEM unit, with the only diff being you have to set the length of the $50 bolt manually, while observing proper chain tension.

Some will try to set the cam timing with it, but as things wear (sprockets, chain, guides) adjustment on a play machine may be quite often.

As mentioned, I`m willing to bet your noise is from a need of valve lash adjustment.

Your cam chain tensioner is perfectly fine.

 

ok i went back out and started it up and i could hear the chain quite a bit the tack was reading about 900-1100. so i pulled the choke to half to get the rpm's up and the chain faded into engine noise. as soon as the engine ran for a minute i pushed the choke in and she idle at 1300 like its supposed to and i got "normal" chain noise. so im going to call it good atleast untill i pull the valve cover to do valves, then ill check the chain for slack.
thanks for all the help, im sure ill be back as i do the valves.
brent

 

If you truly have 2000 miles on that beast - a valve lash adj. is definitely due !

 

ya hopefully in the next week i can find a shop manual, and get some feeler gauges. im not going to be riding it until i get it right.