Gee whiz question on the cam chain tensioner

[Chris Cochran]

Just kind of curious about this. I don't have any pressing problem (the bike isn't even running right now) with mine (that I know of) but a question popped into my mind about the cam chain tensioner. My experience with the ACCT (Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner) is exclusive to the Vn750.

Allowing that all variations of engine types have their own common set of issues, perhaps unique to this engine type or that, the V-Twin that is the Vn750 is not unknown to have their ACCTs crap out, causing all sorts of tapping noise. Mine gave out about 10K miles. It's common for 750 riders to replace their ACCTs with MCCTs (Manual Cam Chain Tensioners. I did. Each one costs me a bit over $50 back then.

How is the generic history of our inline four engine in regards to the health of the ACCT?

Again, I'm just curious about this.

[Nails]

How is the generic history of our inline four engine in regards to the health of the ACCT?

Searching "cam chain tensioner" will probably give you the best answer. I made sure mine actually worked, which is my interpretation of that generic history. I don't think XII particularly stand out here -- as opposed to those bikes that are prone to this kind of failure.

Another generic history of cam chains, I think, is people first noticing some particular engine noise and then convincing themselves that it's a problem. I've certainly done that.

[triton28]

The CCT on our zg1200s is virtually foolproof and works marvelously most times. I say most times because I'm sure there have been malfunctions somewhere/sometime.
If you go to a post in the General-Voyager XII section entitled "Cam chain tensioner photos" I posted on Mon March 26, 2018 @ 12:33pm, you will see the photos in the last, 4th post, from Fri May 21, 2021 where I re-posted the photos which Tinypic had deleted on me.
This design is so simple it is genius imho. Don't spend any time looking for flaws with this tensioner not doing it's job as I suspect that problems are of some other nature should what seems like a cam chain rattle occur.
That's my 2 cents worth,
Dave
EDIT: I think one should go to the May 21, 2021 post to get the photos, not sure.

[SgtSlag]

Too much oil will cause noises that sound like major engine repairs are necessary. Instead, pull both oil pan drain plugs, and filter (to be sure you remove all of the oil...), then add 3 qts. 22 oz. only. The noise will likely be gone. Cheers!