Motorcycle Repair: 1983 GL650 HONDA CAM CHAIN TENSIONER, coolant lines, flywheel puller tool

Question
I HAVE A 1983 HONDA GL650 AND THE MOTOR IS RUNNING IT MAKES A NOISE,WAS TOLD IT WAS CAM CHAIN TENSIONER,LOOKED ON ANOTHER SITE AND SAID IF I HAD MANUAL TENSIONER& WHERE IT WOULD BE I CAN'T FIND THE BOLT HEAD FROM THERE DIAGRAM,COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE IT IS,OR IF I DO NOT HAVE A MANUAL TENSIONER,DO I HAVE TO PULL MOTOR AND SPLIT BACK CASE OFF??? THANK A BUNCH

Answer
Aaron, go to either bikebandits.com or cmsnl.com to access online microfiche illustrations. There are several CX-GL500-650 websites who have valuable information on these engines. The 650 does have an automatic camchain tensioner, but they can break, according to the website. They are not externally accessible or adjustable.

Yes, you will have to remove the motor, separate the rear case and also get a flywheel puller tool, so you can get to the camchain tensioner and guides. Prepare to replace the water pump impellor seal and copper gasket when you are in there, along with a new gasket and some O-rings for the cases and coolant lines. Take a good look at the stator, too!

I had one last year and had to pull the cover to replace the gasket, so checked out the tensioner setup. Rather tedious job, but doable with a few correct tools.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/silverwing/

Bill Silver