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We're often asked about these spring-loaded primary
chain tensioners that are available for XL models,
and whether they're a worthwhile investment. I've
used these devices and this is to share my
experience.
I
personally fitted four different Buell tube frame
models with spring loaded tensioners from Hayden,
dubbed the "M6". The first sign that something
wasn't right came about 1000 miles later on the bike
that was getting ridden the most of the four. I
noticed an unusual amount of noise in the primary.
I pulled
the primary cover and found this:
That's exactly how it looked when I pulled it out of
the motor, stuck down. I forced the shoe out and
this is what I saw:
As you can see, the primary chain was grinding a
burr into the tensioner frame. The shoe was hanging
up on that burr rather than freely sliding up. Large
quantities of steel filings were being deposited
into my primary and transmission and a more serious
failure was imminent.
It was installed exactly correctly, it's not rocket
science to put one of these things in. And there's
really not a lot of room for error on the
installation anyway, although I suppose a person
could get the thing reversed in there. But I had
done it properly.
I pulled the other 3 tensioners out of their
respective motors, and although they weren't stuck
like this one, every one of them had evidence of the
chain grinding on the frame. Not good.
Speaking of tensioners, if your XL or Buell was made
prior to early 2001, there's a good chance it has a
light duty tensioner installed. See the one on the
left below:
Note how much thinner the steel plate is on the left
tensioner than on the right tensioner. These light
duty tensioners are subject to failure, particularly
in high horsepower applications. The steel support
plate literally breaks in two. Always update your
tensioner to the new style on the right. NRHS
normally stocks the heavy duty tensioner just
because we see this so often and we update every
motor we come across. Give us a call if you're in
need of one, it's not an expensive piece (under $25)
and it can sure prevent an awfully expensive
failure.
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