I’m removing my cams so I can get the head off. How do I get the tension off the cam chain? Do I just remove the cams or do I have to take the tension off by removing the cam chain tensioner?
Steve

 

I read the manual and posts and it sounds like I have to remove the sprocket from the intake cam first to get the chain off. Is this correct?
Steve

 

I haven't done that kind of work on my bike yet (-89 uk model)...so it's hard to say. I looked in the Haynes service manual that is for -87 to -91 model.

Removal of camchain tensioner...

1. Remove the camshafts at first, to do that you have to slacken the bolts wich secure the upper camchain guide first and remove that. Then it says you have to slacken the bolts that secure the sprockets to the camshafts and slide the sprockets off the camshaft shoulders.

(((Slacken the camshaft bearing cap bolts by about one turn at a time cause the camshaft is under pressure from the valve springs...thenyou should be able to remove the camshafts. Be CAREFUL so you dont drop any bolts into the engine !!!)))

2. Slacken the four bolts that secure the camchain tensioner to the cylinder head and carefully lift the bolts away from the head. Withdraw the tensioner from the cyinder head and very carefully remove the R-clips from both tensioner guide retaining pins. Remove the pins, separate the tensioner and guide, and manoeuvre the camchain out of position before removing the assembly. Pass a screwdriver through the chain to prevent it dropping down into the engine.

Just wrote the most down from the Haynes...hope it helps !

 

I removed upper camchain guide. I guess I have toremove the sprockets next.
Steve

 

I am not shore but if you undo all the valve adjusters it will take the load off the cams and there will be less chance of bending a valve when resetting the timing.

 

I've never bothered to slacken the valve adjusters. I just loosen the cam caps gently a bit at a time giving the caps a tap with a small lead hammer. They come up evenly with no damage. Then I replace them the same way, gently bit by bit. Naturally I remove the cam sprockets first.
Follow the description that blue1000f wrote. Be careful as there are three dowels on each cam cap that are not mentioned in the book. These can be dropped into the motor too. Take your time & you'll see its pretty easy all be it a little finicky.

 

You will only need to remove the inlet cam to release the tension on the cam chain after you have removed the upper chain guide. As a footnote, by doing this you will prevent the chain from falling down the engine and keep the chain engaged to the crank, plus this give you enough access to the rear slipper to disconect the lock pins from the cct.

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Thanks for the info. I got the new nut (cost 88 cents), but the threads are messed up. So I have to run a tap over it. It looks like I might have to remove the head to get the tap all the way down the stud, but I'm not sure yet. I have the cams and the tensioner out.[/align]Steve[/align]

 

I could not get the stud threads cleaned out all the way down to the head, so I decided to add a washer (I know it’s not the best thing to do). I torqued the nut down and it seamed ok. The washer was turning with the nut until the last turn so I think its ok. I have the cams, chain and tensioner back in. Should be able to start it tomorrow.
Steve