Motorcycle Repair: cam chain, honda yamaha, loose chain

Question
I was told my cam chain is "whipping" and i should tighten it when I replace the headcover seal.I can't seem to tighten it.The guy said to take off the side thing?and move the thing with a wrench to be able to tighten the chain.is this correct/?will oil leak out

Answer
James, you have given me little to work with here. I am not a motorcycle psychic.

Most camchain tensioners are external, so nothing can be done when the "headcover seal" is replaced.

You haven't told me what you are working on.... Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and you haven't told me what model, year and engine series you have either, so this is kind of a wasted question, isn't it? I don't know how many miles are on it and how long it has been since it was last serviced.

If your camchain has been "whipping" for a long time, it will probably need to be replaced, as the tensioners can only chase a loose chain so far, before the tensioner travel is used up. Loose camchains will start eating metal from surrounding surfaces and it will wind up in your oil. Fine particles of aluminum and steel are not good lubrication sources.

When you logged onto my question board, notice that I have asked for specific information about your machine and the details of your question. There are hundreds of engines and camchain designs. PLEEEEASE be more specific in the future.

Bill Silver