Replace Cam Chain Tensioner

[kiapolo1887]

I need to change out my cam chain tensioner on my 2013 PCX 150. Does anyone have any instructions or a guide to accessing the cam chain tensioner?

[kiapolo1887]

It looks like I need to remove the throttle body to access the tensioner. Looking at page 10-8 of the service manual, do I need to drain the engine oil and/or coolant?

[Gil]

I didn't drain the coolant or oil. I remember removing the seat, under seat tub, maybe throttle body.
Check your oil level, mine was too high and I suspect that it's the reason that the chain tensioner broke.

Gil

[you you]

I didn't drain the coolant or oil. I remember removing the seat, under seat tub, maybe throttle body.
Check your oil level, mine was too high and I suspect that it's the reason that the chain tensioner broke.

Gil

Why?

[Gil]

I bought the scoot with a bad engine sound, after diagnosing the issue. My friend and I noticed that the oil level was too high, it had a fresh oil change when the tensioner broke. The engine had ~3/4 of a quart too much oil. My theory is that as the timing chain becomes more submerged in oil, it adds more stress to the chain tensioner, leading to its failure. All I have for my theory is the fresh excessive oil and broken chain tensioner.

Gil

[kiapolo1887]

Replaced the cam chain tensioner this morning. Start to finish took about an hour-and-a-half. First time taking off any body panels or the luggage box, so the going was relatively slow. Did not need to completely remove the throttle body, just disconnect from the intake pipe and move out of the way.

Thank you for all your help!

I'll make a post in "How-to" if anyone is interested.

[Gil]

That's great, i'm a sure the how to post will help someone.

Gil

[Gil]

How many miles on your PCX when the tensioner broke?

Gil

[you you]

I bought the scoot with a bad engine sound, after diagnosing the issue. My friend and I noticed that the oil level was too high, it had a fresh oil change when the tensioner broke. The engine had ~3/4 of a quart too much oil. My theory is that as the timing chain becomes more submerged in oil, it adds more stress to the chain tensioner, leading to its failure. All I have for my theory is the fresh excessive oil and broken chain tensioner.

Gil

Fair enough if you think that was the reason in your case. Although I’m not sure you know the providence/history of the engine you are basing your opinion on. Did you know anything else about it other than it had too much oil and the tensioner was broken?

[WhiteNoise]

Replaced the cam chain tensioner this morning. Start to finish took about an hour-and-a-half. First time taking off any body panels or the luggage box, so the going was relatively slow. Did not need to completely remove the throttle body, just disconnect from the intake pipe and move out of the way.

Thank you for all your help!

I'll make a post in "How-to" if anyone is interested.

And a fine organized How-to it is!
See it here folks: http://www.hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8299
Thank you kiapolo for the step by step. Well Done!!

[you you]

Replaced the cam chain tensioner this morning. Start to finish took about an hour-and-a-half. First time taking off any body panels or the luggage box, so the going was relatively slow. Did not need to completely remove the throttle body, just disconnect from the intake pipe and move out of the way.

Thank you for all your help!

I'll make a post in "How-to" if anyone is interested.

And a fine organized How-to it is!
See it here folks: http://www.hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8299
Thank you kiapolo for the step by step. Well Done!!

It was. Homie this is what I was talking about, an easy tub removal. OK it wasn’t removed but it’s what you used to do on old skool scooters to get at the engine/gubbins.

[kiapolo1887]

How many miles on your PCX when the tensioner broke?

Gil

Just over 10,000 miles.

[Gil]

I bought the scoot with a bad engine sound, after diagnosing the issue. My friend and I noticed that the oil level was too high, it had a fresh oil change when the tensioner broke. The engine had ~3/4 of a quart too much oil. My theory is that as the timing chain becomes more submerged in oil, it adds more stress to the chain tensioner, leading to its failure. All I have for my theory is the fresh excessive oil and broken chain tensioner.

Gil

Fair enough if you think that was the reason in your case. Although I’m not sure you know the providence/history of the engine you are basing your opinion on. Did you know anything else about it other than it had too much oil and the tensioner was broken?

You are definitely right, it could be a countless number of other things. I'm just basing my theory on cause and effect. The scoot had 7600 miles of mostly city riding, according to the previous owner.

Gil