V-max/Venture vs Vision Tensioners

[crazy steve]

Thought I'd post this for info...

Here's a A/B comparison between the V-Max/Venture and XV550 Vision tensioners. Not quite the same, and I haven't actually ran the Vision one yet. All pics have the Vision unit on the left.

[IMG][/IMG]

You can see the slightly different 'offset' here, but it's too small to make any difference I can see. The big difference here is the bolt center-to-center; the V-max is a direct bolt-in, the Vision has the holes .070" further apart. I'd do the alteration in the lower hole.

[IMG][/IMG]

The Vision unit is .130" longer than the V-max internally. I doubt that this would be a problem, maybe with a new cam chain. I know in comparing this in length to OEM units I have that are 'set', this will fit. The Vision unit has a much softer spring too; you can easily fully compress that one, the V-max takes some effort. Both seem to use the same plunger.

[IMG][/IMG]

The other big difference. The Vision unit has the plunger/ratchet rotated about 45 degrees. So for those who were wondering if these would work, I'd say the answer is yes...

[soccer4m]

thanks

Thanks, the pics really show the difference. I bought the venture tensioners and they work but needed some drilling on the side of the holes to keep from leaking. Like a dummy, I tried them out with no drilling and they wept oil, so out comes the drill, hit the inside edges about 1/8" and now they work,,,,looks like the Vmax tensioners will be in high demand for awhile,,,,,lets keep it secret and buy them up before the hordes figure this out. Thanks again for the pics and comparisons.......................Mike in Sun Diego

[natemoen]

The vision tensioner will really only fit in the hole one way. Put the tensioner I. the hole then decide which hole to file that .07 off. One hole seemed to line up perfect and the other was just off a little, don't remember which though. The vision tensioner also seemed to sit more centered on the chain guide than the venture tensioner but I don't see that really being an issue. Here is a pic of the vision tensioner when mounted looking down the.cam galley.

[crazy steve]

Ok, a follow-up on the Vision tensioner. I went ahead and fitted one to the SG motor.

As Nate says, it only fits one way. The hole to file is the top one (not the bottom) and it helps if you file down and to the left when facing it. This will center it over the hole better and fully cover the gasket surface.

The other thing I looked at was spring tension. As I noted, the V-max spring is stiffer compared to the Vision (by quite a bit), but the Vision spring seems to be pretty close to the OEM one. So the Vision tensioner may actually be a better choice in terms of cam chain guide wear.

So will there be a run on these now?

[natemoen]

The vision ones don't seem to show up all that much. Maybe a couple on ebay at a time. The last time I look there was 3, 2 for something like 30 bucks starting bit and another buy it now for 10. I got mine last summer for something like $6 shipped so I was willing to take the risk of it didnt work out.

[cowboybob998]

Thanks, the pics really show the difference. I bought the venture tensioners and they work but needed some drilling on the side of the holes to keep from leaking. Like a dummy, I tried them out with no drilling and they wept oil, so out comes the drill, hit the inside edges about 1/8" and now they work,,,,looks like the Vmax tensioners will be in high demand for awhile,,,,,lets keep it secret and buy them up before the hordes figure this out. Thanks again for the pics and comparisons.......................Mike in Sun Diego

I have the venture ten. on mine and it is leaking oil but i just figured i messed up the gasket and have not got around to checking it out yet, what do you mean buy driling out the inside of the holes, are you talking about the mounting holes, how is this going to help ?

[WMarshy]

I decided to bid on a set from Massillon, OH. Hope no one on here out bids me, I'd rather sell one to someone than pay extra for it...

[Rasputin]

If ya win I would be interested in buying the extra one!

[Woof]

Last month I decided to replace the tensioner gasket to fix a minor oil drip. After the adjustment (which was probably the first time since it was new) I was surprised that my XJ seemed to start without the choke on the first try. So this seemed like a no brainer and wow what a great Mod!!!

For some reason the EBAY sale was for two tensioners so Rasputin (or anyone else) if you are still looking for one I have an extra for sale.

[Rasputin]

The Ventures use two of them so they come in pairs most of the time. I am interested. PM sent

[Toolmaker Tim]

Venture Tensioners

There is a pair of tensioners on Ebay with a buy it now price of 14.96+shipping. Auction number is 200591714613. They are off a 07 Venture Royal Star. They look pretty clean.

[Rasputin]

Well as I need about 4 more I will bid on those too. Thanks for the heads up!
Bought em!

[Geezer]

I bought a pair last year and reported on them. I didn't think they're close enough to mess with...

Geezer

[motoman]

Cowboybob, on the Vision tensioner, he awas stating you have to elongate the upper hole a tad for it to fit. If your Venture/V-max tensioner is leaking, first check and see if it is seated in the housing. 3Phase had this happen when we fist put the one in his. Wasn't quite seated in housing and thought the allen bolts were tight. Rode it a couple miles and say it leaking at the base. Re-tightened allen bolts and notice the tensioner pulling in a bit up tighter against the head. On my Venturer, it went right in, no problems. Thinkin' maybe the opening casting is ever so slightly different on some of the XS's as I've seen a few others here having a slight leak from them. Seems the Venture self-adjuster is a tad of a tight fit in the casting. Doesn't seem to be an issue, just look and make sure it's pulled up tight against the head, even though the allens seem to pull up tight.

[cowboybob998]

Cowboybob, on the Vision tensioner, he awas stating you have to elongate the upper hole a tad for it to fit. If your Venture/V-max tensioner is leaking, first check and see if it is seated in the housing. 3Phase had this happen when we fist put the one in his. Wasn't quite seated in housing and thought the allen bolts were tight. Rode it a couple miles and say it leaking at the base. Re-tightened allen bolts and notice the tensioner pulling in a bit up tighter against the head. On my Venturer, it went right in, no problems. Thinkin' maybe the opening casting is ever so slightly different on some of the XS's as I've seen a few others here having a slight leak from them. Seems the Venture self-adjuster is a tad of a tight fit in the casting. Doesn't seem to be an issue, just look and make sure it's pulled up tight against the head, even though the allens seem to pull up tight.

i will check that out, i did retighten them and it helped some but i think you must be right. thanks