Topic: chain tensioner wear

[theslayedsaint]

Looking into my CB750f and trying to decide if i'm going to pull the engine apart or if i can get it to a running state first. i pulled the cylinder head off and was just looking around making sure there was nothing crazy going on when i noticed the tensioner wheel had "teeth" marks around the whole thing. and then i was trying to remember what my 74 looked like when I pulled it and can't for the life of me remember.
 I tried to get a photo but its not possible without pulling the head apart. anyone have a photo of one in use or know if this is normal wear or does this mean it needs replaced for sure? also anyone have any tips of checking engine parts without pulling the engine.... like making sure the gears are working and such... my guess is NO but thought i ask just incase.

[Mr Freeze]

They're smooth and the teeth marks are likely from the chain passing over it which is acceptable to my knowledge. If you feel it's really hard and wore out buy a replacement wheel.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-New-750-Cam-Chain-Tensioner-Roller-200-350-750-CB750A-CB750F-14601-312-000-/221833724245

[PeWe]

They're smooth and the teeth marks are likely from the chain passing over it which is acceptable to my knowledge. If you feel it's really hard and wore out buy a replacement wheel.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-New-750-Cam-Chain-Tensioner-Roller-200-350-750-CB750A-CB750F-14601-312-000-/221833724245

This is the lower wheel.
The top wheel visible from top is a part of the entire tensioner
EDIT: Here is the entire kit. The upper (small) wheel is riveted together with the tensioner body.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-NOS-Genuine-CB750-Cam-Chain-Tensioner-Set-750-CB750A-CB750F-14500-300-000-/321708008728?vxp=mtr&hash=item4ae74aa518

[theslayedsaint]

Thanks PeWe, I'm not trying to buy one at this point i'm just trying to understand if teeth marks from the chain on the top wheel is normal wear or not. 

[PeWe]

The rubber turns hard like bakelite by the years and maybe oil + heat. You might see small parts of the wheels inside the oil pan. Check mesh on oil pump. Remove debris here to ensure flow thru pump and see the status of the engine. If something bad has happened you can see it here.
 Same with primary chain tensioner. Reaplcing that one should be possible by open the lower case, engine upside down.

The engine might need a total repair anyway.
Make sure to purchase Honda OEM tensioner. Later aftermarket Honda copies might have bad rubber.

My new tensioner at last rebuild and assembly last week got a metal wheel tensioner. Metal wheels with needle bearings and  rivet for upper wheel included in a kit. Reuse an old tensioner, rivet the upper wheel in a hydraulic press....under wheel fastened as OEM

[madmtnmotors]

Thanks PeWe, I'm not trying to buy one at this point i'm just trying to understand if teeth marks from the chain on the top wheel is normal wear or not. 

The stock, OEM rubber wheel is smooth. The fact that yours has worn to the point of showing "teeth marks" would imply that it is being ground down. As PeWe mentioned, I would drop the oil pan and inspect the oil pump screen. If your tensioner is shedding it will show up there.