Ok. Went to Autozone and bought a better feeler gauge kit that includes the 0.007in gauge and everything seems to be in spec, so I'm putting it all together now. I am thrilled and cant wait to have my bike up and running again. For everyone out there: Get the manual! It will save you a lot of $$$ if you have the tools and time. Also, I could not have done this without you guys. I hope putting it all back together goes smooth. Keep you posted.

 

Ok, so Ive spent all day working on her, and the results can be seen below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Lx7chd5X8"
I'm very happy. Thank you guys for all of your help!

 

Alright man! good to hear! Congrats on tackling a job like that. Not bad for a newb

 

Hope those frame sliders you had are at local dump!
Happy for you man good work.

 

There's nothing wrong with the stock CCTL..The problem is that you're not putting the cam chain on correctly. You need to align the crank mark with the cover, then pull the chain and start placing it around the Exhaust cam first, then the intake cam....doing this will insure that all the slack remains on the tensioner side, so when you pull the pin in the CCTL, the plunger moves the guide in, which in turn will take up the slack-without moving the cams/crank. I've done this a hundred times...it is as easy as that.., and the CCTL doesn't have to be in, but it's easier to just pull the tab in the end of the CCTL, rather than trying to bolt the CCTL on after the cans have been phased.....
Good luck,
Jeff

 

well said. i've learned that the hard way thanks for your input Jeff. my Carmen is up and running and i could not have been happier with her.

 

Congrats on the fix!