I have sent a letter to the CRB asking for the allowance of a manual cam chain tensioners for the motorcycle engines.
The reasoning is that this is a very inexpensive part (less than $70) which could save an engine from serious valve train damage or even worse. The part adds zero performance advantage and only is designed to stabilize tension on the cam chain during high performance usage.
Here's what is on the A.P.E. Website regarding two issues with the stock unit....
George Dean firmly believes we should all be running the manual units...and all of our DSR engines have them.
- The automatic adjusters can back out when the throttle is closed suddenly at high rpm. This allows the cams to go momentarily out of time, and can result in bent valves and/or serious engine damage.
- Hydraulic tensioners have a tendency to put too much tension on the chain guide under high rpm/high oil pressure conditions, resulting in premature wear.
Matt Conrad
Phoenix Race Works, LLC