Cam Chain Tensioner Tool?

FL-STrider

FL-STrider

Roughing it smoothly
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
93
Age
64
Location
New Port Richey, Florida
Bike
2004 ST1300
Am I right that you can use a small flat head screwdriver to loosen this? I've watched the videos on the site and it doesn't really explain. Can someone explain a little bit better please. The shop manual shows a home made tool???
 
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner

Yes, a small screw driver will work.
 
FL-STRIDER said:
Am I right that you can use a small flat head srewdriver to loosen this? I've watched the videos on the site and it doesn't really explain. Can someone explain a little bit better please. The shop manual shows a home made tool???
Click to expand...

Yes, you can use a 1/8 inch non-flared tip screwdriver with a 6" or longer shank.

Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8qVgooOD0A

Here is a picture of the screwdriver:

https://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=58167&d=1267296137
 
Yes, a small screwdriver works. I think I bought one with a 3/16" blade and had to file a bit off one side of the blade for it to fit in the hole. I used a small (6"??) vise grip plier to clamp onto the screwdriver handle at the appropriate place to prevent the screwdriver from turning and releasing tension. I think the vice grip handle came from Bob's video.

If you use Mellow's Hot Cams shim kit I placed the screwdriver in the kit for future users to use.
 
I also use a small blade screwdriver for the chain tensioner under the throttle body but I had the shop purchase me the correct tool from honda to do the left side.
P/N 07AMG-001A100
 
Thanks for the p/n; I didn't see it in the shop manual, so this will save making one.
 
Just to be clear the special Honda tool isn't required to do the left bank of cylinders. The same common screwdriver that works on the right one also does the left side. How it works is the cam chain tensioner release has a slot like a screw does. You insert the tool down into the hole and find the slot, then turn the tool/screwdriver to "wind" up the tension just as you would tighten or remove a screw. It takes less than one turn if I recall. There is not much force required. The tool turns some amount and you will see the tension on the cam chain release - there is a long spring-loaded slipper that rubs against the chain to tension it so we move the slipper away from the chain by turning the tensioner to "wind up" the spring. It will want to "unwind" so the vise grip is located on the tool so it rests against the engine block or a handy projection and holds the screw "wound up". When we are done we remove the vise grip and wind the screw head the other way and the spring becomes free to press the slipper against the chain again. Easy Peasy once you do it.

I hope the above helps visualize the procedure using a screwdriver.

The special tool fits into slots machined like spokes around the hole the tool is inserted into so the vise grip is not needed.
 
No Problem, the p/n isn't in the shop manual. I had to call Honda to find out the p/n. I new there was a tool because I used it when I went ot Honda school for the ST1300
roginoz said:
Thanks for the p/n; I didn't see it in the shop manual, so this will save making one.
Click to expand...
 
The tool is not required to slacken the tensioner. It is needed to stop the tensioner from re-tightening itself once you have slackened it.

The shop manual has the dimensions to make one.

1731059473573.png
 
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I ordered a couple of the tools, arrived today and have to say they are not bad for the money... Remains to be seen how good when the time comes!

IMG_2907 Medium.jpeg
 
Has anyone found the cam chain tensioners to be in need of adjustment when the cams have not been removed?
 
Only need the key to release/back off the tensioner and lock-off to allow for cam removal, it’s not adjustable…

Just a bit easier than screwdriver with mole-grips…
 
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