Reviving a CB750K(Z) '78 - 1st bike project

[seestheday]

Yes - I didn't mean to imply you could run without the tensioner.  If it failed and you run it you are risking catastrophic failure (plus the chain slap will be VERY noisy).

An easy way to check to see if it is functioning is to follow the loosening procedure laid out in the FSM (the section on removing the camshafts).  If the chain loosens significantly when you do this, and then tightens back up when you do it in reverse you know you don't have a totally broken tensioner.  It still may be ready to fail (the only way to know is to take it out).

[Ruben]

Thanks for the advice.

I think the tensioner still worked, as unscrewing the nut tightening the tensioner had caused an increase in rattle earlier on (when the broken cam chain guide was still inside).

I've ordered the new cam chain guide and hope to be able to install it next week. Will also check the valve clearance and then sync the carbs! Will be looking forward to hearing it run smoothly :)

[seestheday]

I saw your thread over on the C site.  You have a strange tensioner bolt set up.  Do you have more pics of it?

[Ruben]

I'll be working on the bike (and a CB1 as well) tomorrow. Will shoot some better pics then of the area after cleaning!