DIY Motor Tensioner

[BIGBREW]

My motor tensioner is gone, I just ordered a full set of mounts for the motor, I see a couple of you guys have made your own instead of spending $70 on one, how did you do it. I cant even remember what it looks like in there I have my cart in storage and I pick it up this week. Maybe someone can share their DIY or maybe have an extra.

Thanks Gents.

[Mr. Mike]

Mike Mac made a really nice one. Maybe he'll chime in and post up a pic. I made one with a bolt and a couple nuts. It didn't last long. Snapped the nut right off. I ended up just buying a new OEM one cause I didn't want to make another. It is doable just remember if you use a bolt with 2 nuts make sure they're at least grade 8 cause anything less will break. There is a lot of tension put on them.

Here's a link to Mike Mac's pics. http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/gas-y...djustment.html

[BIGBREW]

Thank you again Sir.

[raydhd]

My first tensioner was made from one of those bolts that hold a toilet tank to the bowl.Lasted from 2008-2014 when I changed over to the VC 460 clone.My mark II version for the VC clone that is bumped up in the clone section is one of the bolts used on a 55 gallon drum retainer ring.Again it has over 150 hours on it.Either are not anything like grade 8 material.Neither ever broke.But did use a nyloc on the clone because the single nut vibrated off.

[Mike Mac]

Use at least a 5/16x grade 5 bolt. And put 2 nuts on or you will pull the threads off the bolt, if you use it off road!! More stress than you would think there!!

Thanks M!!

[raydhd]

Or if you are running nitrous or nitro. All joking aside 5/16 grade 5 is probably right for off road.Just couldn't resist the grade 8 thing. Must be a G8 club go to.

[Mike Mac]

Ray, if I ever make another one, I'd do a grade 8. I broke a 1/4" (the first one I made), so after that, I made 2, (both 5/16" grade 5), thinking that should be it. If I'm making one, I might as well make 2, and have an extra!! Well about 4 yrs later, I found the threads being stripped off the bolt. So,,,I double nutted the second one hoping that does it!! We will see!!

These little suckers, being hot roded, use up parts!!

[BIGBREW]

My cart is stock with a 6" lift, replacing my motor mounts and the tensioner is gone. I'll give the grade 8 bolt a try. Anyone have a pic of what they used?

[Mike Mac]

Good move on replacing motor mounts!!

[raydhd]

Well you are not breaking or stretching the bolt.I wonder if something larger in diameter with more thread area might be another idea.But even with the clone which can spin the tires on concrete and really pull the front end up I never have had any failures.I do have the 5/16 grade 5 in there now but that is just do to the fact when I move my S/G back to get the honda dip stick system in there I had to shorten up my tensioner unit. The grade 5 was the perfect length.All I have for a nut is a single nyloc piece. Also note I made 2 L shaped brackets that are no more than 1/8 inch steel that have not bent.If something was going to fail I would have expected one of them to bend.