The threads on how to replace the VFR CCTs and the discussions on manual vs OEM automatic were very helpful. Thanks to all who posted/contributed those posts, ESPECIALLY kaldek ( http://www.vfrdiscus...ser/380-kaldek/ ) for saying you don’t need to remove the Throttle Bodies as my Haynes and Honda Service manuals state. Even though the topics are several years old, to me they read like they were brand new. I put all that combined knowledge to good use the past few weeks diagnosing and fixing the knock/tick/clatter on my 2004 VFR. The CCT replacement did the trick!
For reference, here’s the primary post I used to do the replacement:
http://www.vfrdiscus...eplacement-vtec
I ultimately decided to go with a manual CCT, based recommendations from a gear-head buddy and this thread discussing manual vs. automatic CCT:
http://www.vfrdiscus...574#entry721574
I went with a CCT manufactured by CRU, given it looked identical to the APE. I am very pleased with it. The CRU is ~$5 cheaper than the APE, included the gaskets, and you get free S&H if you buy 2 from 'Cycles R Us'. With that, CRU was $92 vs. ~$120 for the APE's. Here's a link to the VFR CCT on Cycle R Us:
http://cyclesrus.net...-tensioner.html
Here’s a reference for the APE CCT if you want to go that route:
http://ape-store.com...site/page4.html
All that being said…the top CCT was the suspect of the rattling on my VFR, as is usually the case. However, I decided to replace the lower CCT with a new manual CCT anyways. In doing so, I had to crank the adjustment bolt down about 75% of the way to get the tension set where the chain wouldn’t rattle. That means I only have ~25% of the bolt left to adjust before it bottoms out.
That got me to wondering if perhaps my cam chain is worn…and at what point I should replace the chain. Cam chains are supposed to be “lifetime” parts…but any metal-on-metal part will eventually wear out.
Any thoughts on when or how often the cam chain should be replaced…and how would I know if it needs replacing? (Preferably before it fails and/or destroys the valves/camshaft.)
- Steve EJ
For reference, here’s the primary post I used to do the replacement:
http://www.vfrdiscus...eplacement-vtec
I ultimately decided to go with a manual CCT, based recommendations from a gear-head buddy and this thread discussing manual vs. automatic CCT:
http://www.vfrdiscus...574#entry721574
I went with a CCT manufactured by CRU, given it looked identical to the APE. I am very pleased with it. The CRU is ~$5 cheaper than the APE, included the gaskets, and you get free S&H if you buy 2 from 'Cycles R Us'. With that, CRU was $92 vs. ~$120 for the APE's. Here's a link to the VFR CCT on Cycle R Us:
http://cyclesrus.net...-tensioner.html
Here’s a reference for the APE CCT if you want to go that route:
http://ape-store.com...site/page4.html
All that being said…the top CCT was the suspect of the rattling on my VFR, as is usually the case. However, I decided to replace the lower CCT with a new manual CCT anyways. In doing so, I had to crank the adjustment bolt down about 75% of the way to get the tension set where the chain wouldn’t rattle. That means I only have ~25% of the bolt left to adjust before it bottoms out.
That got me to wondering if perhaps my cam chain is worn…and at what point I should replace the chain. Cam chains are supposed to be “lifetime” parts…but any metal-on-metal part will eventually wear out.
Any thoughts on when or how often the cam chain should be replaced…and how would I know if it needs replacing? (Preferably before it fails and/or destroys the valves/camshaft.)
- Steve EJ