Topic: Does the tensioner need to be installed for cam dialing?

[70CB750]

To measure the camshaft opening and closing I would think the chain tensioner makes no difference, but what do I know?

Opinions?

[DH]

Simple answer is :sloppy cam chain=sloppy valve timing. The cam and crank must both move at the same time.  A correctly tensioned chain will insure that happens.
Otherwise, your readings will be off.

[70CB750]

Bump.

[MRieck]

As was mentioned...it needs to be installed with the correct tension. Check your timing with the lash you will be running too

[70CB750]

Thank you both, gentlemen.

[PeWe]

When you have done it (or not) as recommended...you'll understand why the Pro's on this forum answered as they did
I rotated my engine a lot when timing, rechecked everything several times... I want to do it again... The valve train has play that affect the timing, not the valve lash only. The real result will be with the final and by the cam manufacturer recommended valve lash.
Note! Cam specification is often at 0.04-0.05" lift and 0 lash.
my notes when timing: 0 lash need more than no lash between valve and rocker arm, there is a play rocker arm and it's axis too....

True TDC is another thing to find exact 0 for the degree wheel. I did it the complicated way not using a piston stop...
I'll make one for next timing session, bolt thru an old spark plug.
It's easy to implement errors, 1-2 degree here, another degree there. Total 3-5 degrees wrong. My engine runs fine now, but I THINK the cam need to be advanced 3-5 degrees.

[70CB750]

I found my TDC via a stop, amazingly enough it was exactly at T 1-4.  Later, when I pulled the head off, I rechecked the TDC with dial indicator on the piston top and it still matched perfectly.

Still want to go to bigger wheel, I am certain I make some reading errors on the 7" one.

[PeWe]

I'll cut my frame and insert frame mod kit to be able to time when I need Test different cams and check things.

[MRieck]

I found my TDC via a stop, amazingly enough it was exactly at T 1-4.  Later, when I pulled the head off, I rechecked the TDC with dial indicator on the piston top and it still matched perfectly.

Still want to go to bigger wheel, I am certain I make some reading errors on the 7" one.

T ;)hat is good enough.

[lucky]

To measure the camshaft opening and closing I would think the chain tensioner makes no difference, but what do I know?

Opinions?

The slack needs to be removed from the cam chain if you want it to run its best.