So I have a 26 year old honda 250 superdream.  I changed the engine for one with 8.5k miles on it and it has only done 4k miles since then.

 

It was getting a little noisy so I checked out the Haynes manual and did the requisite service interval tasks.  Seemed to work.  However it's been being a pain and getting slower by the week so I had a look at the balance shaft tensioner again.  I loosen the locking nut and, hey presto, nothing happens.

 

Hmm

 

So I look the manual up.  The bloody spring tensioner is buried righ inside the engine.

 

Bugger.

 

Looks like a spare engine but just about nobody wants to part with them except for silly money.

 

I think I'll have to send mum & dad to hull to pick up two £30 one's on offer.....

 

Ah well.