Cam Chain Tensioner Issue

[Jhenry]

After fixing the tach drive, and many thanks for the replies, I pulled the tensioner due to what I assumed was oil seeping from the gasket area. When I pulled it and cleaned the accumulated gunk off of it I noticed a lengthways crack in the body, on the bottom. The crack is fairly straight, hairline in nature, and runs from about half an inch from the small end to just before the bottom attachment bolt hole. My assumption is at some point during my ownership, 24 years, or before someone (or myself) overtightened the stop screw and started a crack which has become worse over time. I disassembled the tensioner and screwed the stop screw in enough to widen the crack just a bit, and cleaned it out with aerosol brake cleaner. I worked JB Weld into it with a scalpel tip, and released the tension therby closing the crack. Used more JB Weld to cover the outside. I have no doubt the leak is probably fixed, the question is whether or not the stop screw will pop it back open. My question the the assembled is this, would leaving the tensioner press inward with the strength of the internal spring and not utilizing the stop screw create unwanted or damaging wear. It would seem too be then acting as an automatic cam chain tensioner.

[Pigford]

DO NOT just rely on the spring to keep tension

If the chain goes slack whilst running, odds-on, it'll jump a tooth or more & thats a new set of valves

If it was me, I'd replace the tensioner... they come up quite reasonably priced on eBay....

[Jhenry]

Thanks, will do.

[hillbilly]

i might have one somewere,have to find it out.

[chrispyduck]

I got a spare one in the garage

The good souls on this forum helped me out a couple of years ago when I had a similar problem

Send me your address by pm and I will post it out to you

[Pigford]

Well done Chrispy......... Good Karma heading your way

[Jhenry]

PM sent to Chrispy. That was very nice and generous of him. I hope I can return the favor to someone here at some point.