Cam tensioner reinstall

[hannibal]

I pulled off the cam chain tensioner to inspect and clean it. I also ended up pulling the cams to clean up some rust. After reinstalling the cams, I'm trying to reinstall the tensioner. I got it ready for install according to the manual's instructions: tensioner all the way collapsed with the set screw holding it in place. When I put the tensioner back in its place, it won't fully seat against the motor. Does this mean I have slack at the front of the chain (exhaust side) instead of at the back (intake side)?

I thought I properly pulled all the slack from the front before locking down the cams, but the lack of slack at the rear makes me think I need to remove the cam holders and make sure. I've got everything timed and torqued down so I would like to know what you guys think before i open it back up.

Thanks!

[Agemax]

just rotate the crankshaft anticlockwise by a few degrees, slowly. that will be enough to transfer all the slack to the rear of the chain, allowing the tensioner to slide in easy.

[hannibal]

Thanks, that worked! I was afraid turning the crank would throw off the timing but that couldn't happen unless the chain moved relative to the gears. Got the cams, new shims, idler, and tensioner back together.

Taking a lunch break, then putting carbs and tank back on. Hoping to start it up and tune carbs this afternoon.