The spring has to be removed because it pushed the plunger outward when the tensioner was removed. You can't install the tensioner assembly with the shaft extended out. The spring is located behind the bolt in the center of the tensioner. The plunger shaft has grooves on one side. The ratchet pawl is the thing that catches in the grooves and keeps the plunger shaft tight against the cam chain guide.

 

Are you sure you have to remove the spring? You have to take apart the whole cam tenn, assembly to take out the spring. If you remove the middle screw you can adjust the plunger by putting a small flat head screwdriver in the hole and turning it to the left or right. How much do you tighten the screw against the chain gudie to propley adjust the timing chain? thanks

 

We are talking about 2 different type of tensioners. On the style that You have I use a screwdriver to retract the plunger like You said. It is tricky holding the screwdriver and installing the tensioner at the same time. I saw somewhere how to make a tool to hold the screw while You install the tensioner. Could You use a piece of all-thread to align the tensioner? When the assembly touches the block install the bolt on the other side.
You don't tighten the screw. After attaching the tensioner and when You release the screwdriver that you are using to keep the plunger retracted the spring tension will do the adjusting.

 

Thanks everybody for all your help. My spring inside my Tenn, was broke. I bought a new Tenn, and got the timing set back on the quad. Now i need to know what to set the valve lash at. If anybody can tell me the specs that would be great. Thanks

 

Got all the info i need. Thanks Everybody for answering all my ?

 

did you get the atv back in time if so could I get that info and pics