When my bike is cold and at idle I can hear a chatter coming from the front or top of the engine. Its not reallt a tick or a knockmore of a chatterkinda like a really sloppy or wet tick. I dunno exactly how to describe it.But it only happens when it is cold, and sometimes pulling the clutch makes it stop. It doesn't happen right at start up I have to ride for a few minutes first. Any ideas of what it might be?

 

The cam chain tensioner gnome.

 

So does it need to be replaced, or is it normal? Is it hurting anything now, or can it lead to more problems?

 

Yes, they do wear out over time but just because it's noisy doesn't mean it's about to fail. Most people seem to only replace them because they get tired of the noise. If it does fail, though, the cam chain will damage the motor's interior. Be aware that Honda refers to this part as the "cam chain tensioner lifter" while everyone else calls it the "cam chain tensioner." I would say it's a common part to replace, if you go to a dealer for one be sure to ask for the 'lifter.' I'm about to replace mine as well and have chosen to go with an aftermarket 'manual' tensioner from American Performance Engineering (APE): clicky clicky

It comes with instructions and I believe what I've read about it being a good product. If you choose to go OEM, you could always buy used, but market price is about the same as a new APE. New OEM CCT's are about $70. Here's a guide on how to install the OEM version, it's on a different bike but the same part is used:

http://www.bossturbo.com/cbr/howto_cct.shtml

If you go with new OEM, look up these part numbers and find the best price you can; this is a good place for new OEM parts at the lowest prices I've found: http://servicehonda.com/

"Cam chain tensioner lifter" (1993-1995): 14520-MWO-003 (1996-1997): 14520-MAS-003 (1998-1999): 14520-MAT-E21

I would be willing to bet the same CCT will work for 93 thru 97 in case you find a used one, but I haven't tried it.
And you'll need a gasket ($2), "tensioner hole gasket" (1993-1997): 12194-HC5-740 (1998-1999): 14523-MAL-A00


Or...the noise could just be a gnome, trying to brush his teeth really fast with the wrong side of a little aluminum toothbrush...clicketty clicketty giggitty

 

So are the manuals better? Of course that is probably a matter of opinion but figured i would ask anyway. How often would you have to adjust it and everything? And how easy would it be to screw up the bike putting it at the wrong setting? I mean is it fairly easy to adjust or set?

 

This is my first purchase of the APE manual, and I'm pretty confident I won't have to buy another one. At this point I'm assuming that it comes with instructions on how to adjust it properly. Once it comes and I install it and adust it I'll post up in the How-to section. But for now it seems like a much better option than OEM.

http://cbrzone.com/sprockets.html

 

I've bought an APE, adjusted it correctly once, threw some threadlock on it and haven't touched it in 10K miles. GET ONE and shut that knome the f*ck up

 

Hey guys, I have the same problem and have been ignoring it for a while. I did'nt know where to order this manuel tentionerand want to thank yoy guys for the info. Thanks Johnny

 

eBay

 

How hard is the install, do you have to rip out the engine?

Oopss, nevermind, the didn't read the full post gnome got me.