When I tore my engine down, it did not have the "Rubber Band" chain tensioner installed. I'm building it back up now and would like the group wisdom on the need for the tensioner. The cam sprocket I'm using is groove for the tensioner so I could use one. I ask because I am really lazy and it's going to be a real pita to install. I know some replacement sprockets are not grooved so at least some engines are built without them.

Marv J

I would install it, the chain if new will stretch a little and you will want that band in place to help take up slack. If the chain is old well better to have this in place.....

I did mine and with a little tugging and some rebuild oil it went on OK.

Michael.

While we're on the topic, how does that tensioner work, anyway?

Thought is was more for noise suppression, than tensioning. I may be wrong. Genos2