So today I replaced my cam chain tensioner with another OEM one. before installing it i made sure to compress it while submerged in oil to get all the air bubbles out. The problem is, the noise is still there. Is it possible for a new cam chain tensioner to be faulty? I'm thinking I might have to switch to a manual tensioner but i don't like the idea of having to guess at what the proper tension for it is. Any ideas? I'm positive the noise is the cam chain, just not sure why the new one didn't fix the problem.

 

You may need to get your valve lash adjusted.. My roomates bike sounded like a cct but it was the valve lash..

 

Hi, I fitted a manual cam chain tensioner to mine following the instructions in the how to section, It fixed my noise spot on. I got advised not to replace with a hydrolic one for that reason, that the noise may still be there.

 

Maybe you need to change the chain as well, I have a friend who had exactly the same problem and the chain was worn out.
Sorry to reply that late, but just saw the topic.

 

I have not received my new CCT. How do you know if the chain is bad? I know you can't really go by mileage only can you? Is there a way to measure the "slack" to determine if it is bad?

 

The mileage doesn't count that much; what counts more is how the bike was used (revving it excessivly or changed gears very brutal worns out the chain more than gentle riding). You can inspect the chain exactly the way you inspect the rear wheel chain, looking for side playing (the chain should not be bending sideways) or checking the length of the chain pieces (don't know how they are called in english), but for that last one you will need something like this:

 

That would be a Vernier Caliper.

 

Did you put the gasket on right? Not 100% positive but i think the gasket it directional. Just something you might check.

 

There isa little hole in the gasketthat needs lined up with the hole in back of the engine so that the oil can flow through and push on the plunger that tensions the chain. I know this is and older thread, but I had the same thing happen to me. I replaced my noisey CCT with an OEM one tooand still had the noise and in the same the amount. Barring tearing the engine apart, a manual CCTseems to be the only option for fixing it at least in the short term.I believe there is a how-to somewhere in here ondoing it and it isn't that hard.