chain tensioner

Was reading other posts and can't quite understand how the intake cam can be in a different position depending on whether you put the valve cover or tensioner on first. I can see that the tensioner may not put correct tension on the chain before it rolls thru a few times but with a spring setup that doesn't lock at any one position wouldn't it go to the point its gonna go to regardless? My bike runs great but I don't think I pulled the tensioner the last time I had the valve cover off and my OCD is really kicking my ass thinking about it :S

That applies to the 750 fours and the 650's with a HyVo style cam chain, don't know if it applies to the 998 motors or not.

I've never seen a four cylinder cam chain tensioner that didn't lock, might want to take another look at yours.

So they do lock? Thought the two tapers just push against each other to push on the guide. But I guess if it pushed before the cover could do its thing it could be too tight??? Would removing the outside nut and taper and reinstalling correct this problem or does the whole tensioner have to come off?

On your 82 KZ1000 engine, you need to have the wedge and spring out, so the cap off, when installing the valve cover. The tensioner plunger with just the main spring is ok.

So let me be totally clear. Remove cap, spring, and wedge and reinstall? Do I need to check anything else?

So let me be totally clear. Remove cap, spring, and wedge and reinstall? Do I need to check anything else?