Adjusting APE CCTs

[zixxer]

Hi guys, I can find lots of posts about how to refit new manual lock up CCTs but I can't find much about how to maintain or adjust them, which I understand is something that must be done regularly.

My own bike has the APE tensioners, but I don't have a clue how to adjust them.

[Beast]

Have had manual APE's on mine for the last 2/3 years and only needed to adjust once.

Best method i was told by US peeps is to adjust finger tight and then back off half a turn.

Have had not problems.

[Max]

Hi
I've had manual CCT's for about 30,000 miles and I tend to adjust them about every 8-10,000 miles this tends to be about every 12mths or so. Without stripping the cam covers off it really can only be done by sound and feel. I have had my storm approx 5 yrs and its cam chain sounds are quite familiar to me (as is the way with storm ownership( honestly not paranoia)).
I tend to set mine up so that when you start the engine there is a slight rattle which goes as the engine warms and the block expands. if they are too loose then they rattle but if too tight then they make a kind of whirry noise. You dont really want them very loose or tight as the chain can jump if they are very very loose and snap if too tight. I have found with my APE's that the thread is relatively coarse and the adjustment is usually only a turn of one flat of the bolt ie approx 1/6 of a turn. loosen the lock nut with a spanner on the adjusting nut so it will not move and then adjust and tighten up. be careful not to damage the O ring or you may get a very small leak. Hope this has been some help if not just ignore me and I'll go away

[zixxer]

Hiya Max thats a great explanation, thanks.

my rear cct, if you run a finger along the bolt, always seems to have a little oil on it. it doesn't leak out that you'd see anything, just when you rub it you get a smear of oil. is this ok or a sign of trouble?

[Beast]

Its a slight known problem mate on the rear.
I got in contact with APE in the US and they sent me free replacement 'O' Rings.
After about a couple of months started to weep oil a bit but just used a little clear gasket sealant and all is fine.

[Stratman]

Checked mine after 8,000 miles ish and they didn't need adjusting

[satanzhand]

Go with the finger tight adjustment. as I have found the 1/4 inch slack on the chain thats recommended is to tight and it envolves removing the cam covers

[JohnD]

Finger tight adjustment less 1/2 turn worked perfectly for me

ALSO, was just wondering... did anyone else find the lock nut on the tensioners was a VERY tight fit with a spanner?

[warby221]

Finger tight adjustment less 1/2 turn worked perfectly for me

ALSO, was just wondering... did anyone else find the lock nut on the tensioners was a VERY tight fit with a spanner?

There Imperial m8 9/16 and 5/8 AF I think off hand its down to them being from the US

[JohnD]

Finger tight adjustment less 1/2 turn worked perfectly for me

ALSO, was just wondering... did anyone else find the lock nut on the tensioners was a VERY tight fit with a spanner?

There Imperial m8 9/16 and 5/8 AF I think off hand its down to them being from the US

Doh! Of course!

[Jim67]

OK guys the paranoia has well and truely set in my head now!!!! the last few times I have been out on the storm I swear that I can hear new noises and rattles from the engine!!!!!
Keep expecting it to go bang while I am blatting along!!! So its time to fit those ape's I got last year, I will make a start tomorrow and let you know how I get on.

Jim.

[JohnD]

Do it mate! It's such a weight off your mind once it's done!

[warby221]

I will make a start tomorrow and let you know how I get on.

Jim.

Just a bit of a tip for yer before you change them

If you make the key and lock off the CCT like it tells you in the Haynes without winding the CCT out you can measure from the gasket face to the end of the plunger to get an initial setting for the length of the APE CCT’s before you fit them

[Jim67]

All done guys, just took my time and went off with no hickups!!! followed sirch345's guidence notes and all was well.
Took it out for a spin and it all seems ok but I will get it up to temp and have a listen to see if any fine adjustments are needed.
Cheers for all your help guys.

Jim.

[Jim67]

Quick question for you guys with the manual cct's, when my bike is warmed up and I start it I am getting a strange noise?? (only before it fires up) sounds like some one blowing over a bottle? do you think they are to tight and need backing off a bit???
Cheers,
Jim.