Cam Chain Tensioner Spring Replacement

[Elliot]

For info. if you have a T312 / T309. UK Sprint manufacturing page recommend checking the cam chain tensioner spring as can reduce in length over time. As not mentioned as a service check - when I checked my 2003 T312 ( 65000 miles) it was below 69 mm ( recomended minimum 73.6mm and replacement was76mm). As the spring can be removed for checking by undoing the large nut without disturbing the tensioner ratchet mechanism- worth a look more often?

 

[Gerryk]

I replaced my spring around 60,000 miles as a part of my cam chain replacement (1998 T309). It was short of spec (although I didn’t keep a record of its length). I cannot point to any specific poor performance because of letting it get out of spec. Nor can I point to any specific improvement in performance after replacing everything. So, my anecdote is neutral on whether to check/replace it more frequently. I don’t expect to replace it again in its lifetime.