Honda 2005 CRF250X failed Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 11:59 am
Hi,
I'm posting this on behalf of my better half.
He rides a Honda 2005 CRF250X. He bought this bike used with a few issues last summer. Had just about gotten all the issues sorted...until...
Background: It used to be hard to start with a rough idle so, re-jetted the carb x2, shimmed the valves, aftermarket fuel screw, new battery, new kill switch, forks serviced, shock serviced, removed koba link back to stock height... the list goes on.
His cam chain tensioner failed about 20km into the woods a couple weekends ago. Thankfully he shut it down instantly due to the noise of "1000 angry bees".
A side x side just happened to pull up at that moment with a tow rope we were able to borrow (thank you). He and a friend towed it out without causing further damage.
We tore down, cleaned and bagged the top end. Some aluminum shavings were found throughout.
The cam chain was very loose and toast. The tensioner was stuck in the contracted position and would not work properly. Piston had some minor scuff marks, cylinder perfect, valves looked good but will be replaced w/ ss.
He got away with minimal damage the source of the metal was from the cases/cover, very minimal scoring.
Upon opening the top end we discovered it has an Athena big bore kit/cylinder. The bottom end has been rebuilt as well, hot rods stroker kit. The bottom end from what we can check/measure looks good, just going to clean it out thoroughly and leave it be.
I'm just wondering mostly about the OEM cam chain tensioner, does anyone recommend a manual one (manufacture)? Is there an aftermarket option that is better? Is this a common issue for these bikes? I've also read that there is a special tool needed for the OEM cam chain tensioner ?
Any recommendations on brands/sourcing of parts etc (we are located in Canada)
The other thing he's planning on doing is replacing the clutch. The basket/plates/springs are all damaged or out of spec. I've read some good things about, Wiesco, TUSK and pro-x being good economical options. OEM Honda would be great but most places will not ship to Canada.
Thanks
-Anna
I'm posting this on behalf of my better half.
He rides a Honda 2005 CRF250X. He bought this bike used with a few issues last summer. Had just about gotten all the issues sorted...until...
Background: It used to be hard to start with a rough idle so, re-jetted the carb x2, shimmed the valves, aftermarket fuel screw, new battery, new kill switch, forks serviced, shock serviced, removed koba link back to stock height... the list goes on.
His cam chain tensioner failed about 20km into the woods a couple weekends ago. Thankfully he shut it down instantly due to the noise of "1000 angry bees".
A side x side just happened to pull up at that moment with a tow rope we were able to borrow (thank you). He and a friend towed it out without causing further damage.
We tore down, cleaned and bagged the top end. Some aluminum shavings were found throughout.
The cam chain was very loose and toast. The tensioner was stuck in the contracted position and would not work properly. Piston had some minor scuff marks, cylinder perfect, valves looked good but will be replaced w/ ss.
He got away with minimal damage the source of the metal was from the cases/cover, very minimal scoring.
Upon opening the top end we discovered it has an Athena big bore kit/cylinder. The bottom end has been rebuilt as well, hot rods stroker kit. The bottom end from what we can check/measure looks good, just going to clean it out thoroughly and leave it be.
I'm just wondering mostly about the OEM cam chain tensioner, does anyone recommend a manual one (manufacture)? Is there an aftermarket option that is better? Is this a common issue for these bikes? I've also read that there is a special tool needed for the OEM cam chain tensioner ?
Any recommendations on brands/sourcing of parts etc (we are located in Canada)
The other thing he's planning on doing is replacing the clutch. The basket/plates/springs are all damaged or out of spec. I've read some good things about, Wiesco, TUSK and pro-x being good economical options. OEM Honda would be great but most places will not ship to Canada.
Thanks
-Anna
