Oil leak at cam chain tensioner..options?

[Bauer]

Hey guys,
Walked out to start the bike up after it sat over the weekend while I was home with the family from school, Where it was sitting in the garage, there was about a 3" diameter oil stain on the floor. Upon closer inspection, It appears to be leaking out of the cam chain tensioner. Its the first Ive seen of any leaks in the last few weeks, so It appears to have just started. Are there any gaskets beind the tensioner housing that would be shot. Im not real familiar with what sits behind these things, so what are my options? Can you guys run some ideas behind me so I know where to look?.


Thanks.

[trbig]

Yes, there is a gasket behind it. I replaced mine and it still leaked. I took it back off, cleaned it, chunked the gasket, and used some Threebond semi-drying liquid gasket, put it back together... no leaks. Couldn't say I recommend no gasket, but worked for me.

Tod

[SG-Olli]

There is a plug at the front end of the tensioner housing that can be removed when you disassemble the tensioner.
Put the new plug with some liquid sealer back in.
Works on mine for about 10 years now.

[Pat Kelly]

My E lost the plug and had a slight leak. Replaced it and it was fine.... for several years. Developed another leak in the same area. Replaced the plug, still leaked. Removed the tensioner and made sure the gasket wasn't leaking....still leaked. O noticed it only leaked when the bike was running. Turned ou to be the head gasket but only at the camchain galley, as oil ran down the wall it came out the gasket. Swabbed some RTV into the area and no more leak for over a year now.
Just another area to look at, just above the tensioner.

[Dark Horse]

RTV worked for me! Going on 4 years and no leak!

Bob

[Bauer]

Im gonna run the bike home for the 4 day easter weekend coming up here, once there I will inspect it more closely.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Lamric]

Its also worth checking the tiny 'O' ring behind the locking washer for the lockbolt that goes into the side of the tensioner housing.

[freebird01752]

Hey Guys,

Mine is leaking there also. Is there anything to worry about when I take the tensioner off?? Don't want the chani to drop.
And how do you get that plug out??

Freebird

[Lamric]

The chain won't drop off when you remove the tensioner, just unbolt it and withdraw towards the front wheel, just be careful 'cos the spring is under tension.

Once it's out you can unlock the adjustment bolt, remove the tensioner rod and prod out the round seal from the back. You'll need to replace this seal once you've pushed it out.

Looks like this inside



When you come to re-install it push the tensioner rod in and lock it, install then loosen the lock bolt - you should hear a rather satisfying 'click' as the tensioner moves back in.

Also, be very, very careful with the torque settings for the lock bolt and nut.

It's worth repeating. Be very careful not to overtighten the lock nut and bolt.

Here's the torque settings...............Foot Pounds
Camshaft Tensioner Housing Bolts..........7.5
Tensioner Bolt....................................4.3
Tensioner Locknut...............................6.5

[Lamric]

Freebird,
Hmm, maybe should have said this earlier ... before releasing the cam tensioner you must set the timing plate to 'C'.

You knew that though, I'm sure.

[Axel]

leak

Which cover do you take off to see the mark . Do you take off the other one as well to turn it over . On one end is my alternator and on the other - I dont know .

[Ken Talbot]

You take off the cover on the left side of the motor - the "I don't know" side. That's where the pick-up coils are. There is also a large square fitting there to grip with an open-end wrench to turn the motor to the alignment marks.

[Axel]

questions

Kool . I read a great number of threads on this subject and cleaned and inspected the outer visible parts of the adjuster . I also checked the sevice manual for a photo of the case . I have a gasket .an o-ring and a plug from Yamaha . Thanks for everything . I might now try to attack this problem . Great to have friends with good advice . Axel

[Axel]

Repaired

The new plug with some RTV behind it and a smear over the face has got it for now . Thanks

[TomB]

I've found on several XS11's that it is not the tensioner leaking at all.

If you degrease the area around the tensioner then run the motor up to a decent running temperature whilst on the main stand you can check to see where it is leaking from.

Quite a few engines I've seen leak from a small crack in the block (cylinder barrels) just above the tensioner around the M6 clamping bolt, it then runs down the tensioner and drips off making it look like the tensioner is leaking.

I degrease mine and smear a thin layer of clear silicon on mine every few years.

I spent a few years putting new gaskets and end plugs on with no success until I spotted the small hairline crack.

Its worth a quick check