2002 Bear Tracker timing chain noise, poor idle- tensioner failure?

[Ralph Wayne Wright Jr.]

At the end of last summer, my 02 Bear Tracker began to run poorly- long story short, the air box cover HAS to be on and sealed... now it runs ok, except it idles poorly, and I began to hear a "chik" noise on deceleration. This has become obvious chain noise hot. Runs great at throttle, poorly at idle. I pulled the cam cover- and the chain has no appreciable slop.... could this be a failing ratchet in the tensioner? Anyone seen this? I'm about to pull the tensioner. I COULD install a manual one, but if the factory one lasts several years, I may go back that way. I'd rather ride than wrench. FYI- ASE Master since 82, blah blah blah- small engines are NOT my bag. All replies GREATLY appreciated!

[Ralph Wayne Wright Jr.]

A little research indicated that failure of auto tensioners is common. I bought and installed the manual one. Noise abated. STILL having poor low end response and lean condition at and near idle. Not having much luck finding the reason. Anyway, noise is fixed.

[LesterL]

Is there a rubber boot between the carb and engine, look for cracks there and such.

[Ralph Wayne Wright Jr.]

I changed it when I got it, and again when the problem began to occur. I have a spare, too- and a new replacement carb, Nothing seems to help. I plan to try to add some propane just to see if it is solely a lean condition.