Typical chain adjuster seized & worn in wrong place?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

This morning I removed the cam chain tensioner horse shoe thingy. First off it seemed to be just solid it did not move on the pivot at all when in position.
When I undid the two retaining bolts I found it had some nice shiny parts in the wrong place I guess.


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cam tensioner shoe by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

[K2-K6]

Once that pivot seizes the cam chain can't be adjusted any further as the facility to complete that is no longer available.

The chain usually makes a light rattling but nothing more, with the baginess allowing the slack to touch things it shouldn't. Rarely break, but soldier on quite gallantly until someone takes them apart for some TLC 

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Once that pivot seizes the cam chain can't be adjusted any further as the facility to complete that is no longer available.

The chain usually makes a light rattling but nothing more, with the baginess allowing the slack to touch things it shouldn't. Rarely break, but soldier on quite gallantly until someone takes them apart for some TLC 

Luckily no recent PO had tried to tension it up so the original ajuster bolt & threads are all good.

[Nurse Julie]

The CB400 four achilles heel.

[Bryanj]

Somebody was making stainless repos of those, was it ttr400?

[smoothoperator]

Looks just how mine came out Ted, completely seized but as per advice on this site by Trigger I ground out the damage with a Dremel and now it pivots freely. Picture is before I freed it off.

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[Orcade-Ian]

The one you have can be repaired quite easily if you have a few different sized punches and access to a lathe - or a mate with one!
I have done a fair few of these both for myself and others - I added a short write up here:

http://www.stallard-engineering.co.uk/stories/Bikes/Japanese/Cam%20Chain%20Tensioner.htm

DS does a really fancy one but I think they come close to a hundred quid with vat and post.

Ian

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Somebody was making stainless repos of those, was it ttr400?

I made an enquiry to  ttr400 they supply theirs to DS - they said it was cheaper off them than from ttr400 paying duty & currency conversion.

[taysidedragon]

Mine was the same but freed up fine with a dremel and needle files. Pivoted beautifully afterwards.

[ttr400]

Oddjob, been trying to get over since last year, but with Covid it's just too costly with all the restrictions etc.
I'm itching to get to my SA registered CB400F in the UK. had a trip planned for Iceland last year but was moved to this year...can't see that happening.
I often bring parts over with me, so far not had any issues with customs.

While i'm on here.....I need a CB400F 76/77 frame with V5 or a complete basket case bike. anyone who can assist in getting one would be appreciated.

Kevin

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I have cleaned up the existing cam chain adjuster, 4 hours soaking in Oven Gel, rinsed  followed by 36 hours in Evaporust with a little Wet & Dry in the pivot gaps - pin rotates freely as well.
Moves about as it should removed the sharp edges caused by the chain - good to use again!

horseshoe adjuster by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr