1981 GS1000G cam chain tensioner removal?

[bluezimbabwecat]

Hi there, please can anyone tell me if i have to take of the carbs on my 81 GS1000G in order to remove the cam chain tensioner unit, looks like it should come off allright as there is quite a bit of space between the two inside carbs for it to slide out? I could be wrong!!--Thanks

[TheCafeKid]

It COULD be taken out without removing the carbs, but I dont think you'll get it back in, with the new gasket, and get it set without removing them...soo...

[chef1366]

I bet you have to remove the carbs. On your bike there is a notch on the carb rail just to clear the tensioner.

[AirCooledHeaven]

Hi there, please can anyone tell me if i have to take of the carbs on my 81 GS1000G in order to remove the cam chain tensioner unit, looks like it should come off allright as there is quite a bit of space between the two inside carbs for it to slide out? I could be wrong!!--Thanks

It can be done but it is a real pain due to the clearance around the top mounting bolt. It is so much easier to take the carbs off and probably faster in the long run.

[bwringer]

Even if it's possible, it's not worth it.

It takes maybe 10 minutes to yank the carbs on a big shaftie. You'll spend far more time than that trying to get to the tensioner with the carbs in the way.

[bluezimbabwecat]

Many thanks

Thanks for all your replies, very helpful and really appreciate it, the avatar thingy is not my GS but a 75 RE5 that i nearly have back on the road! If you ever want a bitch of a m/cycle to sort out and you're tired of doing jig saw puzzles then try an RE5!!!--Thanks-again--Jerro

[bluezimbabwecat]

Did it!

Hello everyone and thanks for the tips which made me try this without taking off the carbs!, Took me about an hour to take off strip clean and replace. The only frustrating bit is getting at the top bolt on top of the tensoner body that holds it to the motor. Anyways, thanks again and happy wrenching.