Cam chain tensioner, with rubber or not?

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Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

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Gents,
I am about to order a new cam chain tensioner, logic would seem to suggest that the rubber faced one would be quieter in running.
Is the general opinion that the rubber faced tensioner is the one to fit?
 
I think Jim Comstock makes/sells one. Might wait for him to chime in here.
I am interested too.
That is the one place on my machine I have not 'uncovered' as yet.
Suspect a new cam chain and tensioner might be in my future.
 
The perfered tensioner before Jim's hydrolualic heavy weight tensoner was link rut worn steel so links can surf on the oil layer. Have not read of much damage or advantage of the rubber layered verison - including any less head ringing sounds. IIRC some find rubber layer crumbles in TS area but not hurting anything but the rubber layer and some lost of tension.
 
The rubber was the last version fitted at the factory, the side plates initially cut into the rubber until the rollers ride over the uncut rubber in the centre. I prefer rubber bit floating round an engine rather than steel bits from the earlier version so best version to fit unless you go auto-tensioner. Fitting Andy the Chainmans camchain reduces the wear of the chain so very little adjustment is needed after the rubber beds in.
 
Apparently the rubber slipper on the timing chain tensioner was first introduced on the 850 Mark IA. To me that indicates that it was one of the methods of cutting down the overall noise of the motorcycle. It might be a moot point now since according to the Andover-Norton website you can only get the later type timing chain tensioner anyway.

Peter Joe
 
Good points gents, it looks like I'll be fitting a rubber coated job.

It seems to me that fitting it with the chain slightly on the tight side, will allow for the chain plates 'cutting grooves' in the rubber without the need to re-adjust after 5 miles.

Am I right?
 
The manufacturers should mould the plate grooves in the rubber during production so only the rollers touch and minute groove dregs end up in the timing case/oil system. I call this concept 'Fit for Purpose'.
 
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