The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Mike,

You already know the answer what to do and are only hoping for a reply what gives you piece of mind but it won't.

Try to have the tensioner side tight and then you can see the total slack at that guide. I think the ratchet system of the tensioner is faulty or you are just in time diagnosing this and saved yourself from something major to happen.

I guess it's time for more investigation.

Jeroen

It is slack on the "tight" side because when the engine stopped it will have a cam lobe pushing the cam backwards slightly, hence the slack. Turn the engine a fraction clockwise and the tight side will be tight again and all the slack is now on the tensioner side, which may push out a bit more when running if oil fed.

Tony

tony g wrote: It is slack on the "tight" side because when the engine stopped it will have a cam lobe pushing the cam backwards slightly, hence the slack. Turn the engine a fraction clockwise and the tight side will be tight again and all the slack is now on the tensioner side, which may push out a bit more when running if oil fed.

Tony

That's why I suggested to check first. When having the tensioner side tight you can see what the total slack is at the long straight side.

Jeroen

MikeyB wrote: ↑Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:08 am Hi Jeroen

Yes that's what I thought & you are right I was hoping that I wouldn't have to take it apart. Here we go again.

So remind where I can get a good tensioner?

Mike

Hi Mike,
I got mine last week from Robsport.
Simon

Not sure you can see how tight the tensioner side is when it isnt running....

Just put a spanner on the crank pulley and you will see the straight side go tight as you turn it and then you can judge
if the tensioner side is too springy and loose meaning the ratchet has failed.

Can you see how far out the tensioner is?

No rattling at idle is a good sign...

Jonners