Posted by Frank on February 25, 2001 at 20:56:34:
Ok, last I reported my '97 Savage turned out to be running fine despite the local "rip-off" bike shop telling me the engine needed complete overhauling. Well, I ran her to work on Friday because it was raining and didn't want to get the new Harley wet. I turns she did have some problems. I experienced the the same clattering noies down in the right side case cover that prompted me to take it into the shop in the first place. I also experienced slight power loss on the way home. Fortunately, the little steed got me home. Yesterday, opened the cam cover and looked around. Everything looked great, no scorching or burnt looking parts, plenty of oil up top. But when I pulled up on the cam chain, it was real loose. Ah ha! It must be the cam chain tensioner located down behind the lower right side case cover. I opened it up and lo and behold there sat the tensioner broken in two riding on top of the crankshaft drive gear. I am lucky that the bike didn't implode on me on the way home friday night. Actually what has happened is that the cam chain had become so strectched after 76,000 miles that the tensioner spring was totally maxed out and broke inside the tensioner housing (consult you clymer for reference). The tensioner body is actually three parts: the left housing, right housing and a spring inside. As the cam chain wears, the spring inside expands, forcing the tensioner to expand against the chain to keep it tight. Looks like I'll be buying a new tensioner and chain. I think everyting else is ok. Not bad for a very high mileage single. Anybody know what the parts will cost? P.S> It looks like I'll be getting the Sportster wet tomorrow, we are experiencing Pacific Northwest type of winter here in normally sunny southern California. Ride Safe.