KTM Timing Chain Tensioner Failure - Ticking Noise at Idle and Startup

I just experienced a timing chain tensioner failure on my KTM. There was a ticking sound at idle and a very loud ticking noise at startup where the timing chain noise could be heard. This timing chain noise was caused by a Dirt Tricks timing chain tensioner that had failed because of improper heat treating of the internal pawl. My original KTM timing chain tensioner had also failed with just 60 hours of use. I don't know why I am having such bad luck with timing chain tensioners, hopefully this will be the last time I hear that ticking noise from the timing chain and have to replace a timing chain tensioner.

2017 KTM 350 EXC-f Dual Sport Modifications -

Scott under-mount steering stabilizer
Renthal Fatbar CR Bend handlebars
ROX 2" risers
MidWest clutch lever
Zeta Pivot adjustable brake lever
Cycra Probend hand guards
Doubletake mirror
Sicass Key eliminator
13t Front Sprocket
Flo Motorsports radiator guards
P3 Carbon Fiber exhaust guard
TM Designworks skid plate
Custom 1-3/4" Lowered Foot-pegs
Seat Concepts seat
Rear XC-W Sub-fender with Brake Light and Turn Signals
Wolf E12 rear bags
Tamrac Camera Bag as rear tail bag
Shinko 216 MX front tire
Maxxis MaxxCross IT rear tire
Neutech Nitro Mousse - front and rear
Stillwell Performance Suspension - Intermediate Kit Package

DeLorme inReach SE Satellite Communicator
Garmim Montana 680 GPS

[deponzi]

Super helpful . I had bad noise in my 350 then it stopped, a year later I am rebuilding the top end I will put the dirt tricks cam tensioner in it now while its apart . Great video thanks so much

[fisheads]

I put a manual tensioner on before a 3500km trip because I was worried about this exact failure. The bike has over 10000km, 7500km with the manual tensioner and I've never needed to adjusted again.
Highly recommend it

[ridingdeep]

Whoa! What a pain, I never had an issue on my old 350. Glad you got it all sorted out. Gold nuggets!!! You could buy a whole new piston.

[scotttaggart]

Two dirt tricks CCT failures on my '17 701 (both at about 25 hours) (both tensioners ate themselves internally). 701 is obviously not the same as a 350 but the DT tension is really not designed for the larger displacement bike despite what they advertise - the chain tension and slack force on the chain are too much for the mechanical pawls in the DT system. Caveat Emptor.

[Marvelfunfaqs]

Whoa! That could have been catastrophic and expensive if you kept on riding for long. Great information, I was looking out for this video.
Nice tools/gadgets you got there...👍

[BabyRandyRydeZ]

I am convinced 100% that this is the issue with my wr250r currently because of your vid here man. Thanks Doc!! Imma get my braaap fixed here very soon.

[TillDeathDualUsSport]

Eureka! Very good to hear & see! The trails are calling 😁

[borderm]

I have the same camera, I am a Milwaukee fan boy. I ended up getting a multiple camera scope from amazon, huge upgrade.

My 12 ktm 250 has had a tick for the last year. This weekend it abruptly changed to a bad noise and power loss. My first thought was timing chain tensioner. I shall find out tomorrow!!!

Excellent video. Love the tone and overall good attitude, good stuff!!!

[MiguelRamos-hxfj]

Hi thanks a lot for sharing this very informative vídeo. Did you loose power when that happened? When you pulled the throttle did you noticed it wasnt delivering the same power as before? Thanks

[christophemissinne]

The cylinder topside marks are perfectly aligned with your spark plug hole.
Could be from a screwdriver being used to double check TDC?

[kcoutside]

Great vid! Mine just failed today on my 2017 KTM 350EXC-F at 62hrs.. had a Dirt Tricks on hand, hopefully it lasts more than 20hrs.

[alexmurray]

I’m just now starting to hear a bit of noise (not as bad as yours was) out of my exc-f. Am I safe to ride for a couple more rides before I install a new tensioner, or would it just be stupid? Just have a ride planned for this weekend but don’t have the time to order and install a new tensioner.

[SmallADVentures]

Very informative! I'm sorry you had all the trouble with it, my friend, and happy to hear you've got it going right again ^_^

[mmaaddict]

I’ve been waiting to find out what the noise was since your video with Till Death Dual us Sport. Why couldn’t they just use a simple spring inside piston design for the tensioner instead of relying on oil pressure and all that nonsense? Granted I’ve never seen this sort of tensioner and have no idea how it works, but I digress. Hope you find out what those gold nuggets are!

[JoeRockstar]

Nice job, and that's one clean garage lol!

[olivierc.]

Do you know if the tensioner you originally purchased and correctly have. Is that their version one or two. Its appears the part number has changed from "to to tc2"

[nocturnefps]

Did you need to put your bike in TDC or do anything to keep timing? doing this for the first time later today…

[londonw]

How many hours did you have on your bike when this happened? I bought a 2018 350 excf and I have about 20 hours on it. Twice I’ve heard a similar sound, not nearly as loud come from my motor and it has me a little concerned.

[asbestosiscancerous]

is it normal for your backwheel to start spinning when its not on the ground, i know my bike does it when i rev it hard but on idle it shouldnt? does that mean your clutch is slipping or need oil change

[mojo_n_sb]

Thank you, my bike is making a rattle sound even while riding...could it be the same issue? My valves are adjusted correctly.