660 Scorpion cam chain tension

[Petrolhead]

I can't find a reference on the net to doing the cam tension, is it an automatic one (read somewhere its spring loaded) or is there a sequence to tension it?

I'm working my way through servicing it, need to change oil, coolant and check valve clearances too but these are covered in the MZ660 and SZR660 manuals I down loaded from the net.

[edfmaniac]

Cam chain tensioner is spring loaded. You shouldn't have to check how far it has extended until the chain is nearing the end of it's service life. What that is, I couldn't tell you.

[Petrolhead]

Is it an automatic self adjusting one? The Skorpy has only done 2430km/1400 miles from new.

[edfmaniac]

Yes. It's spring loaded with a ratcheting device that doesn't allow the chain to loosen once the spring pushes on it hard enough to engage the next tooth on the tensioner. If you are concerned, you can remove the unit and check to see how far it has been pushed out. Remove the big bolt first, then the smaller ones, or the spring will just push it out fully when removed. Retract it all the way before reinstalling.

[Petrolhead]

Thanks very much for that, its put my mind at rest. I don't think i'll take it out to check as the engine is very quiet just now with the low mileage I mentioned.

[dandywarhol]

Yes. It's spring loaded with a ratcheting device that doesn't allow the chain to loosen once the spring pushes on it hard enough to engage the next tooth on the tensioner. If you are concerned, you can remove the unit and check to see how far it has been pushed out. Remove the big bolt first, then the smaller ones, or the spring will just push it out fully when removed. Retract it all the way before reinstalling.

C6-1065-2.jpg

ONLY take it out when the crank and camshaft are at the timing position - otherwise there is a very high possibility of the chain jumping

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i keep the chain under tension with a bungy cord and a lever
nothing like getting one out of time