Caution: Do Not Play with Cam Chain Tensioner

[GreyRaven]

Hi Guys. I apologize in advance for asking such a stupid new guy question. After getting my new to me GS850G and removing the carbs for a good cleaning, (hasn't run since 95), I was wondering what the cam tensioner wheel was. This was of course prior to reading the owners manual. After flicking it back and forth a few times, I read the manual and found the strongly worded warning against doing so. Have I really screwed the pooch, or is it a big deal with the engine shut off? Thanks for your help. Let the ridicule begin....

[GateKeeper]

reset it and put it back...

no harm done, as long as you did not crank the engine, be it forward or backward

[GreyRaven]

Phew

Thank you Sensei.

[GateKeeper]

have a look here as well

http://www.bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

.

[sedelen]

I have often grabbed the cam chain tensioner wheel and loosened it by a half turn or so, then let it go and let the spring set the tension.

In my younger days, like way back in '79 when I had my '78 GS1000E I actually did the above same thing with the engine running. It got a little noisier, but no ill effects. That bike just ran to spite me I guess.
Of course now I'm a little wiser and allot older, I don't do that stuff now.