RMA Cam Chain Tensioner.....?

jeffdavison · May 13, 2011

Thimbs upr? or thumbs down?

Read the older posts here on the forum. Two users had bad experiences, one broken, and one that put too much pressure on an intermediate shaft causing ovalarity hence engine work to correct.
Are these the exceptions? Are these the norms and risks of using the RMA device? I read that the Cork was a better design, but is no longer being produced. Also read that Norvil makes an RMA copy. Any experience here on the forum with the Norvil device?
Seems like the problems are not short term in nature, but only after some extended use. So is the ease of cam chain maintenence offset by the long term potential issues? or is is just worth the time and effort to manually adjust the cam chain at workshop manual intervals?

JD

swooshdave · May 13, 2011

jeffdavison said:
Thimbs upr? or thumbs down?

Read the older posts here on the forum. Two users had bad experiences, one broken, and one that put too much pressure on an intermediate shaft causing ovalarity hence engine work to correct.
Are these the exceptions? Are these the norms and risks of using the RMA device? I read that the Cork was a better design, but is no longer being produced. Also read that Norvil makes an RMA copy. Any experience here on the forum with the Norvil device?
Seems like the problems are not short term in nature, but only after some extended use. So is the ease of cam chain maintenence offset by the long term potential issues? or is is just worth the time and effort to manually adjust the cam chain at workshop manual intervals?

JD

You should just wait for Jim to finish his gear drive. :mrgreen:

bwolfie · May 13, 2011

Hear that JIm, get cracking. The line is formaing and getting longer!!

highdesert · May 13, 2011

I am the one who posted about my spring loaded cam chain tensioner elongating the intermediate gear locating hole.

I really now believe that it puts too much pressure, the chain is just too tight.

A good idea in theory, but awful in practice, in my opinion.

Check and adjust the tension per the manual's specified mileage.

Yes, that is a little hassle every once in a while, but far better than the potential (real) damage the RMA does.

jeffdavison · May 13, 2011

yep, I read that, that's why I am asking for others experiences...

JD

bill · May 13, 2011

I was the one that posted that they are JUNK along with NO customer support after the sale. as stated good idea poor execution. yea Jim where is the gear drive???

jeffdavison said:
yep, I read that, that's why I am asking for others experiences...

JD

builder · May 13, 2011

Never had a problem with mine or in engines I've built.

In the process of a engine build right now...not even thinking about not putting one in.

YMMV.

Hobot · May 13, 2011

I was the one that posted that they are JUNK along with NO customer support after the sale. as stated good idea poor execution.

Ms Peel went through two of Rick and Mary Associates cam tensioner. 1st time was d/t 11,000+ rpm stuck throttle event so not a fair test. Rick said 1st ever so sent me a 2nd free, but within an Insterstate tank of gas - unable to rev the bent crank with chopped off cam lobes - engine beyond 4900-5000 rpm because it just wouldn't any more, tensioner unwrapped itself into smeared components in TS
case. Still ran but really rough d/t the ignition timing jumping with cam jerk.

Neat concept but I'm back to old grooved tensioner or the rubber cushion kind.
LIke girls I guess - some can and some will but others its just as well not too.

ashman · May 13, 2011

Hi

I have been using a auto adjusting cam chain adjuster for about 15 yrs now and haven't had any problems with it, but its not something you put on and not check on it, I still pull the timing cover off every so othen to check on the chain and the sprockets but instead of every 10,000 miles I mite check it every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, you still got to replace the chain when there is a bit of wear in it, I run a Joe Hunt maggie and have all my timing marks marked on the points cover so its a easy job to pull off and put back on just put the motor on 28 degrees and slide the Joe Hunt in to position and every thing is set where it was.

Ashley

Torontonian · May 13, 2011

Can we agree that gear drive would be duh way to go, so let's cross fingers n' hope this works out. Credit card is ready.

comnoz · May 13, 2011

I will have something out as I can, I am in the process of testing a a new starter design that may alter the timing gear design- and blow your mind. Jim

bwolfie · May 13, 2011

Commense the mind bending scotty!!

RMA Cam Chain Tensioner.....?

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