I did something stupid and need help

[linuspa]

Hi,
I took this off my bike and can't get it back on. The bike is a 2009 klx250sf.
Can somebody tell me what it is, so I could find information on getting it back together? (The part has a red circle around it)
Thanks

[OnlyInAJeep]

That is the cam chain tensioner. A spring pushes the push rod out to automagically adjust tension as the chain stretches/wears and ratcheting mechanism prevents it from going back in. So when you removed it the push rod went to maximum adjustment and will hafta be reset before it is re-installed...however...

from the service manual:
"Do not turn over the crankshaft while the tensioner is removed. This could upset the cam chain timing, and damage the valves."

Goto 7:43ish in this video, it shows the function of a KLR tensioner.
KLR 650 Valve Adjusment - YouTube

Steve

[linuspa]

That's just the information I needed. Got it back together, no problem. Thanks so much.

[Blackheart]

Great advice above!

Just so you'll know....that tensioner is known to cause a problem in some KLX's. A fellow named Krieger makes a manual tensioner for less than 50.00 including shipping, which I chose to put on my bike. I'm sure he will show up on Google. The main thing is: if you hear clicking/rubbing/clanking, check that the tensioner is functioning correctly (it wallows out the stepped landings and doesn't hold tension properly)....or, just go ahead and replace it so you don't have to worry about it.

BTW, the KLX isn't the only bike with sometimes-faulty autotensioner mechanisms.