Motorcycle Repair: Cam Chain and tensioner on 84 VF1000F, cam chains, cylinderheads


Question
I am pretty sure my Interceptor 1000 (1984) cam chains are in need of adjustment or replacement. Question 1) Is there any adjustment for the tensioner?
Question 2) How do I replace the tensioner
Question 3) How do I replace the Cam chain(s) (I don't know if there are two or just one long one that reaches both cams.

Answer
Steve, there is no adjustment so if you need to replace them you have to pull the top of the cylinderheads apart. If you need to replace the cam chains, you have to take the engine apart.  You have to pull the crank so you can slip the chains over the crank.  One thing you should know is that you want to be sure that all the valves are closed on the head you're working on when you take the tensioner loose.  If one of the valves is open the cam will jump time and you'll have to re-time the cams too.  It's a pain so just be careful.  There are two camchains...one on each bank of cylinders.

Regards
Rich