Vf500 A & B Cam chain tensioner

I must be missing the obvious but I've tried so many ways to install these tensioners in the lower block so that they properly align with the upper block and I'm stumped. I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction preferably with pictures . The service manual doesn't cover this at all. an exploded view from partzilla is the only pictures I've seen of them. Help please.

 

You're gonna have to supply pictures of what areas you are talking about, I don't happen to have a crankcase split at the moment. When I've done it, it seems pretty straight forward, but it has been a few years.

 

My hand is holding the tensioner in it's widest opening and it won't fit under the case where the mounting screws are. The other tenser is mounted and looks fine. If I swap them it's the same. Either one will work in the top mount and neither will work in the bottom mount. It's like I would need two A tensioners and I'm not even sure that will work. If I could find a photo of a case with them mounted I might be able to figure it out but I've looked everywhere and can't find a proper photo.

 

I was doing some organizing in the outer shop last night, and I might have some cases I can look at this weekend.

 

I think you have the one in your hand mounted upside down / backwards. In the schematic, Guide A grooves are facing the transmission. Both guides make contact on the side of the chain facing the front.

 

^^^ nice work cap

 

This is the only way the guides can be installed without interference with the case. Note that the guides are both on the same side and not offset to match the cam chains.

 

IF you have the correct parts, and it very much appears you do, then it is not the only way.

Not trying to be a dick, it just is the truth or there wouldn't be any assembled 500 engines.

Look again at the parts schematic and note how and where the guides are making contact with the chains. They are both making contact with their grooves facing rearward on the forward side of each chain run.

 

Also note that on the diagram the bolt for Guide A (rear, next to trans) is being installed from the bottom, up. Can a guide be mounted on the bottom of the case lug, and then be in the correct place and side of the chain coming off the crank?

 

Nope. Tried that many times. I', going to order another A guide to see if that will work.

 

The only way the rear guide is gonna get into a position to ride against the chain is above the crank. As in mounted to the upper crankcase half.

 

Also explains why the bolt is going up in the schematic.

 

THIS is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I'm so grateful Capt. You just made my week. I've already got that one mounted. Now I can prep for reassembly. Much stress has just been reduced Can't thank you enough.
Cheers
RC30

 

Hell yeah.