Installing Cam Chain Tensioner

Hey guys New to the site here and complete Newbe to bikes. Was trying to get the breather box back on my 1980 KZ1000 Ltd and in the process to make more room I took off the cam chain tensioner, not knowing what it was....
So I have been trying to find what the proper procedure is for re installing it. I found a link to a Manuel and was reading that to install it the push rod should stick out about 7.5 mm.
So my question is do i just turn over the engine by hand until the push rod is at the 7.5 mm point and then finish securing the tnsioner body? Really don't want to mess this up. the bike was a gift from my father and only has 28,000 miles on it. sure would hate to damage it before even getting to enjoy riding it.
Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me.

Welcome. DO NOT TURN THE MOTOR OVER AT ALL WITH OUT THE TENSIONER IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If all you did was just remove it ti get at the air box,you should be able to re-install it without a MAJOR problem.remove the big cap-nut before you reinstall it. That will allow the tensioner to slack back.Once it is tightened up to the jug,then install the cap-nut. That will set the tensioner back right. Good thing you asked first.

Ok well I am hanging my head in shame..... This was taken off about a year ago and I had a buddy helping me. He said we needed to turn it over by hand with the kick start very easy until it would seat again. After reading your reply I am concerned I just made a big mistake, or cause me a bunch of work that did not need to be. What do I need to do now in order to put it back together? Again thanks in advance I really appreciate your input.

so after more reading I am assuming that I have jacked the timing up? Anyone know if that is accurate?

You could have I would install the tenisor, then remove the valve cover and verify your timing.

I bet the timing mark on the timing advancer is not aligned w the engine timing mark.
So my guess is that he should not turn the crankshaft to check the timing???
To be safe, should he remove the camshafts etc & set the timing from scratch?

Yeah I think I am calling a few of the shops this morning and its going to them. In over my head... Thanks Guys really appreciate it.

Before you take it to them, pull the cams. This will prevent them from attempting to rotate the engine with the cams still in place.
This is what needs to be done:
Pull the cams.
Rotate the engine until it is at the mark. For setting the cams, I believe it needs to be at TDC.
Install the cams, one at a time. IIRC, the intake goes first.
Set them correctly, in accordance with the Factory Service manual.
Then you should be GTG.

Make sure you use a wire, or coathanger to hold up the chain, so it doesn't fall into the crankcase when removing the cams

So if I dive into this will also need to get a valve cover gasket and the cam end caps correct? I think I will go ahead and try this myself. It has set this long already so if it takes me awhile oh well, i think it will be a good lesson for me and what better way to learn about my bike then fixing it myself!!! Really appreciate all the reply's and input THANKS GUYS!!!

If your valve cover isn't leaking, & you don't tear/rip the gasket when removing cover, you can reuse the gasket
Pete

With the correct factory manual & a digital camera, internet photos & youtube videos, plus KZRider help, this seems like it ought to be doable.

Before taking it some place, maybe remove the right side engine cover & remove the pulsing coil (just let it hang down), then take a good photo & post it. You could do the same w the valve cover: remove the fuel tank, coils, & clean air system stuff above the engine, then the cover & take a pic. This would be a good start. Most of that should've been fairly straight forward, if not easy. Then you could put it back together if you don't think you'd want to proceed.
(note: there is a handy way to remove the valve cover with a decent chance of preserving the gasket).
(note: I use a hand impact driver to remove the engine cover bolts/screws to keep from messing up the heads).