TOPIC:

Thank you, that also explains why despite it running quite well, I did get the feeling the timing was slightly off... and idle was a little... erratic, which I though was down to mixture. Anyway....

Kawboy wrote: So how important is it that we measure the service limit correctly??

Well... very! But what is the correct measurement?

I go back to the difference between the picture you posted on how to measure the chain and the one I found in my manual.

Yours does not have the whole chain in the pic, just the left and the right and in between a gap that states 20 links. The one I found in the manual has got a gap with 21 links to be measured. If I measure by 20 links, the chain is fine, by 21 links it is out.

....

Considering I have the evidence that the chain route is correct (pic in my other thread, after you pointing out the pic in the manual) and that the tensioner is fitted correctly, but operating at its limit - which is to be expected with a worn chain... and that the primary and secondary chains were both worn, all the (circumstantial!) evidence points to a worn chain.

.... it better be, as if I fit a new one and it is still not right... grrr !

For the purposes of this topic we'll go with your picture which comes from page 173 in the manual ( the pic I posted comes from page 191 of the same manual)
To measure a "20 link length" You would have to measure from the start which is always zero and count off 20 links, so in effect the vernier is placed on one pin and the other end of the vernier will end up 20 pins later on the 21^st pin.
The diagram you posted is easier to understand than the one I posted but both represent the same information. The manual does leave a lot to be desired. My big bitch is that they don't include as built numbers and only service limits. When you replace a part, you should be fitting it to as new tolerances, but there's no references to those numbers. Can;t do the job without all the information.

Ok, I fitted the new chain (see other thread) and all seems to be well... the chain has good tension and the tensioner only went in less than ten clicks.

I feel much better now!

Thank you for your help, anyone doing this in future, beware you measure the right way! I didn't when the engine was apart and a new chain was easy to install, and had to do it later with engine together - doable, but much more hassle!

Paul

Well done, and a big sigh of relief that there was no permanent damage.

My question is, did you replace the silicone/rubber/whatever chain tensioner roller as part of this exercise? I ask because I thought there was some controversy about whether the ZX10 tensioner applied too much force, and would lead to early destruction of the chain tensioner roller.

Richard

No, when my engine was apart That roller was in good condition. But also, That can only be replaced with the head off.

Paul

Well done Paul,

A great result.

On the subject of the ZX Tensioner, it is a very touchy and widely debated subject, but please let me make you aware of a few facts (not opinions or maybe's).

I have owned over ten 1300's in the last 40 years and maintained another two for a good friend and numerous others for other owners too.

Until around 12 years ago, every 1300 I bought had the original standard Tensioner fitted (as the ZX Tensioner Mod was not established before that)..........and the rubber guide wheel on at least 3 of them was vey badly worn or had disintegrated.........with the Standard Tensioner fitted. This was also the case with at least one other I worked on that also had the standard tensioner fitted. The bikes all had relatively low mileages.

I have fitted the ZX Tensioner to every 1300 I have bought over the last 12 years including the one I own now and the other two I maintain for my friend, and NONE of them have had any issues or show any signs of wear on any of the idler gears or rubber guide wheels.

So, this FEAR of the ZX Tensioner doing damage or creating premature wear is all speculation and opinion and to date...............not one owner I know or have heard of anywhere has provided any evidence or facts that the ZX Tensioner does any harm at all............but many have "Opinions" and many of these are "armchair" owners who either dont even own a 1300, or very rarely if ever use their own.

If you read many posts on here and many other 1300 Owner sites on this topic, people state their opinions that the "spring is too strong" or "it will wear your engine out" etc, etc, etc,.......................but show absolutely no proof of this on any 1300 fitted with the ZX Tensioner, and literally 100's or 1000's of owners have carried out and continue to carry out this modification, as will continue to do...............until conclusive evidence prooves otherwise.
This is also probably the reason why good people like Oz and Deb at Zed Parts and our friends at Z1300DE continue to supply the ZX Tensioner as a valid modification.

I will conclude by saying in my opinion, the other tensioner modification which involves modifying the standard tensioner with a back-up bolt, is a great idea and should overcome the initial problem of the badly designed tensioner and probably just as good a fix as the ZX Tensioner mod is................but dont be afraid of the ZX Tensioner until it is proven not to be a good solution, which as of today it has not been.

I will of course make all here aware of any issues or damage I am made aware of on any of the numerous 1300's I have fitted the ZX Tensioner or know of to over the last 12 years which have now covered good mileage over that period.

Pete F
UK