Topic: cam chain guide-possible to install backwards?

[Jerry E.]

On my '75 FO cb750 motor I am having trouble installing my camshaft, like there isn't enough slack in the chain to get cam thru it because of cam tower interference. My cam chain rubber guide, the one with two pins thru it-is it possible to install this guide reversed/upside down? The orientation in my motor (looking down from the top of head) looks different than the parts breakdown shows. If I somehow did install it upside down, do you think I will need to pull the cylanders back off, since I will have to remove the head? This really sucks.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Try this, put the chain over the cam first then the sprocket (not the other way around). Then fit the sprocket into the chain by rotating the oblong holes in the sprocket around then slide the sprocket onto the cam. If you put the sprocket on first you won't get the chain over it. 

Can't say for sure about the guide as I couldn't easily locate my spare to check it. If you did somehow get it on upside down then yes you'd have to take off the head and cylinders.

[Jerry E.]

I think it is upside down-just doesn't look right compared to parts assembly diagram. I believe the chain slipper/guide should be above the cylanders 2-3 inchs, and the extra length is on the bottom. I don't think there is anyway to get the cam in the way it is. Damn, this sucks. Thanks for the reply.

[Jerry E.]

I pulled the head and cylanders, the chain slipper was definately upside down. Will reassemble after I get new gaskets/orings, paying more attention to what I do. lol  Not the way to keep build costs down.