[ofi]

Hello,

my name ist Oliver and I live in Germany. Please excuse my bad English.

I bought a Bullet Classic from 2009 this Sunday and I am very happy with it.

Unfortunately, oil drips from a screw that I think is the chain tensioner.

Can I just unscrew and seal the screw without the inside falling apart?


Thank for your help.

[Haggis]

Looks like someone has changed the automatic adjuster for a manual version?
When you take out the centre bolt there is a spring that pushes up a plunger to tension the primary chain.

[johno]

The 2009 should have the auto chain adjuster, that bolt should be tight to set the slipper against the chain, this would stop the leak as well.
here is a new one.
https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/20011?qty=1&continue_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com%2Fpartsbook-pages%2F2127

[ofi]

Thank you for your answers.

I have ordered a new tensioner.
According to the pictures, I can change the tensioner without removing the cover of the primary chain.
The correct tension will be set automatically with the new one.

[gizzo]

Yes. But make sure you take the cap and spring out of the new tensioner and retract the extendable pin (release the ratchet mechanism or you won't be able to do this) before you install it. Once the tensioner is installed, then fit the spring and the cap. Otherwise you'll be trying to fit a fully extended tensioner.

[Ove]

That's an odd thing to remove. Could there be a reason it was taken off?

[Haggis]

Maybe took the bolt out and lost the spring?
When you refit the new one the word "Pricol" should be on the inside, towards the engine.
You should not have the ratchet mechanism facing out.
The one in my second photo is in the wrong way round.
This is the correct way round,

[gizzo]

Does it make a difference? Only asking because it looks symmetrical and that it'll fit either way but in my GT the frame tube clearance only lets it fit one way.

[Haggis]

Not symmetrical,  the plunger mechanism is offset to one side. If you fit it with the writing outwards the plunger pushes on the edge of the tensioner blade. This gives uneven pressure on the blade as you can see by the wear marks. If you fit it the other way it pushes on the centre of the tensioner blade.

[gizzo]

I see. Thanks.

[Frogman8]

Haggis
Extremely detailed and useful pictures. Thanks for archiving and levelling them for ease of understanding. This is what makes this such a great place.

[Arschloch]

That's an odd thing to remove. Could there be a reason it was taken off?

There have been cases of snapped primary chains and exploded engine housings. People on Enfield forums started replacing the primary chains and building own chain tentioners to avoid having a fatal engine failure. While rebuilding my engine I realized that between the crank drive side bearing and the drive sprocket there is a spacer, if anyone misses to assemble that (factory, workshop) than the sprocket and clutch basket are not alligned properly. This is more likely to snap the chain than anything else IMO.

[Haggis]

Caught one my primary chains just in time.

[Guaire]

Excellent!

[Ove]

Caught one my primary chains just in time.

Thanks for the explanations and photos. Excellent. What sort of mileage was on the primary up to this point?