Wilsons Sandbox

I just started doing a valve adjustment and have run into a problem. I've removed the valve cover, had removed the cam chain tensioner, and was loosening the cam bolts. When I got done loosening (not removing) the cam bolts, I noticed that the lines on the cam gears WERE NOT parallel to the head. I quickly reinstalled the cam chain tensioner, then rotated through back to TDC. When I got back to TDC as shown in the little veiwing area on the cases, I checked up top and still have the same issue. I didn't have the cams off so I find it hard to believe that the chain could have slipped. Is there enough slack with the tensioner off that the chain could slip a cog? Is it possible that the marks are incorrect and should be ignored? Should I readjust to set it up the way it says to in the Clymer manual? Thanks in advance

Al, I had the cam chain slip a month or two ago when doing a valve adjustment and I forgot to install the tensioner before rotating the engine. It took a bit of playing with the chain to get it to allow me to move the intake cam about 4 teeth so the marks were correct. I did have the teeth off by one and it looked close but wasn't. Make sure after you move the cam you rotate the engine and check the position again. The tensioner will make a difference in how the cams move. And as I think about it a little more I think I had to push the cam chain tensioner from the top of the head so I could get the slack I needed to adjust the chain. Hope this is helpful. Best, Jeff Saline Black Hills of South Dakota

I hope some of you read this page also as a relaxation, and not only to learn abt. nuts and bolts. Yesterday I received my Clymers Manual in the mail, it is much more comprehensive than the Kawa Service Manual, and I propose we come up with an idea which penalty to inflict on every owner of a KLR650, who does not have a Clymer. Most questions have their answer right there. You all were almost lucky never to hear from me again, I could not make my phone connection to the internet provider. I called the phone company, and they send quite a nice and handsome young man to take care of it. He found the problem was a dead lizzard in a phoneline connection box out in the street. Your prayers were almost answered. But on the bright side the guy said I could have something called ASL broadband, something I did not know since I had been told my residence was too far from civilisation for that amenity. So the lizzard s sacrifice was not in vain. Looking forward to have a quicker service, too bad the hansome guy left so soon. To come back to the bike, starboard footpeg bolted back on. I went to Coco s workshop, where they fix everything, got a slap on the back from Coco, went out for some errands and beers, and when I came back all was ready. He happy, me happy. Don t drink and drive, one hand on the handlebars is not safe, you might spill the beer. Jake.