Rubber-Faced Cam Chain Tensioner

I have had no issue with the steel tensioner in  60 years of use.  I would rather have the magnetic sump plug collect the wear fragments than bits  of rubber circulate to end up who knows where.

Hi Jim,

I have the rubber faced tensioner on my 650 and would do so again in a heartbeat. Been in there 20 years without issue. Quieter, better for the chain- what's not to like?

Unlike Robert, I would rather have no metal shrapnel on my sump plug to start with. Then again, the retrofit Commando style oil filter I have will catch both metallic and rubber particles before they can cause harm and make the bottom end last a lot longer.

Only thing you will possibly need to do is to re-tention the chain after 250-300 miles as the chain/rubber beds in. Too long ago now to remember if I had to or not.

Regards,

George. 

It is a hard rubber like that used on primary chain adjusters, once the 2 tracks for the chain sides are worn the chain rollers roll over the surface and wear stops. If you want to go the whole way for the best timing chain setup then use the Mercedes Iwis simplex timing chain from the Chainman as well as the rubber surfaced tensioner.

The rubber particles should end up in the sump filter ,so  you could  clean that out after  doing the final adjustment.