Honda F4i Cam Chain Tensioner?

Hopefully the guys who are mechanically well informed when it comes to honda f4i's can help me out with this question. A fellow barf member is selling an '02 f4i that I am interested in. The bike has around 5,000 miles on it and no mechanical problems other than a "rattle" which becomes noticeable at about 5000rpm. The owner thinks that this is due to the cam chain tensioner needing to be replaced. How common of a problem is this among f4i's? I do not know much about these bikes, and have not heard the bike running but was told that it sounds like a bunch of marbles rattling around in a can. With so few miles on it, what is the likelihood that it is something else causing the "rattling"? If it is the cam chain tensioner how expensive/available are new ones? How involved/expensive is the repair? Is it something simple that I could do myself, or something major requiring a lot of time and/or a shop repair?

if he has a transferable extended warranty on it. it might be worth your while. this is common with the F4i. i had mine replace about 5 times already. fortunatelly i have the extended warranty on it. and the way it sounds like, it needs to be replace soon.

Since I am the one selling the bike, I am subscribing to this thread so I can see all the answers as they come in.

Woohooo....free post.

it is very common among F4i's...i've had 3 of them and have not yet replaced a CCT...not a necessary fix, but at a minimal cost, it's probably worth it

i've heard that sometimes it's easy to have it replaced under warranty, sometimes it isn't....make sure they use the J22 part (check www.cbrworld.net for the real scoop)

a lot of people have had more success replacing the honda CCT with a manual one...cbrworld has a how-to written on doing that yourself

Its a very common problem with the F4i and not something to shy away from. I've replaced mine 3 times and the part is only about $50 from Honda. Next time it will be the manual adjustable one for me which is about the same price. You can do it yourself if you are at all mechanically inclined.

Personally if it were me - I would make it part of the purchase aggreement. Even if its out of warranty, the manual tensioner and labor to install shouldnt be more than $150-180. They can also check out the bike while doing it to give you a peace of mind.

Honda seems to love to build weak CCT spring mechanisms. They have come up with 6 (six!) new part numbers for my 1990 CBR1000F since it was made.

As far as the F4i goes, check the paint dot color on the tensioner body. The color lets you know if it has been replaced.

do a search on tensioner...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/f...d=428869&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

anyone no the actual chance of this causing serious damage.

pampsone said:

anyone no the actual chance of this causing serious damage.

Click to expand...

Well, I just broke 30,000 miles on my F4i and still have not bothered to replace the CCT, it's running as good as ever.

tensioner

doo'd
I followed the tensioner article at cbrworld.net... Faz turned me on to it.... it runs through a step by step removal and install.. pretty good... Patience is the key... Personally I did it with only removing the right side fairing.... It can be done!!!! Here is the 411.... a little over an hour to complete....
remove the right side fairing.. you will need the following tools..
1/4 inch drive 5mm hex socket wrench
9 inch and 6 inch 1/4 inch drive extensions
1/4 inch swivel
10mm open end wrench
1/4 inch ratchet... if you cant find one at sears then call (snap on) they will direct you to a local truck in your hood... track that man down and get that hex socket. cost: 6 bux note: you have to use a 1/4 inch drive hex socket.. and extensions/ everything... 3/8 is too darn big and will not allow enough room for movement.
you can get at the CCT from two places from just behind the rear shock.... hence 2 extensions, or from just behind the rear brake pedal. I also suggest having an assistant with a long flat tip screwdriver to guide the socket to the hex bolts. You will be able to see the tensioner from in front of the frame. Be patient work slow.. make sure you have a step stool to sit on... reinstalling it.. I used bubble gum to hold the hex bolts to the socket while manuvering them into place. Lastly put in the center bolt. Patience.. saves about 180.00 at the dealer. A replaced CCT will have a blue dot on it....

I bought my 02 f4i used with 11,000 miles and the cct needed to be replaced. Honda of Milpitas replaced it at no cost since the bike was still under warranty. You should give this a shot...