Tight cam chain and tentioner

[Sazbo]

My new cam chain is so tight that the chain tentioner can't be adjusted in any way, how will this effect my valve and timing adjustments.

 

[5twins]

Yes, they are very tight when new but should loosen up initially pretty quickly, probably within the first few minutes of running.

 

[Sazbo]

Thanks 5twins, so i guess i'll leave the adjuster all the way out on the initial start and then adjust from there.

 

[XSLeo]

New chains are packed with grease. This makes them fit a bit snug. Often you have to remove the cam bearings from one side to get the chain on.
Once the head gets torqued it loosens a bit.
As 5twins said it will loosen quickly as the grease gets replaced by engine oil.
Leo

 

[grizld1]

Sure it's normal for a new cam chain to be tight, but not as tight as what you're describing.Take a look at scooterbrain's thread. His freshly assembled motor was turning over too tight, and he very intelligently tracked the problem down to front cam chain damper fasteners from Mike's XS. The screws were too long, and when seated they were pushing the damper back against the cam chain.