A possible cam chain tensioner failure

grizztracks

grizztracks

Tech Advisor
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Location
Scio, NY
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Snowmobile
FX Nytro RTX, RS Vector, SR Viper RTX SE
After reading several posts regarding the cam chain tensioner bulletin and possible failures I decided to give my 05 Vector with 3,200 miles on it a closer listen. I had the side panel off changing the chain case lube and thought maybe I should get my scope out and listen to the tensioner. I let the engine warm up for a few minutes and then put the scope on the block at the base of the tensioner... nothing alarming. I moved around the engine and everything sounds normal.

Ok, why the new post? Because all is not OK. I left the sled running and put my scope and some other tools away and then I heard it. A faint, abnormal noise, just for a second then it was gone. Out the scope came for another listen and this time the tensioner area was much louder. I brought the RPM's up a bit to listen for any change and there it was, a distinct noise that in my opinion is not normal. I'm aware of the problem with exhaust leaks, clutch noise and I know what the valve train should sound like but that's not what I'm hearing. I was a diesel mechanic for over 20 years and have worked on almost everything out there. It's definitely coming from the chain or tensioner so I'm replacing the tensioner just to be safe.

I'm really interested in getting this thing changed and listening again to verify what I suspect to be the problem. I'm going to stop at the dealers tomorrow and discus it with them just to see if they're willing to do anything (they got my nytro subframe replaced for free out of warranty).

I'll keep you posted.
 
That is similar to what I am experiencing. My sled is new to me though. however mine becomes noticeably louder. with the hood up you wouldn't call it faint. Mine comes and goes. Never does it completely cold. I ordered a new tensioner. My dealer seems fairly sure that is my problem. Also fairly certain yamaha will not help me.

If i had to describe my noise it would be an all over increase in valve clatter with most noise coming from the right side. Including the tensioner itself.
 
I wasn't going to worry about it this year and if I wasn't listening for it I might have missed the noise ( it's not loud, you have to listen for it). It's definitely on the chain side of the engine and is more noticeable just above an idle however its not in sync with engine RPM's.. It doesn't sound anything like a valve or rocker noise. It's erratic and sounds like the tensioner loses its pressure on the chain guide then suddenly snaps back. I'm not sure how long this tensioner would run before it caused significant damage but I do believe it was just a matter of time.

If your running a machine listed in the tech bulletin I would recomend that you check over your machine and do a periodic check throughout the season. I think we're going to see more failures real soon.

Like I said in the opening post, I'll need to replace the tensioner to confirm my diagnosis but I'll keep you posted.

Yamahachaintensioner.jpg
I was total caught by surprise on this one.
 
I don't understand why some dealers changed out the tensioner while others won't. Last April,09 my dealer made me aware of the Tensioner problem and Yamaha did it out of Warranty at no cost to me. He also did about 25 other sleds before me. I have an 05 RS Vector ER with 5,000 miles. The likelyhood of a tensioner failing is very small but when it is you, it is 100% according to my dealer. A few years ago, Toyota Tacoma 4 cyl had this very same problem where the tensioner failed and the timing chain would cut into the casting and into the water jacket causing anti freeze to flood the engine. I don't think Toyota rushed forward to fix the problem back then. It just seems that there should be some consistancy here and that Yamaha would replace them all. I am very greateful that Yamaha and my dealer did this for me and I wasn't out $700.00.
 
I had the dealer order the parts and I'm taking it in this week to see if Yamaha will cover it. The dealer said that because I bought it new I had a better chance of getting it covered. This is a small town dealer (two brothers, great guys) so this is the first tensioner problem brought to them. If Yamaha doesn't cover it I'll install the tensioner myself but i thought I'd see what they would do first.
 
I ordered mine from the dealer on thursday. I got bored yesterday and tore my sled apart to the point of pulling the tensioner out. Got the engine rolled forward but I am not going to pull the tensioner out until the new one shows up. It only took about an hour to get to that point.
 
Does anyone know how many have actually failed?
 
2006 vector. My went bad and caused 4000 dollars damage. Had 2 weeks left on warranty and they covered it 100 %
 
I'm not busting your chops but wouldn't you be able to pick up another engine for a lot less than 4 grand? How many miles did you have when it went?
 
I just got back from the dealer and they agree that the tensioner is failing. Their going to contact Yamaha Monday to see if it'll be covered out of warranty. The parts are in and if it's not covered I'll change it out myself.
 
RobWarrior said:
I'm not busting your chops but wouldn't you be able to pick up another engine for a lot less than 4 grand? How many miles did you have when it went?
Click to expand...
I did not have a choice. Yamaha decided it and paid for it 100%.
 
Got the call from my dealer today. Yamaha will not cover my 05 vector tensioner. They said only 07 sleds with bad tensioners will be covered. I really didn't think they would cover it but they could at least discount the part. Instead Yamaha increased the list price to $152.
 
This must only be a American thing because a few of the dealers I have called in Northern Ontario said they have never seen or heard of a Cam Chain tensioner failure...I am wondering if Yamaha Canada is just playing stupid on this issue ???????#*^R%#@!(
 
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